About GF EXPO

The Gluten-Free Expo (GF EXPO) is proudly produced by Lokal, a Calgary-based organization founded in 2018 with a passion for supporting businesses, building communities, and creating meaningful connections.

What began as a commitment to helping local brands and entrepreneurs has grown into a platform that brings together consumers, businesses, retailers, and industry professionals through a variety of events and initiatives. Among these are Lokal's Gluten Free Markets, the GF EXPO, and the CPG EXPO, Western Canada's professional trade show for the consumer packaged goods industry.

Born from the Lokal Community

The GF EXPO was born from the same values that inspired Lokal from the beginning: community, connection, and discovery.

While Lokal's Gluten Free Markets focus primarily on local makers, bakers, and community brands, the Gluten-Free Expo was created to provide an even larger platform—bringing together businesses of all sizes, from emerging local businesses to nationally recognized brands.

Today, the GF EXPO serves as a meeting place where consumers, retailers, industry professionals, and brands can come together to explore the ever-growing world of gluten-free living.

More Than an Expo

The GF EXPO is designed to be much more than a shopping event.

For consumers, it is an opportunity to:

• Discover new gluten-free products and brands.
• Sample and purchase products directly from exhibitors.
• Learn from experts and guest speakers.
• Connect with others within the gluten-free community.
• Explore the latest innovations and trends in gluten-free living.

For brands and businesses, the GF EXPO provides:

• Direct access to a highly engaged audience.
• Opportunities to launch and showcase new products.
• Connections with retailers and industry professionals.
• A platform to build brand awareness and customer loyalty.
• Exposure within one of Western Canada's most concentrated gluten-free communities.

A Sister Brand to the CPG EXPO

As the gluten-free community continued to grow, another need became apparent: creating a place where brands could connect with the industry itself.

That vision led to the creation of the CPG EXPO, Western Canada's professional trade show for the consumer packaged goods industry. While the GF EXPO focuses on consumers and the gluten-free community, the CPG EXPO brings together founders, retailers, distributors, brokers, manufacturers, packaging companies, service providers, and industry organizations to help products move from concept to shelf.

Together, these sister events create a unique ecosystem that allows brands to connect with both consumers and industry professionals, supporting growth and innovation throughout the Canadian consumer packaged goods industry.

Powered by Community

At the heart of everything we do is a belief that strong communities create strong businesses.

Whether you're attending your first gluten-free event, discovering a new favourite brand, or exhibiting with us, we're grateful to have you as part of our journey.

Thank you for helping us build a stronger and more connected gluten-free community.

– Gerrit Janssen
Founder, Lokal
Founder, GF EXPO & CPG EXPO

www.embrcelokal.ca