Impact
A bigger and stronger platform
The official 2025 schedule stated that remaining product at the close of the expo would be donated to the Greater Boston Food Bank.
Notable exhibitors
Companies exhibiting at New England Produce Council - NEPC Produce Floral & Food Service Expo 2026 include 4-M Fruit Distributors, Advantage Solutions, Affinity Group, AGROFRESH and AGRONEGOCIOS LA GRAMA.
- 4-M Fruit Distributors
- Advantage Solutions
- Affinity Group
- AGROFRESH
- AGRONEGOCIOS LA GRAMA
Event overview
Overview
The 26th Annual NEPC Produce, Floral & Food Service Expo is the New England Produce Council's premier trade event, bringing together the produce, floral, and food service industries for two days of networking, education, and product discovery.
The 2026 edition introduces several firsts, including an inaugural Women's Program and a New Products Showcase, all under the theme of America's 250th birthday.
Held at the Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts, the expo offers a platform for exhibitors and attendees to share the latest products and services, fostering business relationships and industry growth.
TL;DR
- 1The 26th annual NEPC Expo takes place August 17–18, 2026, at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, MA.
- 2Over 180 exhibitors and about 1,000 retail, foodservice, and wholesale buyers are expected to attend.
- 3New for 2026: an inaugural Women's Program and a first-ever New Products Showcase.
- 4The expo theme is America's 250th birthday, with patriotic decor throughout the venue.
- 5Booths are nearly sold out, with a few remaining as of mid-July 2026.
Why visit
Attendees can explore a wide range of produce, floral, and food service products from over 180 exhibitors, all in one convenient location. The expo provides opportunities to discover new products, learn about innovative packaging and merchandising solutions, and gain insight into market trends. The 2026 event features new attractions, including a Women's Program and a New Products Showcase, as well as a comedian-hosted breakfast and networking receptions. The venue, Encore Boston Harbor, offers a unique resort setting with everything under one roof.
Why exhibit
The NEPC Expo offers exhibitors direct access to approximately 1,000 retail, foodservice, and wholesale buyers, mostly based on the East Coast, providing a concentrated and efficient networking environment. The show is described as 'big enough to matter and small enough for real conversations,' fostering meaningful business relationships. Exhibitors can showcase new products in the first-ever New Products Showcase, gain insights into market trends, and strengthen relationships with trusted suppliers. The event has historically sold out booth space, indicating strong demand and a captive audience.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Retail buyers and produce managers from supermarket chains, including Market Basket, which is bringing nearly 90 produce managers.
Foodservice buyers and distributors.
Wholesale buyers and procurement professionals.
Industry professionals seeking networking opportunities and insights into market trends.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Growers, shippers, and wholesalers of fresh produce, including specialty items like sweet onions, sweetpotatoes, and organic produce.
Suppliers of floral products and services.
Food service providers and distributors.
Companies offering innovative packaging, merchandising solutions, and supply chain services.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Produce: Fresh fruits and vegetables, including specialty items like Vidalia sweet onions, sweetpotatoes, and organic produce.
Floral: Floral products and services are part of the expo's stated scope.
Food Service: Food-service products and services are included in the official event name and industry scope.
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halls & areas
3Picasso BallroomMonet RoomSouth Lawn
Encore Boston Harbor
1 Broadway, 02149 Everett, United States
Facilities
Accessibility
Encore local shuttle information states vehicles are low-floor and ADA wheelchair accessible; confirm venue-specific event access requirements.
On-site shuttle
Encore publishes local shuttle information and transportation coordinators.
Food options
Expo Breakfast, Expo Lunch
On-site diningParking: The 2026 official exhibitor service kit confirms complimentary free parking for all exhibitors and attendees, and recommends parking on the 'hotel' side of the Encore garage for the most convenient access to the Picasso Ballroom and South Lawn Tent.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
Monday, August 17, 2026registration and exhibitor setup 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (exhibitor move-in window 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM per the official 2026 exhibitor kit)
Women's Program11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
VIP Reception5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
NEPC Produce & Floral Expo Cocktail Reception6:00 AM – 8:00 PM at the Encore South Lawn Tent
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 (Show Day)late exhibitor move-in 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Expo opens following breakfast and officially closes at4:00 PM
all booth materials must be removed from the exhibit hall by7:00 PM
Ticket info
Badge collection
Registration is listed at the Rotunda: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM on August 17 and 7:00 AM–3:00 PM on August 18.
Ticket notes
The official page provides an attendee-registration link but does not publish a general attendee ticket price in the accessible page content.
Registration deadline
Not published on the official 2026 expo page. The hotel room-block cutoff was July 16, 2026.
