Expo Comida Latina Announces First Sabor Award; Trade Show to Recognize Mexican American Grocers Association.

Business Editors, Food Writers

Expo Comida Latina 2002

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 31, 2002

EXPO COMIDA LATINA, The Hispanic Food & Beverage Show, announced today the recipient for its first-ever "Sabor," award, which is designed to recognize a group or individual who has contributed to the betterment of the Hispanic food and beverage industry.

"We couldn't pick a better recipient for this first award," said Denyse C. Selesnick EXPO COMIDA LATINA, Show Director. The Mexican American Grocers Association (MAGA) was founded 25 years ago by a small group of dedicated grocers, who realized that they needed to speak with one voice if they were to gain recognition and have influence in the legislative area. They also realized that they needed to have the right tools, if their members were going to grow and be profitable. Seminars and conferences have been held through the years to make sure that MAGA members can compete on a level-playing field.

The membership is composed of grocers that bring in at least 35 percent of their business from the Hispanic community. This includes everything from the major chains and super warehouses to the small corner grocer. It educates legislators as to the issues affecting their members as well as keeping members apprised of new products. MAGA serves as a resource center for those seeking career opportunities, insurance information, employee training and a multitude of other services.

The Mexican American Grocers Association Foundation (MAGAF) was initiated soon after the Association was founded. It has provided more than 1 million dollars in scholarships to disadvantaged youth. It provides worthy students with financial assistance to pursue a degree in Business Administration or related fields with the hope that they will enter some part of the food and beverage business.

According to Selesnick, the award will be presented to MAGA representatives during the inaugural ceremonies for EXPO COMIDA LATINA, which begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2002 at the Los Angeles Convention Center's South Hall, Hall "H." She also said that this would be an annual award so that those who work hard to make the Hispanic Food and Beverage industry such a vital part of the market would be recognized.

EXPO COMIDA LATINA is organized by Woodland Hills-based International Trade Information, Inc., an international show management company specializing in the Latin American/Hispanic market and by Diversified Business Communications of Portland, Maine, a major media company that is also producing the internationally-known West Coast Sea Food Show that will be held at the same time.

Both Shows are open to the trade only. For more information, call 818/591-2265, or visit the EXPO COMIDA LATINA web site at www.expo-comida-latina.com.