Kosherfest, an annual trade show featuring kosher food, has been canceled, apparently permanently. It was scheduled for Nov. 7-8 at the Meadowlands Convention Center in Secaucus, N.J.
“After extensive discussions with our consultant, bellwether exhibitors and very thorough analysis, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue Kosherfest,” the organizer, apparently Diversified Communications, said in an email this morning (May 31).
“Due to today’s changing supermarket category manager buying responsibilities and the elimination of the kosher buyer in many major supermarket chains, exhibitors feel Kosherfest has run its course and there is no longer significant ROI to justify exhibiting at the show,” the email continued.
“Within supermarket chains, the kosher food category increasingly falls under the grocery buyer’s responsibility. As this buyer is responsible for sourcing and purchasing a wide array of products, they are more likely to attend food events displaying items not just exclusive to kosher. A certified kosher-only food show such as Kosherfest is too niche for their attendance.”
The show apparently dates back to 1989. The email said all exhibit space deposits will be refunded in the next 2-3 weeks.