Build-up & tear-down
Setup starts17 Aug 2026
Setup ends18 Aug 2026
Teardown starts18 Aug 2026
Teardown ends18 Aug 2026
What's on
Programme
1
Breakfast
1
Exhibition
2
Event days
11:00 AM–9:00 AM
Typical time
This agenda is still being finalised. Check the official agenda for the latest sessions.
Speakers
CA
CarrieAnn Arias
Moderator @ USA Pears
2026 NEPC Women’s Program Luncheon panel discussion
CS
Christina Stipe
Panelist @ Northeast Shared Services
2026 NEPC Women’s Program Luncheon panel discussion
CS
Cheryl Schondek
Panelist @ NEPC
2026 NEPC Women’s Program Luncheon panel discussion
BF
Becky Fanion
Panelist @ BJ’s Wholesale Club
2026 NEPC Women’s Program Luncheon panel discussion
JJ
Jennifer Jorgensen
Panelist; CEO @ So Good So You
2026 NEPC Women’s Program Luncheon panel discussion
Monday, Aug 17, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
NEPC Women’s Program
Luncheon and Panel Discussion
Monet Room
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
VIP Reception
Reception
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cocktail Reception
Networking Reception
South Lawn
Tuesday, Aug 18, 2026
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Lunch Open
Lunch
South Lawn
7:45 AM – 9:00 AM
Expo Breakfast
Breakfast
South Lawn
9:10 AM – 4:00 PM
Exhibition Open
Exhibition
Topic tracks
Women’s Program Luncheon
Co-located seminars
NEPC Women’s Program Luncheon
Paid
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Current edition
2026 · 30,000 visitors · 1,100 exhibitors
Forecast — not final
Visitors
1,000
Exhibitors
175
Growth over time
Edition recap
The 25th Annual NEPC Produce, Floral & Food Service Expo was held August 18–19, 2025, at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts. The sold-out event drew a record attendance of about 1,000 people and featured 175 exhibitors, 15 of which were new, according to NEPC Executive Director Laura Sullivan. The milestone celebration included a VIP reception sponsored by North Bay Produce, a general reception sponsored by 4M Fruit Distributors, and a keynote breakfast featuring the popular Produce Feud game show. NEPC President David Dearborn announced a donation to Boston Children’s Hospital and presented scholarships. The expo also featured a reimagined floral exhibit space that transformed the foyer into a vibrant entryway.
New this edition
- 1
Expanded supplier showcase
The 2026 exhibition is scheduled to feature over 170 exhibiting suppliers showcasing produce and floral products and services.
Source - 2
NEPC Women’s Program
A Women’s Program is scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Monet Room.
Source - 3
Expo breakfast and hosted meals
The 2026 programme includes an Expo Breakfast, lunch service, a VIP Reception, and a Cocktail Reception.
Source
Testimonials
It’s a tremendous show to see our regional supermarket contacts. It’s a great time for us as we start our new season, as we’re finishing up cherries and we’re moving into pear and apple season. It’s a great opportunity to tell our retail partners what the crop looks like, how it’s progressing, and what the opportunities are for the upcoming season. I really like the size of the show and how quickly all the guests can get through the show. It’s the right amount of time. I like the location and the ease of getting in and out of the show. It’s great to see all our colleagues in the industry all under one roof, celebrating produce and showing our fine products.
Next edition outlook
2026-08-17 – 2026-08-18confirmed
The 26th Annual NEPC Produce, Floral & Food Service Expo is scheduled for August 17–18, 2026, at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts.
Over 170 exhibiting suppliers are scheduled to participate. The programme includes a Monday Women’s Program. The schedule includes a VIP Reception, Cocktail Reception, Expo Breakfast, and hosted lunch.
Audience quality
High-value decision-makers
The organiser positions the expo as its premier event and states that it brings exhibitors and attendees together around the latest industry products and services. No independently verified visitor-quality or buyer-composition metrics were published in the reviewed official sources.
Exhibitor outcomes
Real business growth
The official sources support visibility with more than 170 suppliers, product showcasing, networking receptions and attendee engagement, but do not publish quantified lead, sales or ROI results.
Intelligence
Exhibitors
124
Exhibitors
18
Categories
3
Countries
3
Pavilions
Top exhibitor countries
Top 3 by exhibitor count — estimates based on published directory.
- United States122
- Singapore1
- Spain1
~98% of listed exhibitors are from United States.
