9/28/2007 | Testimonial: “Pizza” Paul Nyland, Capital Wholesale Meats, Fontanini Italian Meats and Sausages

We’d not exhibited at NAPICS before 2006, but after seeing the show that year, the company believed there was a good opportunity here. The truth is we got more than we expected in 2007—so much traffic, in fact, that we’ve doubled our booth space for next year. I see NAPICS as being a premier show for us in the future.

NAPICS is a little bit different from some of the other shows where we exhibit in that most attendees are independent operators. These guys love to try new things and, as small business owners, can make the decision right then to add something to the menu.

That’s always made NAPICS a show that draws a lot of idea seekers who want to come in and get fresh ideas they can bring back to their own shops and implement.

Quite a few times this year we found ourselves working as problem solvers, trying to help operators meet a need they couldn’t get met elsewhere. We know Fontanini is perceived as an Italian meat company, but we see tradeshows like NAPICS as a great chance to show them we’re more an Italian foods specialist that can solve a lot of different problems, not just meat issues.

We’re really excited about coming back in 2008 because we’ve got a multitude of new products we’ll be rolling out then. Two things we’re really excited to show are our new 8- and 12-ounce raw gourmet meatballs, and a new line of natural-looking hand-pinched toppings.