Agriculture Commissioner Announces Expanded Taste NY Presence at the International Restaurant and Foodservice Show of New York

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today announced that Taste NY has expanded its presence at the upcoming International Restaurant and Foodservice Show of New York to further spotlight the State’s food and beverage industries.  The Restaurant Show is one of the largest trade shows of its kind in the country and provides a unique opportunity for small New York food and beverage companies to directly connect with buyers and showcase their products to the global marketplace. 

The event, held annually at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, begins Sunday, March 5 and ends Tuesday, March 7.  It features approximately 550 vendors from around the world, including 200 from New York State, throughout the trade show.  This year, New York products from 42 producers will be featured in the Taste NY & Craft Beverage Showcase—an increase of nearly 45 percent over 2016. 

Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The International Restaurant Show is a premiere industry trade show, drawing crowds in the tens of thousands and offering tremendous opportunities to connect emerging businesses with buyers who can take their companies to the next level.  We are excited to participate again this year and through the Taste NY Showcase, show the world why New York products are second to none.”

Ron Mathews, Vice President of the International Restaurant and Foodservice Show, said, “The Taste NY Showcase and its amazing display of food and beverages is always one of our most talked about show features each and every year. The combination of satisfying the current trend of local sourcing and boutique food and beverage items fits perfectly with our buyer’s needs. We are pleased and excited that our partnership with Taste NY continues to grow each year at the show along with the pavilion participants.”  

Taste NY at the Restaurant Show The expanded Taste NY & Craft Beverage Showcase will feature products from eight regions across the state including wine and craft beverages, honey, marinades, baked goods and more.  They will be on display and available for attendees to sample.  In addition, information will be available on the New York State Grown and Certified program— the first statewide, multi-faceted food certification program designed to strengthen consumer confidence in New York products, address food product labeling, and help New York farmers take advantage of the growing market demand for foods grown locally and produced to a higher standard.   The program certifies New York producers who follow a higher standard of food handling and environmentally responsible practices.

More information about the International Restaurant and Foodservice Show of New York is available here.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “New York State is home to some of the best craft food and beverage producers in the world. By raising awareness of their products through Taste NY promotions at events like the International Restaurant and Foodservice Show, we are helping to grow these industries which, in turn, results in more new jobs and stronger local economies.”

Melissa A. Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, said, “The International Restaurant and Foodservice Show of NY is providing restaurateurs with unique opportunities to learn about, sample, source and market New York products on their menu.  From the Taste NY and Craft Beverage Showcase to the Farm to Table Expo we couldn’t be more proud to be the official sponsor of this Show.”

2017 Farm to City Expo The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets will also host the annual Farm to City Expo at the Javits Center on March 7 from noon to 2:30 pm.  The Power of Branding Local—the theme of this year’s Expo—is a two panel forum highlighting branding techniques for New York businesses who often work with local growers. As demand grows for locally-grown and sourced foods, market research indicates that the foodservice industry can benefit by integrating these foods into their menus and to highlight local products in their branding.  The panels will offer insight from industry experts on how to increase the value of their brand by building ‘local’ into their businesses’ identity.

Those interested in participating in this year’s Expo can register here, and will also receive complimentary access to the Restaurant Show.  More information about the Expo and participating panelists is available here.

About Taste NY Taste NY is an initiative launched by Governor Cuomo in 2013 to promote New York’s food and beverage industries. It is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Markets and has created opportunities for local producers to showcase their goods at a variety of venues throughout the State and at large public events, such as the Great New York State Fair and the Barclays Tournament at Bethpage State Park.  

Over the last three years, the Taste NY initiative has seen steady growth and recognition. The program reported sales of $4.5 million in 2015 and nearly tripled those figures to more than $13.1 million in 2016. Today, New York products sold under Taste NY branding are available in more than 60 locations throughout the State as well as the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

For more information about Taste NY, please visit www.taste.ny.gov. Connect with Taste NY through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.