Category breakdown
124Exhibitors
1~52
estimate
2~26
estimate
3~7
estimate
4~5
estimate
5~5
estimate
6~5
estimate
7~4
estimate
8~4
estimate
9~3
estimate
10~2
estimate
11~2
estimate
12~2
estimate
13~2
estimate
14~1
estimate
15~1
estimate
National pavilions
United States
~122 stands
estimate
Singapore
~1 stands
estimate
Spain
~1 stands
estimate
Buyer targets
High priority
Buyers sourcing
Other Produce & Food Service Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Fresh Produce Growers, Packers & Shippers
Buyers sourcing
Foodservice Distribution & Wholesale Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Organic & Specialty Produce Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Tree Fruit & Orchard Suppliers
Medium priority
Buyers sourcing
Produce Packaging & Labeling Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Grocery Retail & Cooperative Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Vegetable & Leafy Green Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Cold Chain, Freight & Logistics Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Produce & Food Service Suppliers (profile Pending)
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
New England, United States
Why it matters
NEPC provides a concentrated regional meeting point for produce, floral and food-service suppliers and buyers, with the 2026 exhibition advertising more than 170 exhibiting suppliers.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Supplier concentration and category discovery
The 2026 exhibition is positioned as a broad supplier showcase across produce and floral products and services.
SourceCross-sector produce, floral and food-service networking
The event combines produce, floral and food-service audiences in one regional expo.
SourcePlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Boston Logan International Airport
Primary airport for Everett and Boston.
Approximately 5-7 miles by road, route dependent
to venue
Approximately 15-30 minutes, traffic dependent
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Official event room block
Encore Boston HarborUSD 319–349 / night
Published 2026 organiser rates for Premier King and Premier Double; cutoff July 16, 2026.
Nearby mid-range
Everett, Boston or CambridgeNo official event-specific pricing verified.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Ride-hail or taxi
Estimated costVariable; verify in app at booking
Best forBOS to Encore Boston Harbor
Most direct airport transfer.
Public transit
Estimated costVariable; verify with MBTA trip planner
Best forBOS and Boston-area stations to Everett
Allow for transfers and walking.
Encore local shuttle
Estimated costVerify with venue
Best forEncore Boston Harbor-area routes
Encore publishes local shuttle information and states vehicles are ADA accessible.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 visitor visa | Eligible foreign nationals visiting for temporary business activities such as attending a convention or conference | — | Varies by location and applicant | |
| ESTA under Visa Waiver Program | Eligible nationals of participating Visa Waiver Program countries traveling for business for 90 days or less | — | Apply before travel; timing varies |
Visa requirements depend on nationality, travel history, purpose and eligibility. VWP nationals may travel for business for up to 90 days with approved ESTA; Canadian and Bermudian citizens generally do not need visas for temporary business visits.
No official NEPC or venue statement confirming ATA Carnet handling was located. Confirm temporary-import requirements with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the event freight provider before shipping samples or exhibits.
Official visa pageWeather
August in the Boston area is generally warm and humid with possible rain or thunderstorms; verify the forecast before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The venue and Boston region generally support mobile data and Wi-Fi, but exhibitors should confirm venue internet, wired service and power ordering through the exhibitor kit.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business etiquette
Use pre-booked meetings, arrive on time and bring concise product and company information.
Regional networking
The Monday cocktail reception and Tuesday breakfast and lunch provide official networking windows.
Food and floral context
Keep product claims, samples and materials aligned with produce, floral and food-service audiences.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Use BOS as the primary airport and allow extra time for ground transfer to Everett.
Book flightsVisa
Foreign business visitors generally need a B-1 visitor visa unless eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA; Canadian and Bermudian citizens generally do not need visas for temporary business visits.
Processing: Varies by nationality, embassy or consulate and appointment availability; apply early.
Attending a business convention or conference is listed as a permitted B-1 activity. Paid employment or exhibition work may require a different status; confirm with the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate.
OfficialHotels
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Check-in (recommended)
August 16 or August 17, 2026
Check-out (recommended)
August 18 or August 19, 2026
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Taxi, ride-hail or private car from BOS; verify current routing and fares before travel.
Hotel → venue: Downtown Atlanta and convention-center hotels are typically within walking distance or a short ride-hail/MARTA trip to the venue.
Ride-hail: Available in the Boston/Everett area; pickup procedures and pricing vary.
Public transit: MBTA bus and subway connections are available in the Boston/Everett area; route planning should be checked close to travel.
Parking: Encore Boston Harbor provides guest and visitor parking information on its transportation pages; confirm event-day rates and availability.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: August
Temperature: Typically warm to hot; verify the current forecast before departure.
Seasonality: Summer conditions can include humidity, showers and thunderstorms.
Packing: Bring breathable business-casual clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a light rain layer.
Itinerary builder
Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.
Default day plan
- Monday, August 17, 2026, 8:00 AM–5:00 PMRegistration and exhibitor setup
- Monday, August 17, 2026, 11:00 AM–1:00 PMNEPC Women’s Program
- Monday, August 17, 2026, 6:00 PM–8:00 PMCocktail Reception
- Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 7:45 AM–9:00 AMExpo Breakfast
- Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 9:10 AM–4:00 PMExhibition open
- Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 11:45 AM–1:00 PMLunch
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Tuesday is the published show day, with the exhibition open from 9:10 AM to 4:00 PM and more than 170 exhibiting suppliers. Monday is primarily exhibitor setup and reception programming.
