Some noteworthy firsts are on tap for the 26th New England Produce Council Produce, Floral and Food Service Expo.
This year’s expo will feature NEPC’s inaugural Women’s Program and its first-ever New Products Showcase, says Laura Sullivan, executive director.
In addition, attendees will kick off show day with smiles on their faces after enjoying breakfast highlighted by a featured comedian.
America’s 250th birthday will be the theme of the show, with patriotic decor throughout the venue, Sullivan says.
A Year of Firsts
Jodie Reardon, national director of replenishment and planning for produce and floral for Albertsons Cos. and NEPC’s first female president, will host the council’s first Women’s Program on Aug. 17, the day before the exhibits open.
The program will include a luncheon and panel discussion with women from the produce industry that will be moderated by CarrieAnn Arias, USA Pears president and CEO.
The group will collect donated items and raise funds through a 50-50 raffle that will be used to purchase personal hygiene items that will be included in goody bags for the women at Rosie’s Place, a women’s shelter in the Boston area, Sullivan says.
On the Expo Floor
The expo’s first New Products Showcase will be positioned outside the show’s main entrance.
“Everybody can get a sneak peek at some new products that are coming out or are already out,” Sullivan says.
Attendees will have an idea about what items to inquire about when they enter the show floor.
NEPC, which has been squeezed for booth space at some recent past shows, will add more room for exhibits this year.
“We moved the breakfast and lunch outside under a tent,” Sullivan says. “That way, we are able to utilize the entire ballroom.”
Booths sold out the past couple of years, and some potential exhibitors were relegated to a waitlist. That may not be a problem in 2026.
“We’re close to selling out, but we still have a few booths left,” Sullivan said in mid-July. About 184 exhibitors had signed up by that time.
Making Connections
Exhibitors are expected to fly in from throughout the U.S., but the approximately 1,000 retail, foodservice and wholesale buyers who will attend are mostly based on the East Coast, Sullivan says.
Tewksbury, Mass.-based Market Basket will be well represented as Craig Minichiello, produce buyer and supervisor, brings along the produce buying office and nearly 90 produce managers, Sullivan says.
“The retail show is an opportunity for local buyers to bring some of their personnel who aren’t able to travel to some of the national shows to a trade show event to meet the vendors and learn more about the products,” she says.
Members of NEPC’s 2026 leadership class also will attend the expo, participating in an area tour, attending a roundtable discussion with some members of the board of directors and stopping by the evening expo reception.
Location Spotlight
The expo will be held at Encore Boston Harbor hotel and resort for the third year.
“It’s a unique space where we can hold everything under one roof — exhibits, hotel rooms and reception space,” Sullivan says.
Monday, Aug. 17, has been designated as the day to set up booths, attend the women’s luncheon, VIP reception and the general expo reception, Sullivan says.
Aug. 18, the day of the show, will kick off with a breakfast and entertainment from comedian Jimmy Dunn.
Don’t expect education sessions.
“We found that conflicting with the exhibits on the show floor didn’t work well,” Sullivan says. “Our exhibitors put a lot of time, effort and money into being at the event, and we want to give them the best value by having the best attendance on the show floor.”
Attendees to Start Their Day with a Laugh
Attendees should get a big laugh — actually lots of them — out of this year’s New England Produce Council Produce, Floral and Food Service Expo.
Jimmy Dunn, a stand-up comedian and actor from Boston, will entertain guests at the Aug. 18 breakfast just prior to the opening of the expo’s exhibit hall, where more than 180 participants will set up displays.
Dunn played “Moose,” a Boston firefighter, on the Paramount+ reboot of the popular TV sitcom “Frasier,” starring Kelsey Grammer.
He can be heard most Tuesdays on the “Greg and the Morning Buzz” radio show.
Dunn got his show business start telling jokes in a bar in Gloucester, Mass., where he reportedly was paid in beer and fried clams. He has since performed on such prestigious TV shows as “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “Conan” as well as at Montreal’s International Just For Laughs Comedy Festival and Denis Leary’s Comics Come Home in Boston.
Dunn’s first major television role was as Sean McCarthy on the CBS sitcom “The McCarthys.” He also has written for several television projects.
The NEPC expo breakfast is scheduled for 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. on the south lawn at the expo’s venue — Encore Boston Harbor hotel and resort, Everett, Mass.
2026 Expo Schedule
Monday, Aug. 17
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Registration
Rotunda
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Exhibitor Setup
Picasso Ballroom
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
NEPC Women’s Program
Monet Room
5-6 p.m.
VIP Reception (invitation only)
6-8 p.m.
Cocktail Reception
South Lawn
Tuesday, Aug. 18
7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Registration
Rotunda
6-8:50 a.m.
Exhibitor Setup
Picasso Ballroom
7:45-9 a.m.
Expo Breakfast
South Lawn
9:10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Exhibition Open
Featuring over 170 exhibiting suppliers showcasing the latest in produce and floral products and services
11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Lunch Open
South Lawn
