As a player in the foodservice industry, attending Expo West in Anaheim is a refreshing change of pace for me. Although it’s not exactly my usual sandbox, I find myself drawn to this event because of the sheer amount of effort and creativity that CPG brands pour into their booths and brand images. From eye-catching designs to captivating product displays, every company is vying for the attention of decision makers and ultimately, the end consumer walking the rows of the grocery store or online. And as someone who loves to see the most creative ideas come to life, I use this event as an opportunity to learn from others.
In this blog, I’ll be highlighting five booths that stood out to me for their ingenuity and strategic marketing, and yes, none of them are brands that I represent. I do that on purpose because I want to present my most unbiased opinion.
Booth #1: A Captive Audience
The first booth that caught my eye was strategically located outside the show hall. The savvy company knew that they had a captive audience waiting in line to enter the show, and they took full advantage of it. The booth was set up in a way that encouraged people to stop and take a closer look. Their large tent with the company name and logo was displayed prominently, and their product samples were well laid out and easily accessible.
What I appreciated most about this booth was how they used their location to their advantage. They didn’t just wait for people to find them, they actively sought out potential customers who may not have otherwise seen them. It was a clever move on their part, and I am sure it paid off in terms of generating interest in their brand. I would imagine they paid more to be outside of the show floor, and with the right, timely follow up, they’ll probably crush it.
Booth #2: A Cozy Oasis
The second booth that caught my attention was like a cozy oasis amidst the chaos of the trade show. The inviting space was set up like a living room, complete with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and a relaxing atmosphere. The company had created a space where people could unwind, try their products, and learn more about the brand.
What impressed me the most about this booth was the way it made me feel. I felt welcomed and at ease, which made me more inclined to spend time there and learn more about their products. The company had done an excellent job of creating a space that was inviting and comfortable, which is no small feat in a hectic trade show environment.
Booth #3: A Cohesive Brand Message
The third booth that caught my eye was one that had a design that perfectly fit the brand image, creating a cohesive brand message. The booth had a consistent color scheme, graphics, and imagery that reinforced the brand’s identity. The company had clearly put a lot of thought into the design of their booth, and it paid off in terms of creating a strong brand presence at the show.
What I appreciated most about this booth was how the design reinforced the brand’s message. It was evident that the company had given careful consideration to how their booth would look and feel to visitors. The booth was a great example of how design can be used to create a cohesive brand message and build brand recognition.
Booth #4: Breaking the Mold
The fourth booth that caught my attention was one that went against the better-for-you, CPG food products grain with their line of cleaning products. Genius. It was the only cleaning products booth I saw in that specific hall, and it got a lot of attention because of it.
What stood out to me about this booth was how the company had identified a gap in the product offerings of Expo West and completely exploited it. By being the only cleaning product company in that hall, I am sure they were able to generate a lot of interest and attention. I have seen moves like this at previous shows and it’s a total flex. The company had taken a bold step by going against the norm, and if I were a betting man, I’d say it paid off in terms of generating interest in their brand.
Booth #5: Loud and Proud
The fifth booth that caught my attention was one that used an explosion of colors and a strong brand identity to create a memorable presence at the show. The company had clearly put a lot of effort into creating a strong visual identity, with loud colors and a consistent design aesthetic. Even the booth staff wore matching pink uniforms that further enhanced the company’s image.
What impressed me the most about this booth was how the company used strong branding to create a lasting impact on visitors. It was a great example of how a strong visual identity and attention to detail can set a company apart from the competition. While this booth may not have been as subtle as some of the others, it left a lasting impression on me and I am sure many others who attended the expo.
Overall, Expo West in Anaheim was a fantastic event that showcased the latest in healthy and sustainable products!
From my experience at the event, it’s clear that standing out in such a crowded sea of food brands is not easy. However, the companies behind these five booths had clearly put a lot of thought into their marketing strategies, branding, and product offerings. These companies managed to differentiate themselves from the rest and generate interest and attention from attendees.
In addition to the five booths I mentioned, there were many other companies and products that caught my attention. It was inspiring to see so many companies committed to promoting healthy and sustainable products, and I left the event feeling inspired and with a handful of new ideas my company can use for future branding and food show opportunities.
