New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball continued the State's 10-year anniversary celebration of Taste NY with an open house event at the Hudson Valley/Catskills Welcome Center, located in Woodbury Commons in Orange County. The event showcased New York's farmers, food and beverage producers, and the diverse and unique products grown and made in the State. Today’s event marked the seventh in a year-long series of events that are taking place across the state in recognition of the program’s 10-year milestone and also coincided with the Welcome Center’s five-year anniversary celebration at its location in Woodbury Commons. Since opening, the Welcome Center has seen approximately 250,000 visitors and brought in $311,863 in sales for New York producers. The Taste NY team at the Welcome Center, which is un by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County (CCE Sullivan) has also been instrumental in the launch of the program’s e-commerce marketplace,https://shoptasteny.com/.
Commissioner Ball said, “Here in New York, we’re fortunate to be home to some of the best farmers and producers in the world. The Taste NY program is a true testament to the quality of New York food, beverages, and products. Thanks to the Hudson Valley/Catskills Welcome Center and CCE Sullivan staff, the program has had such a huge impact on our producers not only in the Hudson Valley, but also across the state through the launch of the program’s online store, ShopTasteNY.com. I’m proud to celebrate that hard work as we continue our celebration of Taste NY’s 10th anniversary and congratulate the Hudson Valley/Catskills Welcome Center Taste NY staff on their own special 5th anniversary.”
Taste NY has grown significantly since its launch, bringing over $100 million in economic impact to New York State producers over 10 years of the program. New York State products can now be found at nearly 70 locations across New York State, including the 11 regional Welcome Centers, airports, State parks, the Javits Center, and more. Over the last decade Taste NY has also partnered with sports venues, such as the MVP Arena and the Blue Cross Arena, and formed partnerships with high profile event organizers to bring Taste NY products to major sporting events such as the 2023 FISU World University Games, the Saratoga Race Course, and the 2023 PGA Championship in Rochester. Most recently, Taste NY producers were highlighted at the 2023 Great New York State Fair, which draws more than one million visitors during its 13-day run. This year, the Fair featured expanded offerings at the Taste NY Pop-Up Market and Marketplace, which was also run by CCE Sullivan, as well as unveiling a special Tasting Yard, featuring seven local breweries, at the Fair’s Suburban Park.
Today's celebration, which coincided with the Hudson Valley/Catskills Welcome Center’s five-year anniversary celebration at its location in Woodbury Commons, brought together regional agricultural, tourism, and supporting partners to introduce visitors to the New York farmers and producers whose products are available at the Welcome Center, specifically those who are local to the Mid-Hudson Region. Vendors sampling at the event included Luna Grown Jams, Merchant’s Daughter Ciderworks, Catskills Provisions, Tree Juice Maple Syrup, Fig and Fichi, and 2 Queens Coffee. Additionally, Welcome Center staff sampled a variety of craft beverages sold at the store, including products from Brotherhood Winery, Hudson Valley Brewery, Emporium Farm Brewery, Drowned Lands Brewery, Rough Cut Brewery, Industrial Arts Brewery, Crossroads Brewery, and Roscoe Brewery.
Assemblymember Christopher W. Eachus, 99th District, said, “The Hudson Valley region exists at the crossroads between the bright lights of NYC, and the beautiful landscapes of Upstate New York. Here in Orange and Rockland County we have a vibrant and quickly growing small businesses community, including our cider industry, our craft beverages, farm-to-table restaurants, and many others. These amenities are beloved by local residents and a great boon for tourism to the region. Year after year, Taste NY has delivered great economic gains for our wonderful, locally-made food and beverage products here in New York. I am proud of our continued partnership, and thank them for showcasing the wonders our region has to offer.”
Vanessa Petrossian, Director, Operations & Community Vitality, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, said, “This celebration serves as a testament to the timeless adage that 'time flies when you're having fun.' As we traversed the great state of New York in pursuit of the authentic stories behind the 'shop local, support small' movement, we had the privilege of encountering the finest in agriculture and small businesses. Cheers to five years at this location, and to ten extraordinary years of achievement, unwavering excitement, and innovation for the Taste NY program. We look forward to the successes we will undoubtedly accomplish together over the next decade.”
Source: ny.gov
Photo Credit: Taste NY
Categories: New York, Business, Government & Policy