Watch: BGA food and retail show returns in larger venue

David Fox

Created: Sep 18, 2026 08:00 AM (Updated: Sep 18, 2026 08:25 AM)

Olatunji Tucker, lead marketing brand manager, BGA (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

The BGA Food and Trade Show last year at the Grotto Bay Hotel was such a big hit, it is now an annual event, and this year moved to a larger and more central location to cater to demand.

Importer and wholesaler BGA said the event onThursday is education for their corporate customers.

Olatunji Tucker, lead marketing brand manager for BGA, said it helps owners grow their business.

He said: “Last year we had it at Grotto Bay [Hotel], the side hall, which is a great size hall and we expected about 200 people. We loved Grotto Bay. They were amazing to work with, but we were shocked by the total attendance.

“We hit about 500. This year we've actually taken over the entire Pier 6 upstairs. That will be inside and outside. So it goes all the way through. We have clients of all sizes, from hotels to food trucks.

“At this event, we get to talk to our customers directly. And it allows like-minded customers to meet.

“A lot of our vendors are really, really amazing in what they offer to the island. This is direct contact. Sometimes a company might want something, but they don't know how to ask for it. This gives them the opportunity.

“We will even have meeting spaces positioned inside. If you want to have that meeting right there, you can. How we can make your business grow — that’s really what this is about.”

He said various BGA departments will be represented, allowing vendors to have discussions with any of the divisions: “The whole food service department, the health and beauty department, the Procter & Gamble department, the grocery department and our sister company, Pitt & Company will be there.

“We've positioned our people to come in on shifts. You can talk to every single department there.”

Entrance to BGA Food & Trade Show last year at the Grotto Bay Hotel (Photograph supplied)

The seven-hour gathering will require special parking arrangements, so that business owners from across the island are able to access the trade show at Pier 6.

Mr Tucker said: “It is 10am to 5pm, so that's a full day. Our customer companies can register in person, but typically register on line.

“Parking is a little harder in the City, so we rented out the nearby parking lot and those registering for it early are able to organise an hour-long parking spot.”