Good Food Mercantile – NYC – June 28, 2025

The US Trade Commissioner network has space for up to 10 Canadian companies to participate in their booth at the Good Food Mercantile in NYC this June. The Good Food Mercantile is an “un-trade show” that draws a diverse set of independent and gourmet retailers from across the country seeking new and ethically produced food and beverage products. Companies can express interest in participating through the end of May. Cost to participate is $1,000 USD plus travel costs.

BACKGROUND

This is the third year that Global Affairs has partnered with the Good Food Foundation to host a booth at their Mercantiles. Past exhibitors have enjoyed success at Central Market, TJX, Williams Sonoma, Cost Plus, and other key regional accounts. The New York iteration is by far their best attended, with a diverse draw of buyers attending the Summer Fancy Food Show.

Ideal applicants are small- to medium-Canadian food manufacturers who are looking to work with:

• Influential independent US retailers (ex. Erewhon, Zabar’s, Zingerman’s, DiBruno Brothers)
• Regional gourmet chains (ex. Dorothy Lane, Central Market)
• National non-grocery retailers (ex. TJX, Williams Sonoma, Alaska Airlines)

These companies are typically pulling single cases (either drop ship or through distribution) through a pallet at a time.

The Good Food Mercantile NYC takes place from 12-5pm on Saturday, June 28 at the Metropolitan Pavilion.

PROCESS

Interested companies need to be approved by the Good Food Foundation as meeting their Guild standards (except for Made in USA) to participate in the show. Specific information on standards for exhibiting companies can be found here. Please note that the upper right of the page includes a drop down featuring category-specific standards. Companies can express interest here. Once approved by the Good Food Foundation, companies can secure a spot with their deposit directly to the Foundation.

The US Trade Commissioner network will be hosting a Q&A webinar in coming weeks for interested companies. I will be using the interest form to contact companies for the webinar. Please complete the form to be included in this, even if you are unsure about participating. There is a space in the form to include notes to Meghan (Good Food Foundation) and me.

FAQs

• Are alcoholic beverages allowed? Alcoholic beverage companies that are legally sold in the US are eligible to participate. There may be additional insurance requirements that are the responsibility of the exhibitor.
• Who attends? 2024 NYC attendees can be found here. This is a smaller, curated show. An estimated 200-300 buyers will be in attendance. You should expect ample engagement with those attending.
• What is included? Skirted table space (4’), any electricity needs, ice, glasses for sampling. The booth is a 4’ table length, in accordance with show norms. There should not be significant booth costs as the show’s ethos supports simplicity and encourages exhibitors to keep the focus on the products.
• Is the pricing discounted? Yes. The online pricing is for Good Food Guild members only. Booths for non-Guild members are $2,500 each.
• Note: Good Food Mercantile typically runs 2-3 shows a year. The west coast show details have not been announced yet, but Global Affairs plans on participating. If you are a company interested in participating in any upcoming shows, but not NYC, please feel free to complete the interest form and note this.
• Is there a hotel block? We do not have a hotel block for attendees.
• Will Global Affairs be at the Summer Fancy Food Show / supporting companies attending? Companies interested in exhibiting at or walking the SFFS are encouraged to let me know and I will connect you with the GAC team in attendance.
• I’m unsure about participation – what should I do for next steps? Please complete the interest form and include a note to this effect. It takes a little while for the Good Food team to review and approve companies. This will ensure you’re included in the Q&A webinar and are able to reserve a space if you remain interested.