By Kristen Brassard, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) is pleased to invite Vermont businesses to apply to vend inside the Vermont Building at the 2023 Big E. The Vermont Building is one of six New England buildings on the Avenue of the States at the Big E, a 17-day fair and exposition that takes place each September in West Springfield, MA. During this event, which brings in approximately 1.6 million people each year, the Vermont Building hosts a variety of Vermont food and retail businesses which showcase the best of what our state has to offer.
This annual event provides a unique regional marketing opportunity to Vermont businesses, helps to elevate the Vermont brand, and supports the Vermont economy. Booth spaces are offered for both retail and food/beverage products. There are booth spaces for the entirety of the 17-day fair, for 8-9 day rotating spots, and occasionally for 5-7 days. While most booths are inside, there are additional spaces on the grounds for products deemed an appropriate fit. New this year, we will also be accepting applications from food truck vendors who would like to sell their products on the Vermont Building grounds.
Any business or organization will be considered that is registered with the Vermont Secretary of State, has been in business for over one year, and is in good standing with the State of Vermont. VAAFM has identified the following product priorities for the Vermont Building for 2023: (1) Products that use Vermont-sourced ingredients and/or materials; (2) Vermont-made cosmetics/beauty products; (3) Vermont-made pottery; (4) children’s toys and games; (5) glass products; (6) producer associations interested in representing a variety of producers from their industry; and (7) products that align with regional/national trends.
The Request for Applications (RFA) for this opportunity will be released on January 3rd. Visit https://agriculture.vermont.gov/bigevendor for more information.
For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact Kristen Brassard at kristen.brassard@vermont.gov or by calling 802-522-3742.
A large crowd passing through the Vermont Building at the Big E.