They will be visiting the Summer Fancy Food Show in the Big Apple from June 29 to July 1, on an Invest NI sectoral trade mission.

The event, now in its 54th year, is one of the most influential food exhibitions in North America. Upwards of 25,000 attendees from speciality food, wine, gift, department stores, supermarkets, restaurants, mail order and related businesses are expected at the prestigious three-day event.

There will be around 1,000 exhibitors, presenting around 200,000 speciality foods, at the trade only show.

Alan Hingston, Invest NI’s trade director, said: “The New York Fancy Food Show is highly regarded within the food industry because of the quality of its attendees.

“Research shows that around 90 per cent of attendees either authorise or recommend purchasing decisions.

“Last year, for instance, the show attracted top executives from over 6,000 speciality food retailers, 3,700 chefs, restaurateurs and hoteliers, 161 deli owners, 1,125 caterers and 2,000 supermarket buyers.

“As well as meeting potential customers our companies will be able to keep abreast of market trends in areas such as organic foods by attending a series of seminars, workshops, tastings and cookery demonstrations.”