Taste NY Sales Continue to Grow

From Gov. Andrew Cuomo:

Taste NY sales continued to increase in 2017, growing to a record $16.1 million. 

Total gross sales of New York products from Taste NY stores, cafés, bars, concessions and events topped last year's sales totals by $3 million. The significant year-over-year growth reflects increasing consumer demand for local food and beverage products, which supports New York's agricultural and tourism industries. 

 
The Taste NY initiative has seen steady growth and recognition since it was created in 2013. The program reported sales of $1.5 million in 2014, tripled those figures to $4.5 million in 2015, and $13.1 million in 2016. 

The exposure from Taste NY has helped the farms and companies participating in the program to reach more customers, increase online sales, and, in many cases, expand the processing capacity of their business. 

Taste NY's food and beverage businesses also support the state's farmers by using New York grown and produced ingredients in their products.

 
In the past year, Taste NY made products available at 13 new locations and participated in major, large events, such as The Northern Trust and the New York City Marathon. 

As part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's vision to construct a state-of-the-art Welcome Center in each region of the state, Taste NY is promoting local products at the Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, New York City and Central New York Welcome Centers, in addition to the Long Island Welcome Center that opened in 2016.

 

In 2017, Taste NY opened concessions in six additional state parks, bringing high-quality New York food and beverage products to park visitors. Guests can now find New York made food and drinks at a total of 10 properties, including Olana State Historic Site, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Jones Beach State Park, and Niagara Falls State Park. 

Together, parks selling local Taste NY food and beverages draw nearly 30 million visitors annually.  

In addition, last year, Taste NY launched the state's first-ever Taste NY Craft Beverage Week in New York City, hosted the Taste NY Craft Beer Challenge with celebrity and professional judges, and held the Taste NY Food Truck Competition and first-annual Craft Beer Competition at the Great New York State Fair.

 

A complete list of Taste NY locations can be found at this link  www.taste.ny.gov  The 2017 Taste NY annual report is available at this link https://www.ny.gov/sites/ny.gov/files/atoms/files/2017_TasteNY_ImpactReport.pdf

 
To build on the success of 2017 and further connect New York producers to new markets, Cuomo's 2018-2019 Executive Budget proposes additional support for Taste NY. 

This year, the Department of Agriculture and Markets will identify 10 core food and beverage categories that will be highlighted in New York's regional Welcome Centers to further strengthen Taste NY branding and tell the exciting stories behind New York's businesses. 

The department will also coordinate with other state agencies on possible new Taste NY locations as infrastructure projects are developed across the state, including the reconstruction of train stations and airports.

 

Additionally, the Department of Agriculture and Markets will host five regional Business-to-Business Taste NY Networking events to connect New York farms, food and beverage businesses with buyers from institutions, retail locations, restaurants, bars, and distributors.

 

The Taste NY website, www.taste.ny.gov, will also be transformed to operate as a one-stop resource for residents, visitors and businesses. 

The website's presentation, functionality and resources will be improved to provide better information on New York's agri-tourism destinations and better connect New York's producers to new markets.

"Taste NY has put local products on the map, boosting tourism, helping local craft breweries, wineries, distilleries and cideries grow, and increasing opportunities for producers in every corner of this great state," Cuomo said. 

"By connecting consumers across the globe with fresh, locally-grown products, Taste NY continues to support the growth of farms and small businesses across New York," he said.  

Morrisville State College at the New York State Fair

Morrisville State College will have a strong presence again this year at the Great New York State Fair, featuring a handcrafted scale-model canoe, a student-built hot rod, horses and renewable energy and hemp displays.

The fair runs Aug. 23-Sept. 4.

Fairgoers can learn about renewable energy, horses and horsepower inside the Morrisville State College Bartlett Barn near Gate 4 by the Coliseum. Horses from various equine programs will be housed in the building throughout the fair.

The college also will showcase its Mustang car. Students in the college's automotive programs transformed the 1988 Mustang into a 550 horsepower dragster that accelerates to 130 mph in 10 seconds.

New this year in the Morrisville State College building is a handcrafted canoe, a scale model of those being constructed in a new Introduction to Boat Building course at the college.

Visitors to the building also can obtain an array of information about the college and can speak to faculty and staff about the college's program offerings. Morrisville State alumni are encouraged to stop by and access materials to find fellow classmates, enjoy history about the college and catch up on the college's growth and progress.

Morrisville State College Alumni Day at the fair is Aug. 30.

Visitors also can learn more about the hemp industry at the college's display in the SUNY section of the Horticulture Building. Morrisville is leading research in the experimentation of growing hemp as a commercial crop.

The college also will have informational materials in the World of Horses tent, which features a center ring where fairgoers can see horses up close and talk with their owners and handlers.

