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Frankfort,
KY -- Kentucky food companies will exhibit their products
before both wholesalers and the public at the 23rd annual
Kentucky Crafted: The Market in February in the South
WIng-A of the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in
Louisville.
The
Market is a combination wholesale/retail event that
features more than 300 exhibitors of the state's finest
food products, crafts, books and musical recordings.
It is a rare opportunity for buyers to order directly
from the producers of Kentucky food products as well
as traditional and contemporary folk art. The Market
is open to retailers on Feb. 26-27, and to the public
on Feb. 28-29.
For
the 11th year, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture
will sponsor booths for the food companies located in
the “Kentucky Proud” Marketplace section of The Market.
“We
want to help these food companies sell their products
by introducing them to a consumer base that might otherwise
go untouched,” said Agriculture Commissioner Richie
Farmer. “Many past participants have established contacts
in other states and other countries through this event.”
Food
products this year will include cheeses,
honey, country ham and other pork products, jams and
jellies, barbecue sauces, pickles, Kentucky jam cakes
and other confectionery, candies, salsas, herb marinades
and vinaigrettes, dip mixes, popcorn, bison products,
bourbon marinades, and many other items.
More
than 11,000 people attended The Market last year. The
event generates approximately $2 million to $3 million
in direct sales annually.
Along
with the “Kentucky Proud” Marketplace, the show features
the Kentucky Craft section, Kentucky music and book
publishers, and two-dimensional art. The Market will
welcome 57 new exhibitors, including three in the food
section, 29 juried craft participants, 17 out-of-state
guest exhibitors, two publishers, four visual artists,
one Kentucky organization, and one Kentucky Wood Products
Competitiveness Corporation exhibitor.
For
more information on The Market, other food shows or
exhibiting opportunities, contact KDA's Division of
Agriculture Marketing, Agritourism and Agribusiness
Recruitment at (502) 564-6571.
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