State Agriculture Commissioner Encourages New Yorkers to Think ‘Taste NY’ for Valentine’s Day

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today reminded New Yorkers that Taste NY gift baskets filled with the very best of New York made food, beverages and other unique products are available now, just in time for Valentine’s Day.  Pre-made or customized gift baskets can be picked up or delivered.

“Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity for New Yorkers to share their favorite local products with friends and family while supporting the state’s farms and agri-businesses,” said Commissioner Ball.  “New York State has a diverse selection of homegrown and made only in New York products, and the Taste NY stores have done a great job of providing pairings and themed baskets, offering something for everyone.”

Gift baskets range in size and price, and feature specialty gourmet food items, locally produced wines and liquors, and bath and beauty products.

A list of the participating stores and their contact information, as well as descriptions and photographs of the products and specialty gift baskets being offered, are available on the Taste NY website at www.taste.ny.gov.  Shoppers can contact the stores directly to order pre-made or custom gift baskets for pick up or delivery, available at an extra cost.

The following Taste NY stores are offering Valentine’s baskets and gifts:

Broome Gateway Taste NY at the Broome Gateway Center is selling an assortment of gift baskets and promotional items for Valentine’s Day.  They are offering assorted sweets, breakfast selections, including pancake mixes, jams and honey, as well as bath and beauty products. Please call Kaitlyn Sirna, Market Manager, at 607-584-5017 to place your order. Additional store information: http://www.taste.ny.gov/store/broome-gateway-center.

Market at Todd Hill The Taste NY Market at Todd Hill has delicious offerings to choose from, featuring locally made cheeses, baked goods, sweets, sparkling drinks, coffee, and locally crafted porcelain mugs and bath and body products. For inquiries or ordering information, please call Market Manager Lachele Coninx-Wiley at 845-849-0247. Additional store information: http://www.taste.ny.gov/store/todd-hill-rest-area.

OGS Visitors Center Empire State Plaza The Empire State Plaza Gift Shop is offering specialty gift baskets and products along with gourmet items such as crackers, specialty spreads and condiments, teas, sweets, granolas, honey, maple, and bath and beauty products. Contact Market Manager Jackie M. Davis at 518-817-2900 to customize your own basket today! Additional store information: http://www.taste.ny.gov/store/empire-state-plaza-visitors-center.

Grand Central Station  The Taste NY store at Grand Central Station (across from Track 37) is offering a large variety of products for Valentine’s Day, featuring locally produced wines, liquors and gourmet items. Stop by and see the amazing variety of locally produced cheese, crackers, sauces, candy and maple products. Call 212-663-2212 or visit http://www.taste.ny.gov/store/grand-central-station for additional store information.

Taste NY also offers a wide range of foods and beverages that can be used to create your own basket or special meal. For a complete list on where to find Taste NY products, as well as additional partners selling New York State products, please visit the Taste NY website at www.taste.ny.gov.

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 large public events, such as the Great New York State Fair. The program has also opened stores at Thruway rest stops along the state’s highways and in transportation hubs, enabling travelers to buy New York State’s homegrown and homemade products. Approximately 1,100 local companies have participated in these opportunities, further linking their products and the state’s growing food and beverage market to consumers from across the globe. For more information about Taste NY, please visit www.taste.ny.gov.

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