Editor's Note: Sabor Latino trade show entering its fifth year. We interviewed Lilly Rocha, the founder of the show, as she prepares for the Los Angeles version of Sabor Latino, held in conjunction with the Western Foodservice Expo, August 19-21.
el Restaurante: What will attendees see at Sabor Latino LA?
Lilly Rocha
Lilly Rocha
Lilly Rocha: Sabor Latino is all about showcasing Latino and Latino inspired products. It is clear that we are beyond the "chips and salsa" era (as yummy as they are!). Latinos offer an amazing mix of new products every year. This year, we will feature HARD FRESCOS, a company that epitomizes that point exactly. HARD FRESCOS is a new line of alcohol-based aguas frescas (5% abv). They are delicious and they are based on the traditional Mexican Drink. We also will feature several Asian companies who know that the Latino community is the new majority in Los Angeles (51% of the general population).
el Restaurante: Why do companies exhibit at Sabor Latino?
Rocha: It's beneficial for companies that are looking for distribution, partnerships, and the most coveted buyers. The Western Food Expo has been a staple in the industry for more than 20 years and keeps getting better each year. This trade show is the place to find partners of every type!
el Restaurante: And why do Mexican restaurant owners attend the show?
Rocha: We are the largest Hispanic trade show in the U.S., and we reach out to everyone and make partnerships with key organizations. For example, the Sabor Latino/Western Food Expo is endorsed by the Latino Food Industry Assocation, the nation's Association for Latino food professionals (www.latinofoodindustry.org) We also partner with all the local Latino chambers of commerce and many chambers representing other ethnicities (Korean, Filipino, Japanese). The Western Food Expo is brought to you by the California Restaurant Association.
el Restaurante: What else would you like to say about the show?
Rocha: I launched Sabor Latino in 2014. This is will be our fifth annual show! At that time there was a gap in the market and it was the perfect time for bringing together this community. We invite everyone to visit the show, get to know us (we love our exhibitors!) We treat everyone like family and make sure that our success if your success!