T-90
Define objectives and target accounts — Separate buyer, distributor, supplier and partner goals.
T-60
Confirm registration or booth application — Request current exhibitor kit if exhibiting.
T-45
Book hotel and transport — The published room-block cutoff was July 16, 2026.
T-30
Schedule meetings — Prioritise high-value accounts and leave buffer time.
T-14
Finalise collateral and travel documents — Check passport, ESTA or visa, insurance and shipment paperwork.
T-1
Reconfirm venue access and meeting plan — Monday is setup and reception; Tuesday is the exhibition day.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
7:00 AM
Breakfast and meeting review
Encore Boston Harbor7:45 AM
Expo breakfast
South Lawn9:10 AM
Exhibition opens; first supplier meetings
Expo floor11:45 AM
Lunch and networking
South Lawn1:00 PM
Second meeting block and product discovery
Expo floor3:30 PM
Capture actions and schedule follow-ups
Expo floor or venue lobbySide trips
2Encore Boston Harbor
Venue and Resort
On site
Convenient dining, hospitality and downtime between event commitments.
Boston downtown
City Sightseeing
Short regional transfer; traffic dependent
Suitable for client dinners, waterfront visits and business hospitality.
Networking spots
3Cocktail Reception
official event reception
Monday, August 17, 2026, 6:00-8:00 PM, South Lawn.
Expo Breakfast
official event breakfast
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 7:45-9:00 AM, South Lawn.
Expo Lunch
official event lunch
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 11:45 AM-1:00 PM, South Lawn.
Budget
Costs & budget
2026 booth prices and standard dimensions were not published in the accessible official organiser page. Booth space is described as limited.
sourceBuild your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$638.00
- Visa$185.00
Estimated total$823.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
hotel_room_block
both · official_event_block
USD 319–349 / per room per night
officialAs of 2026-08-07
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| hotel_room_block | both | official_event_block | USD 319–349 / per room per night | official | 2026-08-07 |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Answer the questions to compare attending, exhibiting or deferring.
QUESTION 1 OF 3
What is your primary objective?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
Attend
You want concentrated access to regional produce, floral and food-service suppliers.
Best for
Buyers, produce and floral professionals, food-service operators, and companies evaluating suppliers
Timeline
Register and arrange travel before August 17, 2026; the hotel room-block cutoff was July 16, 2026.
Risks
Official visitor pricing was not located
Hotel rooms may sell out
Visa processing may require substantial lead time
Exhibit
You have a defined product story, sales coverage and lead-follow-up process.
Best for
Suppliers seeking buyer meetings, visibility and networking with the New England produce and floral community
Timeline
Confirm booth availability immediately and request the organiser's exhibitor kit.
Risks
Booth pricing and freight deadlines were not publicly identified
The organiser states booth space is limited
Exhibitor setup begins before the public exhibition
Skip or defer
You cannot attend the Tuesday exhibition or cannot support post-show follow-up.
Best for
Teams without a clear meeting list, budget or available staff
Timeline
Reassess after the organiser publishes additional registration and exhibitor details.
Risks
Loss of access to a concentrated supplier audience
Potentially lower ROI without pre-booked meetings
Book with
Partners
Official visa guidance
Visa
U.S. Department of State guidance for business visitors, B-1 visas and the Visa Waiver Program.
Visit partner Confidence: high
Official government source.
Boston Logan access
Flights and transport
Massport airport transportation and on-airport shuttle information.
Visit partner Confidence: high
Official airport authority source.
Official hotel block
Hotels
NEPC 2026 event page with Encore Boston Harbor room-block rates and cutoff date.
Visit partner Confidence: high
Official organiser source.
Recommended providers
Visa
Official business visitor and Visa Waiver Program guidance.
Hotels
NEPC / Encore Boston Harbor room block
Official event page publishes room-block rates and cutoff.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- NEPC
- New England Produce Council, the organiser of the expo, representing the produce, floral, and food service industries in the New England region.
- New Products Showcase
- A new feature at the 2026 expo, positioned outside the main entrance, allowing attendees to preview new products before entering the show floor.
- Women's Program
- An inaugural program at the 2026 expo, hosted by NEPC's first female president, featuring a luncheon and panel discussion with women from the produce industry.
1
2
3
Trust footer
Sources
14
References
7
Publishers
0
Date checked
1
TPNI (The Pulse Network)
2
3
Encore Boston Harbor
4
Wikipedia
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.