Nelson Farms, run by the auxiliary corporation of the college, will once again head the Taste NY Marketplace, a retail store offering food products grown and produced in New York state. The marketplace's new location is in the Horticulture Building.

The college's School of Agriculture and Natural Resources will have an exhibit in the FFA Building.

Morrisville State students also will be competing throughout the fair. They will participate in Forestry Day competitions Sept. 2 in the New York Experience Area. They also will show lambs in the beef Cattle Barn on Sept. 2 and will compete in various equine competitions.

Morrisville State College is the only college in North America to compete with a six-horse hitch, which will also be part of the fair parade on opening day, Aug. 23.

Finalists Named in Craft Beer Challenge

From Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office:

UPDATE: There was a tie in the competition held May 17. The two winners are Brewery Ommegang and Roscoe NY Beer.

 
The five finalists in the Taste NY Inaugural Craft Beer Challenge have been named. 

The finalists are invited to attend the final blind tasting event in New York City May 17, which will be hosted and judged by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and a panel of expert judges.

The five final breweries that received the most votes, in alphabetical order, are:

• Brewery Ommegang—Cooperstown, Otsego County
• Genesee Brewing Company—Rochester
• Prison City Pub and Brewery—Auburn, Cayuga County
• The Roscoe NY Beer Co.—Roscoe, Sullivan County
• Southern Tier Brewing Company—Lakewood, Chautauqua County

The Taste NY Inaugural Craft Beer Challenge was launched May 2 and invited New Yorkers to vote for their favorite New York craft brewery in celebration of the diversity, range and quality of New York’s craft beer industry. 

More than 170 breweries signed up to participate, and more than 42,000 votes were cast online.

Vote Now for Your Favorite Craft Brewery in New York

New York state has recently kicked off the Taste NY Inaugural Craft Beer Challenge, in which New Yorkers are invited to vote for their favorite New York craft brewery in celebration of the diversity, range, and quality of New York’s craft beer industry. 

Voting is now open at https://taste.ny.gov/craft-beer-challenge this link. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo will host a final tasting event for the five New York breweries with the most online votes on May 17 in New York City, coinciding with American Craft Beer Week, which runs from May 15-21 and celebrates craft beer across the country.
 
"By reducing regulation and removing unnecessary barriers to growth, New York’s craft beverage industry is thriving, driving tourism and creating jobs across the state," Cuomo said. "The inaugural Taste NY Craft Beer Challenge will celebrate the best of New York's craft beers and connect our world-class beverage producers to new consumers and markets. When New Yorkers buy New York products, everybody wins.”
 
New York is now home to 321 microbreweries, farm breweries and restaurant breweries, up from only 50 total breweries in 2011 and representing a 542 percent growth in the industry. 

This growth was achieved through a series of legislation and economic incentives, including the creation of the Farm Brewery License in 2012, providing tax credits for brewers, modernizing the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Law and providing promotional funding. No state has done more to assist and promote craft manufacturing than New York.

Farmers Should Sign Up Now for Taste NY Thruway Sites

From New York Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority and the State Department of Agriculture and Markets  encourages farmers across New York state to sign up to sell their products at service areas along the Thruway this season.
 
For years, New York state has been committed to showcasing some of its finest vendors and their products. From locally grown fruits and vegetables to some of the most superb cheese and herbs in the northeast, promoting these products to travelers continues to be a priority.
 
“Providing motorists with exceptional service in every aspect of our system is paramount in all that we do,” said Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Bill Finch.
 
“Continuing to expand our Taste NY Farmers’ Markets to offer travelers access to locally grown, healthy foods while also helping to create agricultural jobs in New York is an initiative that all of us at the Thruway Authority take great pride in and I encourage farmers to take part in this program,” Finch said.
 
The Thruway Authority has outdoor farmers’ market locations at service areas across the state. Last year, nearly one dozen farmers from regions all across New York participated in the markets at 19 service areas, reaching millions of visitors who travel the Thruway throughout the spring and summer months.
 
A list of Thruway Authority service area locations is available here -- http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/travelplazas/index.cgi
 
“Farmers’ markets are a welcome addition to the Thruway’s service areas,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. “They highlight each of the region’s agricultural strengths and provide our farmers a unique opportunity to connect with new consumers.
 
“Taste NY Farmers’ Markets also give travelers healthy food options and a chance to interact in person with our state’s great producers,” Ball said.
 
New York vendors interested in selling food products at Taste NY Farmers’ Markets should email TravelersServices@thruway.ny.gov for more information on how to participate this season.
 
Taste NY is an initiative launched by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2013 to promote New York’s food and beverage industries.
 
It is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Markets and has created opportunities for local producers to showcase their goods at a variety of venues throughout the state and at large public events, such as the Great New York State Fair and the Barclays Tournament at Bethpage State Park. 

