World Trade Center Miami Concludes Americas Food and Beverage Show and Conference with Record Attendance and Announces Dates for 2024

  • September 22, 2023

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Next Year’s Event scheduled for September 16th-18th, 2024, 
will Bring More Variety and Greater Innovation 
to Create a Global Market Destination for the Food and Beverage Industry

MIAMI, Sept. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Organized by the World Trade Center Miami (WTCM), the  27TH Americas Food and Beverage Show and Conference closes with record-breaking attendance of more than 7,000 buyers, suppliers, distributors and industry experts spanning over 90 countries and thousands of products.

This year’s event attracted a wide range of industry professionals eager to network, expand business partnerships, connect with customers, and explore new food and beverage products. With the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, the event was exceptionally well received, serving as an incubation and convening platform for industry growth and collaboration. Comments from exhibitors, buyers, and distributors, included:

  • “From the show’s opening, it’s been a resounding success! Just on opening day we had more than 133 meetings, and today we’re on track to do the same; we’ve even sold entire containers which is huge for us,” said Desiree Santos, an Export Executive for the Dominican Republic pavilion. “It’s our second year at the show, and we expect to be back next year.”
  • “We’re excited to be here showcasing our solutions and services, as well as our commitment to innovation,” said Pedro Penton, President, TecnicaSystems. “Engagements that take months to plan and execute happen real-time at the event, helping to fast track our pipeline.”
  • “Our participation at the AF&BS allows us to showcase our products to a wide range of distributors and buyers from across the globe, all in one place,” said Bryon Coleman, Senior Vice President, Jones Dairy Farms. “Our presence allows us to reconnect with customers, build relationships, and fast track countless discussions, meetings and buyer opportunities that help to enhance our sales efforts.”

“We’re delighted with this year’s turnout, lineup and engagement,” said Ivan Barrios, CEO World Trade Center Miami. “The event convened an impressive lineup of Industry experts who shared insights on the latest in sustainable packaging, ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages and mocktails, organic offerings and innovations in healthy meal prep. The event also showcased best-in-class, interactive demonstrations highlighting innovations moving our industry forward.”

For 2024, the World Trade Center Miami and Informa Markets will present the first edition and collaboration by co-locating the Americas Food & Beverage Show & Conference and Food Hospitality LATAM.  This collaboration seeks to create a global platform for the entire culinary spectrum.

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About WTC Miami: 
The World Trade Center Miami (WTCM), founded in 1971, is a non-profit organization and member of the preeminent global trade organization, the World Trade Centers Association with over 300 World Trade Centers located in more than 90 countries around the world.

For more than 50 years, the WTCM has facilitated international commerce in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Through renowned trade shows, missions, special events, educational programs, promotion of two-way trade and other forms of assistance, the WTCM plays a leading role in spurring Miami’s emergence as a hemispheric center for global trade. The diverse portfolio of WTCM programs and trade shows generates international sales, boosts exports, and fosters the ideal environment for international investment.

SOURCE World Trade Center Miami

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Ivan Barrios - President and CEO

Ivan Barrios

President & CEO

Ivan Barrios is the President/CEO of the World Trade Center Miami. Ivan has served in this role since January 2020.

He most recently worked as Vice President for International Trade Development & TEAM Florida missions at Enterprise Florida, Inc., the state of Florida’s official economic development agency. He managed a statewide team of trade specialists that assisted Florida companies to export their products and services overseas.

Ivan has organized 28 Governor led trade missions to 22 countries from 1999–2015 for three governors. Special projects included 3,000 one-on-one business matchmaking appointments for exporters, managing two hemispheric trade shows, producing and publishing five Florida International Trade and Services Directories, coordinating the activities of the Florida International Bankers Association and creating the Florida Trade Data Center, a first of its kind information hub for Florida exporters.

Ivan holds a position on the Board of Directors of the World Trade Centers Association, where he represents the North American region. His extensive experience includes serving as a board member for the South Florida District Export Council and the Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium. Ivan is an alumnus of the University of Miami, where he earned his degree in Business Administration.

Alice Ancona

Chief Operating Officer
Alice Ancona has held this role since January 2020.  She is charged with boosting organizational resilience and value creation of the operations, events, strategic programing, marketing and trade shows of the World Trade Center Miami (WTCM). With over two decades of experience, she brings a wealth of expertise to her position. In addition, she is charged with creating and executing international trade programs, trade missions, economic development initiatives, advocacy efforts, and innovative revenue-generating solutions as well as providing strategic long-term planning for the organization.
Before joining WTCM, Ms. Ancona led the international endeavors of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, serving as a prominent advocate for policies that enhance international trade, logistics, and investments. Her efforts centered on removing trade barriers, expanding market access, facilitating exports, negotiating trade agreements, and strengthening Florida’s trade infrastructure. Ms. Ancona played a pivotal role in connecting Florida to the global trade arena, facilitating relationships with international stakeholders, foreign agencies, elected officials, member companies, and governmental bodies at the state and federal levels.
Prior to her work at the Florida Chamber, Ms. Ancona spearheaded the governmental affairs division at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. In this capacity, she directed policy agendas on a diverse range of issues, including trade, infrastructure investment, transportation, and workforce development. Her accomplishments include leading successful campaigns for the passage of crucial trade agreements, such as the Colombia FTA, DR-CAFTA, Panama FTA, Chile FTA, and KORUS. She also contributed to efforts to secure the Free Trade Areas of the Americas.
Ms. Ancona’s contributions extend beyond her professional roles.  She is a recognized thought leader and speaker at industry conferences, providing insights on global market dynamics, trade policy, and cross-border strategies. She has actively participated in various steering committees for Florida’s transportation planning initiatives and has been an active member of the Florida International Trade Partnership. Her involvement also includes serving on the Board of the Miami Dade County International Trade Consortium. Her dedication and achievements have earned her recognition, including the 2014 International Women’s Day Award from World Trade Center Miami, the 2015 Person of the Year designation by the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association, Inc., and the 2016 Women of Distinction Award from the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce.