Episode 25 Gluten-Free Expo and Magazine
Let’s start the blog with the Show Notes for this episode:
Margaret Dron is the Founder of GF Events Ltd. which mounts annual gluten free expos. Currently, plans are for one in Vancouver and one in Calgary on the following dates:
Calgary – October 21-22, 2018
Vancouver – January 12-13, 2019
Recently, Margaret has undertaken the publishing of a gluten free magazine called “Gluten-Free Canada”. The magazine was published twice in 2017, and made available free of charge at health food stores throughout the country. A third edition of the magazine is currently in the works. Although you can no longer get a paper copy of the first two magazines, you can access both online. The articles and photography are well worth the read.
You can find more information about the expos at www.glutenfreeexpo.ca
You can find the magazine at www.myglutenfreecanada.ca
You can follow Margaret on Instagram @glutenfreeexpo and on twitter @GlutenFreeExpo1.
You can reach her by email at info@glutenfreeexpo.ca
My Thoughts –
I have long been involved in gluten free vendor shows, as a consumer and as a vendor. Attending these shows now, as a podcaster, with a keen eye to observe the trends and what’s new can be a challenge. I often get excited to see vendors or attendees I have met before and want to “check in” with them. As well, when I do see something new, I am compelled to quiz the vendor to get the full scoop. It’s probably a good thing that I have an allergy to flax seed, as the tasting I can do becomes very restricted. I remember leaving vendor shows so full, I didn’t want to eat for days* (reality check – *days was only hours).
One thing I have noticed is that both consumers and vendors are often not prepared with the right questions (or in the case of vendors, the correct answers) to determine if a product is worthy of attention and excitement. Not all new products may be right for you. As a consumer you should ask, and as a vendor you should be able to answer the following:
What makes this product (cookie, bread, protein bite) different from the one I’m currently using?
How is it packaged, and does that fit my needs (i.e. individual packaging, frozen, multipack)?
How does the nutrition in this product make it a better choice than what I am currently using? (If a vendor isn’t knowledgeable about the nutritional benefits, I would normally pass, unless it’s something that isn’t expected to be nutritious like a cupcake.)
Where can I get the product after the show? Is it available in my local retailers? Do I have to order online?
What is the price-point, and how does that compare to what I’m currently using?
Too often I see vendors promoting a product who have not thought about the answers to all of these basic questions, and I understand that. In the world of gluten free food production, the priority is gluten free food safety, and everything else is secondary. I also see consumers getting very excited about a new find, only to realize that buying and using it on a regular basis doesn’t fit their lifestyle (not suitably packaged for school lunches, must be warmed before eating etc.).
Like most of us, I love vendor shows, so much so that I must tone down my excitement to make the most of the situation. Vendor shows are valuable tools to allow us to explore and taste new foods, some from new vendors, some from trusted ones. Gluten free food is expensive, the experience of meeting the vendors and being able to ask them about their products or suggest things to them is of great value. My best advice – Plan to walk the show twice, once scanning everything new, and the second time to speak with select vendors to see if their products really suit your needs.