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FirstSource is a virtual matchmaking event designed to connect the industry’s premium brands and buyers to facilitate commerce between the two. FirstSource simplifies the discovery process by using ai-powered algorithms to facilitate relevant one-on-one video meetings among our highly curated network of participants. Simply put, FirstSource is an online event that cuts out the clutter and puts you face-to-face (or screen-to-screen) with the people you want to meet.

The event lasts from Tuesday through Friday so Buyers and Suppliers can set up meetings at any time during the week, that works best for each party.  Each day, we will have facilitated discussions on topic areas that cover Bakery, Deli, Specialty Cheese, Charcuteries and Specialty Foods.  However, meetings with particular suppliers do not have to be on the specific day of the topic.
 

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

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11:30AM ET (8:30amPST)  Old World, New Carb: The Future of the Bakery Department

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Millennials, Gen Z, and Keto dieters are losing interest in traditional bread, and this fact is apparent when looking at current Bakery sales numbers.  As Americans push for a healthier lifestyle, they have chosen to cut out what was once a staple in every American’s diet….bread. In this session, a panel of Bakery Professionals will hit this problem head on by helping us understand quick solutions, new trends, and how to keep shoppers coming back to your bakeries.

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Carley Smith, AKA Fairy Gutmother®, is a Nutritional Therapist, Certified GAPS Practitioner, and Registered Yoga Teacher. Carley became interested in health and nutrition after being diagnosed with Lyme disease and using food as medicine emphasizing gut health to help heal. She became so empowered in the progress in her healing just based on diet and lifestyle changes emphasizing gut health that she started her business, Fairy Gutmother®, so she could help spread awareness around nutrition and help others. Carley is adamant about promoting the gut health lifestyle as it is more than a diet, rather, a combination of food and environment that play a role in the health of the microbiome. Carley has been a featured guest on The Dr. Oz Show and is a frequent guest for Colorado’s Own Channel 2 News, Arizona Family TV, and the popular iHeart Radio show Modern Eater. Her articles have been published in major worldwide publications including Newsmax, MindBodyGreen, Yoga + Life Magazine, and Paleo Magazine to name a few

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Wednesday, June 9, 2021

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11:30AM ET (8:30amPST) Meat Done Right: The Golden Age of American Charcuterie

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As wind of trends are changing, so are the tastes of our customers.  Quality demands a premium price, and customers are finally coming around to that fact. In the session Kevin Ouzts, founder of The Spotted Trotter, will introduce us to his process of creating New American Charcuterie™ with southern style ingredients, ushering in a new era of charcuterie producers who are focusing more on animal welfare and capturing the flavors their regions.

 

 

Thursday, June 10, 2021

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11:30AM ET (8:30amPST) Curd is the Word: Specialty Cheese Shop Trends in a Post Covid World

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Specialty cheese sales remained strong during the pandemic as customers started cooking more at home since they no longer had the option of dining out.  Can we expect the see the same strong momentum sales once the country opens its doors again? Will customers expect a new level of customer service?  Our panel of Cheese Professions will explore all the questions and more, as we all prepare for a brave new world.

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Friday, June 11, 2021

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11:30AM ET (8:30amPST) Cheese & Charcuterie: The Art of Perfect Parings

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After focusing on different categories in our previous sessions, we finally get to put it all together! Join Nathan Aldridge for an unforgettable tasting event.  Nathan will introduce the concept of Pairing Principles as he guides us through the ideas of what makes the perfect pairings. 

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