File photo of the 2018 Fresno Food Expo, now called MADE Central California.

The 2019 California Food Expo will begin this afternoon at the Fresno Convention Center.

The annual event, formerly the “Fresno Food Expo” brings growers and manufacturers of food products – from farming operations to makers of TV dinners to dessert makers working from home kitchens – from across the state together with distributors, grocery store representatives and others in food-related businesses.

In some cases, connections made at previous expos have lead to local products being distributed and sold nationally.

 

 

The two-day event will begin at 1 p.m. today for food-industry people and will include industry seminars. That will continue Tuesday morning and afternoon.

Then, from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, the expo will become “Expolicious,” in which the public can come in to sample the various food products offered by the dozens of food manufacturers and growers displaying their wares at the event.

The public part of the event will include a new Taste of California Chef Competition, featuring premier chefs from across the state creating California-inspired dishes using a few specific products for a chance to win cash prizes.

 

 

Tickets cost $60 and can be purchased at the Convention Center box office or online at www.californiafoodexpo.com.

Discounted pre-sale tickets can be purchased for $50 in person at the Cumulus Media office, 1071 W. Shaw Ave. in Fresno. Only cash purchases will be accepted there.