Albany, NY - February 28, 2014 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Taste NY will be participating in the International Restaurant and Foodservice Show of New York, one of the largest restaurant and food service shows in the country, beginning Sunday, March 2 and ending Tuesday, March 4. This trade-only event, taking place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, features approximately 550 vendors from around the world and includes more than 75 from New York State. Representatives from the restaurant and hospitality industry, including operators, caterers, bakers and chefs will be on hand to check out the latest innovations in food from across the globe.
“New York State makes some of the best food and beverages in the world and now they will be on display at one of the largest food shows in the country,” Governor Cuomo said. “The Taste NY initiative has encouraged more and more New Yorkers and tourists alike to try our state’s home grown products. New York’s participation in this show will build on those efforts and help us continue to grow our state’s thriving agricultural industry.”
Melissa Autilio Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, said, “The NYS Restaurant Association is focused on helping restaurateurs succeed in this competitive market. Locally sourced products are one of the hottest trends in the restaurant industry and having the Taste NY program at the Show will provide an opportunity for thousands of restaurateurs to learn about, taste, purchase and source local food and beverages for their businesses.”
Ron Mathews, Vice President of the International Restaurant and Foodservice Show, said, “My sincere thanks to Governor Cuomo and the Taste NY program for their continued support of this hugely important trade show. New York’s presence here sends a strong message to industry leaders from around the globe that this is indeed an Empire State of agriculture, and one that is to be taken seriously. We look forward to partnering with Taste NY on this event for many years to come.”
Taste NY at the Restaurant Show:
Staff from the Taste NY program will be at the event all three days to provide attendees with information on the Pride of NY Pledge for New York restaurants and how to sign up for the Pride of NY labeling program.
The Taste NY staff will also be on hand to provide information on how to participate in future Taste NY events. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is currently seeking applications from New York food and beverage purveyors, as well as caterers, who are interested in participating in future Taste NY venues such as special events, tourism destinations, festivals and/or fairs. For a detailed application, please send an email to TasteNY@agriculture.ny.gov.
Pride of NY Marketplace:
Pride of NY, which is the state’s labeling program under the Taste NY banner, will feature 33 vendors carrying the Pride of NY logo on its products in its own designated Marketplace, which is co-sponsored by the New York Wine and Grape Foundation. These companies include Beth’s Farm Kitchen (Stuyvesant Falls), Catskill Distilling Company (Bethel), Empire Brewing Company (Syracuse), Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars (Hammondsport), Saratoga Spring Water Company (Saratoga Springs), Red Jacket Orchards (Geneva) and The Ravioli Store (Long Island City). In addition, 45 New York food and beverage companies will be located throughout the Javits Center during the event.
Jim Trezise, President of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, said, “The International Restaurant and Foodservice Show of New York is the perfect venue to highlight the Taste NY Experience. There is a special section of more than 25 individual producers of New York wines, craft beer and spirits, and various foods proudly showcasing the high-quality products they grow and make in New York. The audience of restaurateurs from New York City, other parts of New York State, and other states are exactly who we want to reach, and to encourage to Taste NY.”
2014 Farm to City Expo:
The 2014 Farm to City Expo will take place at the Restaurant Show on Tuesday, March 4, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is presented by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Empire State Development, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Edible Magazine.
A number of panels will take place at the event, focusing on everything from purchasing local seafood and meats to innovations in the food industry. Also at the Expo, Acting State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball will be joined by representatives from a number of New York City restaurants who will sign the Pride of NY Pledge. Announced by Governor Cuomo in October 2013 as a component of the Taste NY program, the Pride of NY Pledge certifies that restaurants and chefs plan to increase sourcing of New York State grown and made products and ingredients including products from New York’s food and beverage producers by 10% or more. To take the pledge, please visit www.taste.ny.gov.
Acting State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “This annual restaurant show provides an opportunity for restaurateurs to see new products, from wines to baked goods to meats and spirits. Taste NY agricultural products will be present in full force at this huge event in New York City and I look forward to seeing it for myself.”
ESD President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, “Since taking office, Governor Cuomo has put in place a series of initiatives to provide a boost to the agriculture industry and grow the food economy. Whether it's promoting our State’s local products through Taste NY or better connecting regional producers and local businesses at the Food Expo, we are committed to working with our partners to increase demand for locally grown farm products, expand industry-related tourism and spur job creation across New York State.”
For more information about the International Restaurant and Foodservice Show of New York, please visit: www.internationalrestaurantny.com.