Taste NY Food Truck Competition Expands at New York State Fair

From the state Department of Agriculture and Markets:

The Great New York State Fair today (Feb. 15) announced that its Taste NY Food Truck Competition will expand to two days for the 2017 Fair.  

The competition to find the best entrée, served by food truck chefs and made with New York state grown and produced ingredients, will take place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 2 and 3.  Food trucks entered in the competition will be located around Chevy Court.

 

“Taste NY represents the very best of New York agriculture and having our food truck chefs cook up exciting, new dishes for our panel of judges and for fairgoers is a great way to promote New York grown and produced foods," said Ag and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball. "With the competition expanded to two days, we look forward to seeing every region of New York state represented.”
 

“The 2016 competition featured some amazing food and big crowds of people waiting patiently to buy a sample," said Acting State Fair Director Troy Waffner. "We’re expanding the competition to a second day so more people can participate and enjoy some of the best foods grown and made in New York state.”

To take part in the competition, food truck operators design signature entrées using primarily New York state products. A panel of judges made up of food industry experts and enthusiasts will sample the entrees to select a Judges’ Choice winner on both Saturday and Sunday.  

Truck vendors can then sell sample-sized portions of their entrée for $3 to fairgoers, who can cast one vote for the entrée they liked best. Those votes will then be tallied to declare the People’s Choice winners.  

Each daily winner of the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice will receive a $750 gift card to Maines Food and Party Warehouse, while the People’s Choice runner-up will receive a portable generator on each day.

 

Registration is now underway for food truck operators who would like to take part in the competition.  Visit http://nysfair.ny.gov/competitions/food-truck-competition/ for details and an entry form.

 

In 2016, Silo Food Truck of Ovid won the Judges’ Choice award for its Telekinetic Fried Chicken, a fried drumstick over a slaw flavored with peach and raspberry and purple sticky rice, while The Meatball Cup from The Meatball Truck of Rochester won the People’s Choice.  

More than 2,500 fairgoers voted in the competition.

New York State Gift Baskets Available at Taste NY Stores

If you're stuck for a gift for someone for Christmas, why not try a unique and quality gifts from New York state such as Taste NY gift sets and baskets filled with the very best of New York made food, beverages and other products.  

Six Taste NY stores around the state and one in Puerto Rico are offering pre-made and customized gifts available in stores. In addition, select stores are taking orders by phone for pickup or delivery.

“During the busy holiday season, Taste NY makes it easy to find thoughtful, high-quality gifts that friends and family will love," said Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball. "The state’s hard-working farmers and agribusinesses produce some of the finest products out there, and the holidays are a perfect time to share those items with the people you care about most. 

"I encourage New Yorkers to stop by a Taste NY store to shop for great gifts and support their local community.  I also thank the managers and operators of our Taste NY stores and markets, who work hard to spotlight all of our great businesses and put these wonderful selections together.”

Gift sets and baskets range in size and price.  They feature a wide selection of gourmet food items, locally produced wines and liquors, New York made novelty items and bath and beauty products.

The following Taste NY stores are offering holiday baskets:

Taste NY Market at the Long Island Welcome Center

Customers can reach the Long Island Welcome Center at (631) 678-5227. 

Taste NY Store at Grand Central Terminal

The Taste NY store at Grand Central Station is across from Track 37.)  For inquiries, please call (212) 663-2212.

Taste NY Market at Todd Hill

For information, call (845) 849-0247 for more information.

Empire State Plaza Visitors Center

Shoppers can call ahead to the store at (518) 486-6858 or 473-0206 to have a basket made and ready for pickup. 

Taste NY Market at Lock E-13 Living History Rest Area

The Taste NY Market at the Lock E-13 Living History Rest Area is a one-stop shop for unforgettable, one-of-a kind gifts. The Market can be reached at (518) 922-6367.

Taste NY Market at Broome Gateway Center

Baskets can be picked up at the store or delivered.  Deliveries in the Binghamton area are free of charge; all others are shipped for an additional fee. Customers can reach Taste NY at the Broome Gateway Center at (607) 775-0156.

Taste NY Market at Old San Juan

Shoppers can also find New York gift sets at the Taste NY Market in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  

For a complete list of Taste NY store locations, hours of operation and contact information, visit the Taste NY website, www.taste.ny.gov

Taste NY Market Moves to Horticulture Building for New York State Fair

The all-new Taste NY Market at The Great New York State Fair was announced Aug. 4 by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The market is part of the governor’s $50 million plan to transform the fairgrounds and improve the experience for visitors. 

Now located inside the landmark Horticulture Building, guests of the Taste NY Market will have the opportunity to enjoy everything New York, from artisan cheeses and gourmet nuts, to local wines, craft beers, spirits and more.
Visitors to the Taste NY Market will have the chance to try free samples of food and beverages from all 76 participating New York vendors and to meet the people behind those products. If you like what you try, you’ll also have the opportunity to buy it on-site directly from the vendor. 

