PHILADELPHIA, PA — Vendors and suppliers from across the region gathered on March 24 at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia for a food industry show focused on product sourcing, partnerships, and direct business connections.
The event, held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., brought together businesses working across the local food distribution network, with booths, samples, and product lines on display throughout the day.
The show was organized by KAST Distributors, a regional food distribution company that connects vendors with restaurants and businesses across the Philadelphia area.
Manos Vournavakis, Director of Sales at KAST, pointed to the coordination behind the event and the number of participants involved.
“We want to thank everybody for coming to the show today,” he said. “All of our employees, customers, and vendors, everybody’s doing a great job coming together.”
Yianni Vournavakis described the show as part of a broader moment for the company and its partners.
“This year is tremendous already,” he said. “We are in a great place in the company’s history right now, and we’re excited about the relationships we’re able to build at this show.”
Across the floor, vendors used the event to introduce products, reconnect with existing partners, and reach new customers.
Georgia of GG’s Treats, which opened a new bakery in November, described the show as an opportunity to present new offerings. “We got to try great new things, and it was a wonderful day,” she said.
Other exhibitors reflected a mix of newer businesses and long-standing partnerships. Khalid of Plaisir Desserts presented a new line of desserts available through KAST, while Alan Fishbein of LaMonica Fine Foods pointed to strong activity during the event.
Representatives from Cappetta Associates showcased cheeses and prepared items from BelGioioso and Aladdin Wraps, while Georgia Akranis of Philly’s Best Steak Company noted a relationship with KAST that spans three decades.
Additional vendors, including Kellanova, presented a range of products from snack brands to plant-based options, reflecting the variety within the distribution network.
For many participants, the show functioned as a place to evaluate products and maintain business relationships in one setting, bringing together multiple parts of the regional food supply chain.
KAST Distributors is a sponsor of Cosmos Philly.