Overview of the Florida Restaurant Show 2024

Date & Venue:

Date: November 6-7, 2024

Venue: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, USA

About:

The Florida Restaurant Show 2024, co-located with the Pizza Tomorrow Summit, is a premier event for the restaurant and hospitality industry. This annual trade fair serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to explore the latest advancements in foodservice, technology, and restaurant operations. Attendees will experience an array of interactive demonstrations, culinary competitions, and expert-led educational sessions that highlight the industry's latest trends and best practices.

Industry Segments:

Restaurant Technology, Foodservice Equipment, Ingredients & Supplies, Beverages, Hospitality Services, Sustainability Solutions, Workforce Solutions, Marketing & Branding, Food Safety, Culinary Tools, Point of Sale Systems.

Market Size & Overview of the Industry Segment:

The U.S. restaurant industry has shown resilient growth, estimated at over $900 billion in 2024, with continued expansion fueled by rising consumer demand for dining options, convenience, and unique culinary experiences. This trade fair reflects the industry's scope, emphasizing technological advancements in operations and digital solutions, sustainable practices, and the growing demand for innovative foodservice equipment. As dining habits evolve, restaurant operators increasingly seek solutions to enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and create memorable dining experiences.

Attendance & Participation:

The Florida Restaurant Show 2024 expects over 10,000 attendees from across North America, including restaurant owners, chefs, foodservice executives, purchasing managers, and industry entrepreneurs. With 300+ exhibitors, the event will showcase new product launches, innovative technology, and solutions designed to address current challenges within the hospitality industry.

Who Should Visit:

This trade show is ideal for:

Restaurant Owners and Operators seeking to discover new products and suppliers.
Chefs and Culinary Professionals interested in the latest culinary trends and tools.
Foodservice Executives and Managers focused on operational efficiency.
Technology Providers targeting the hospitality sector.
Sustainability Advocates seeking eco-friendly solutions.
Purchasing Managers exploring bulk and cost-effective purchasing options.

This event offers invaluable networking and learning opportunities for anyone involved in the restaurant, hospitality, and foodservice industries.

Exhibitor Analysis for Florida Restaurant Show 2024

Top 5 Major Exhibitors with Short Descriptions:

LGM Design Group - LGM Design Group specializes in commercial kitchen planning and design, offering services from new builds to remodels. They work with a range of industries, including restaurants, hotels, and theme parks, focusing on efficient, state-of-the-art kitchen designs that meet regulatory standards.
Reale Pizza Crust - Reale Pizza Crust, based in Leesburg, GA, specializes in crafting authentic Italian-style pizza crusts, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Founded by Michele Scarpa, a culinary expert with over 30 years of experience, Reale offers flash-frozen, par-baked pizza crusts that streamline kitchen operations while delivering premium flavor and texture. Their crusts, made from 72-hour proofed dough and top-quality ingredients, are allergen-friendly, free from dairy, added sugars, and preservatives, ensuring an artisan-quality base for pizzas with a 365-day shelf life.
Burnett Dairy Cooperative - Burnett Dairy Cooperative, founded in 1896, is a farmer-owned cooperative producing award-winning cheeses with unique flavors. Located in Wisconsin, it offers a range of services to farmers, including agronomy, animal nutrition, and grain. Burnett Dairy's products are available nationally at retail stores and online.
Whiskey Lima Corp. - Whiskey Lima Corp. is a field engineering company specializing in HVAC/IEQ solutions, addressing complex environmental quality issues in buildings such as excessive humidity, negative pressure, and air distribution flaws. Known for detailed investigations and technical reporting, the company provides comprehensive services from problem analysis to project management.
Smart Pizza Marketing - Smart Pizza Marketing is a marketing resource platform dedicated to helping pizzerias and restaurant owners grow their businesses. It offers podcasts, blog posts, and insights on various strategies including social media, technology, and operations. The platform aims to equip pizzeria owners with effective marketing tools and industry knowledge to maximize their reach and profitability.

Participating Countries:

Total Participating Countries: 5
Top 5 Countries by Percentage:

United States: 96%
Canada: 2%
Turkey: 1%
Italy: 1%
United Kingdom: 1%

Major Types of Companies:

Total Unique Company Types: 51
Top 5 Company Types by Percentage:

Consulting Services: 20%
Technology Services: 18%
Food Manufacturing: 17%
Equipment Manufacturing: 14%
Food Processing: 13%

Major Product Categories:

Total Unique Product Categories: 134
Top 5 Product Categories by Percentage:

Consulting and Professional Services: 13%
Information Technology and Software: 13%
Table and Kitchen Accessories: 12%
Bakery Products: 11%
Beverages: 8%

Major Product Items:

Total Unique Product Items: 1,216
Top 15 Products: Pasta, Mozzarella, Inventory Management, Ricotta, Olive Oil, Gelato, Refrigeration Units, POS Integration, Desserts, Tiramisu, Stone Conveyor Pizza Ovens, Cauliflower-based Products, Cheese, Butter, Frozen Desserts

Interesting Insights for Florida Restaurant Show 2024

Exhibiting Countries of Top 5 Company Types

Consulting Services - United States, Canada
Technology Services - United States, Canada
Food Manufacturing - United States
Equipment Manufacturing - United States, Canada
Food Processing - United States, Italy, Canada

