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View From 116 State Street

By Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts

November 2019 - Vermont was on the big stage this summer when a host of Green Mountain food companies traveled to the Big Apple to attend the Fancy Food Show. This annual event in New York City gives Vermont producers a chance to tell their story before national and international buyers.  The three day show at the Javits Center included a “Vermont Pavilion” where the Agency along with the Vermont Specialty Food Association showcased Vermont’s food and beverages. The Agency was also joined by the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing. Not only are we there to sell Vermont’s products but sell Vermont as a destination.  It’s a show that’s focused on building relationships.  Two of Vermont’s producers explained to us why this show is critical to their companies.

"For us to have this access here is such an important part of our journey. We're a small company that acts like a big one and being here in the Vermont pavilion gives us that power.  The support that the State of Vermont has brought to us through these tiny little grants, that people you know help us get a product down here, help us cover some of the expenses. That little investment on the part of the Agency of Ag, Food & Markets and Food Export Northeast reverberates and ripples across Vermont," said Robert Hausslein of Sugar Bob's Finest Kind.

Chris White of Mount Mansfield Maple Products added, "You know without something like this, how do we get noticed? And so right now we're face to face with our buyers and we have a chance to actually engage on a personal level. It's not just another website and another product."

It's a highly competitive food world, and it takes time and dedication to get noticed. But Vermont can, and does, compete. We are happy to offer our support as we try grow these companies outside our border.

PHOTOS TO INCLUDE: Every Vermont vendor at the show, plus team Vermont:

https://www.dropbox.com/work/AG%20DEV%20MEDIA/SFF%202019