Leeds Grenville Wholesale Food & Beverage Tradeshow a Success

Merrickville – New sales and connections were achieved for producers from across Leeds Grenville at the B2B Wholesale Food & Beverage Tradeshow, held Monday, March 23, in Merrickville.

The tradeshow brought together farms, artisan food makers, beverage companies, and specialty food brands with retailers, independent restaurants, cafés, hospitality operators, and institutional buyers. Attendees explored a wide range of locally sourced, sustainable products, discovered new suppliers, and strengthened business connections within the region.

Janet Campbell of Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Food Shop, who attended the tradeshow shared that, “As both buyers and producers, we understand how critical it is to connect directly with others in the local food chain. This tradeshow makes it easy to discover new products, strengthen partnerships, and support one another’s growth. It’s a great example of how collaboration within Leeds Grenville can benefit everyone involved, from producer to retailer to customer.”

The format was simple and effective: producers displayed their products at individual tables, while buyers moved through the space to sample items, ask questions, and connect directly with each producer. “The tradeshow created a focused, cost-free environment for businesses to explore partnership opportunities and support the growing local food sector,” said Shelbi McFarlane, Business Development Officer for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

“Last year’s event provided fruitful leads for both producers and buyers within the region, accomplishing the goal to extend the network. Now in our second year we have increased the number of producers and buyers in attendance, as we continue to build growth opportunities area producers,” said Ann Weir, Manager of Economic Development. “Events like this underscore the importance of capitalizing on Leeds Grenville’s homegrown and locally made supply chains, building the economy’s resilience from within,” she added.

For more information about local food initiatives, upcoming events, or to register for future B2B opportunities, contact Shelbi McFarlane at 613-342-3840 or via email at Shelbi.mcfarlane@uclg.on.ca.