The Kentucky Proud retail-ready expo will connect local farmers with grocery retailers, distributors, and food service buyers at an upcoming event, according to a report from pmg-ky2.com. The expo is designed to help farmers understand the steps required to get their products onto store shelves, including packaging and labeling expectations.
Retail readiness goes beyond product quality; items typically need standardized identification such as a GTIN and packaging suited for retail display. The industry is also transitioning from traditional 1D barcodes to 2D formats like QR codes, which can carry more product and traceability data through standards such as GS1 Digital Link, giving retailers and consumers richer point-of-sale information.
For Kentucky’s small and mid-sized farms, the expo offers a chance to meet buyers directly, learn about supply chain requirements, and potentially secure contracts with regional chains. The event is part of a broader effort to strengthen local food systems and expand market access for the Kentucky Proud brand, which supports agriculture across the state.