Exhibiting Countries of Top 5 Product Categories

Consulting and Professional Services - United States, Canada
Information Technology and Software - United States, Canada
Table and Kitchen Accessories - United States, Canada, United Kingdom
Bakery Products - United States, Italy, Canada
Beverages - United States

Exhibiting Countries of Top 10 Products

Pasta - United States
Mozzarella - United States
Inventory Management - United States
Ricotta - United States
Olive Oil - United States
Gelato - United States
Refrigeration Units - United States
POS Integration - United States
Desserts - United States
Tiramisu - United States

Top 5 Exhibiting Countries and Their Product Details

United States
Consulting Services, Technology Services, Food Manufacturing, Equipment Manufacturing, Food Processing
Consulting and Professional Services, Information Technology and Software, Table and Kitchen Accessories, Bakery Products, Beverages
Mozzarella, Pasta, Inventory Management, Ricotta, Olive Oil, Gelato, Refrigeration Units, POS Integration, Desserts, Tiramisu
Canada
Equipment Manufacturing, Food Processing, Financial Services, Consulting Services
Table and Kitchen Accessories, Food Processing Machines and Equipment, Dairy Products, Bakery Products
Stone Conveyor Pizza Ovens, Cauliflower-based Products, Cheese, Butter, Frozen Desserts
Turkey
Packaging
Food Packaging
Corrugated Boxes, Pizza Boxes, Food Packaging, Wrapping Papers
Italy
Food Processing
Bakery Products, Frozen Foods
Pizza Dough Balls, Frozen Pizza Dough
United Kingdom
Manufacturing, Retailers
Table and Kitchen Accessories
Wipeable Menus, Waterproof Menus, Custom-Printed Menus, Restaurant Signs

Key Highlights for Florida Restaurant Show 2024

Key Industry Segments:

The Florida Restaurant Show 2024 encompasses a broad range of industry segments essential to modern foodservice and hospitality. Key segments include:

Restaurant Technology – Cutting-edge software for inventory management, POS systems, and digital customer engagement.
Foodservice Equipment – Innovations in cooking, refrigeration, and automated kitchen solutions to boost efficiency and sustainability.
Ingredients & Supplies – A variety of specialty ingredients and bulk food supplies, from fresh produce to specialty products like mozzarella, pasta, and olive oil.
Beverages – Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, with a focus on craft, premium, and functional beverages.
Hospitality Services – Consultation and services to improve operational efficiencies, guest experiences, and workforce management.
Sustainability Solutions – Eco-friendly packaging, waste reduction technology, and renewable resources aimed at minimizing environmental impact.
Workforce Solutions – Technologies and services to optimize staffing, training, and customer service.
Food Safety – Critical tools and products to ensure food handling safety and hygiene in compliance with industry standards.

Market Trends:

Several prominent market trends are set to define the 2024 Florida Restaurant Show, reflecting broader shifts in the foodservice and restaurant industry:

Sustainability and Eco-friendly Solutions - Sustainability is a top priority for exhibitors and attendees alike. Companies are increasingly focused on sustainable packaging options, waste reduction, and energy-efficient equipment. This is reflected in the high participation of suppliers specializing in eco-friendly packaging, such as recyclable boxes and biodegradable food wraps.
Technology-Driven Operations - Digital transformation continues to impact foodservice operations. Key technologies include advanced POS systems, inventory management software, and automated customer service solutions. With a significant presence of technology service providers, the show highlights the industry’s commitment to streamlining processes, reducing waste, and improving customer engagement.
Health and Wellness-Focused Products - Consumers’ growing interest in health and wellness is shaping product offerings, with an increased presence of functional foods, dairy alternatives, and nutrient-dense options. The inclusion of cauliflower-based products, dairy-free alternatives, and low-calorie desserts signals a shift towards more health-conscious menus.
Specialty Ingredients and Artisan Products - There’s a strong demand for premium and unique ingredients that enhance flavor and authenticity, such as artisan cheeses, high-quality olive oils, and Italian-made products like gelato and pasta. The availability of specialty ingredients aligns with restaurants aiming to deliver a distinctive dining experience.
Enhanced Customer Experience through Ambiance and Presentation - With a focus on dining ambiance, exhibitors are presenting table accessories, custom menus, and durable kitchenware that add to a restaurant’s aesthetic appeal. This trend speaks to the importance of brand experience in customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Cross-Industry Collaboration and Consulting - Many exhibitors offer consulting services to help restaurants tackle issues like supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and digital transitions. Cross-industry expertise in finance, logistics, and food processing provides restaurants with holistic solutions to adapt to current challenges.

Conclusion

The Florida Restaurant Show 2024 is a vital gathering point for the foodservice and hospitality sectors, bringing together innovative solutions, industry expertise, and a strong commitment to sustainability. With its diverse range of exhibitors, this trade show offers unparalleled insights into emerging trends—from advanced technology and sustainable practices to specialty ingredients and wellness-driven products. Attendees will leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to enhance their operations, elevate guest experiences, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Florida Restaurant Show 2024: Exhibitors