For the first time this year, the operators of the Taste NY store at the Broome Gateway Travel and Tourism Center will also showcase and sell an array of products from their store, including: Bjorn Popcorn, Mini Honey Bears, Emmy’s Macaroons, Field Trip Beef Jerky, Saratoga Crackers and many others.
The vendors featured at the Taste NY Market will rotate daily, during all twelve days of the Fair. A complete list of participating vendors and a schedule of the vendor rotation can be found http://nysfair.ny.gov/food-drink/taste-ny/ at this link.

Fancy Foods Show Going on Now in NYC

The “Taste NY Pavilion” has been expanded at the 2016 Specialty Food Association’s Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City.  

This is the fourth year Taste NY has participated in the food show. This year, more than 50 New York state food and beverage companies will sample products in the Pavilion, while some 275 additional New York state companies will exhibit at this year’s overall show. 

Now in its 62nd year, the Summer Fancy Food Show is the largest specialty food trade event in North America and runs from June 26 - 28 at Javits Center.

 

“The Summer Fancy Food Show, which brings together thousands of top industry professionals from all across the globe, is a tremendous opportunity to showcase some of New York’s finest agricultural products," said Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball.

“By meeting in the world’s largest marketplace under the Taste NY Pavilion, our producers have the chance to connect to new buyers and distributors and bring attention to the best and newest innovations in New York’s specialty and gourmet foods and beverages.”

 

This three day, industry-only event draws more than 46,000 industry professionals.

 It brings together specialty food and beverage producers from around the world with the goal of linking them to a network of distributers and buyers from independent gourmet shops, high-end multiple location retailers, major department stores and specialty merchandisers looking for the very best and newest innovations in specialty and gourmet foods and beverages. 

 

The “Taste NY Pavilion” will be located on the Level 1 show floor. A list of companies featured in the pavilion can be found http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/Press%20Releases/20160623_Taste_NY_Pavilion_Exhibitor.pdf at this link.

Taste NY Partners With Baldor Specialty Foods

From the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets:

Taste NY is partnering with Baldor Specialty Foods, the East Coast’s premiere food distributor, to support the growth of local agribusinesses and farms.  

As part of this partnership, Baldor will support the Taste NY Restaurant Pledge through its own newly launched Pledge Local program to increase the use of New York grown and produced products at restaurants and businesses throughout the state.  

This partnership will be celebrated at the Baldor BITE event today (Wednesday, April 6) that brings together more than 1,500 chefs, restaurateurs and other industry members for tastings, cooking demos, contests, breakaway educational sessions and more.

“Baldor’s Pledge Local program complements the ongoing efforts of Taste NY to promote locally made food products and spur economic growth for our vital agricultural industry,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. “This pledge bridges local growers and producers with the restaurants and businesses that help share their products with consumers from every part of the state and beyond.”

 

Baldor’s Pledge Local program makes it easier for restaurants to support local businesses. Through the program, customers authorize Baldor’s team of expert buyers to substitute commodity items with similarly priced local alternatives whenever possible.  

The company has already received commitments from major industry players and has identified nearly 500 customers who have the potential to benefit from the program. 

 

Through its partnership with Taste NY, Baldor’s website and Pledge Local webpage, www.baldorfood.com/pledge will promote and feature an opportunity for their customers to take the Taste NY Pledge, encouraging restaurants to increase the sourcing, marketing and education of New York state grown and made products. 

By signing the Taste NY Pledge, restaurants and chefs promise to expand their use of New York state products by 10 percent or more.

 

New York state also will promote Baldor’s Pledge Local program on its Taste NY website, www.taste.ny.gov, social media channels, and on the Taste of NY pledge sign up page at http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/Take_the_Pledge_Distribute.pdf

More than 400 restaurants are now signed up for the Taste NY Pledge.

Taste NY Returns to Restaurant Show

From Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office:

Taste NY will return to the International Restaurant and Foodservice Show of New York — one of the largest restaurant and food service shows in the country — to promote New York food and beverage producers from across the state.  

Beginning Sunday, March 6 and ending Tuesday, March 8, the event will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, and will feature about 550 vendors from around the world, including 200 from New York state.  

The Restaurant Show provides a unique opportunity for small New York food companies to directly connect with buyers and showcase their products to the global marketplace. 

NY Beverages Like Hard Cider, Craft Brews, Wines to be Served at Barclays Center in Brooklyn

UPDATE:

The list of brewers and spirits through Taste NY being offered at the Barclays Center has come out and there isn't a single one from Upstate NY. Taste NY says regions will be changing from time to time. Let's hope so.

From Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office:

Taste NY is partnering with Barclays Center, home to the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Islanders, to expand the promotion of New York’s craft beverage producers. 

The alliance features the launch of the new and first-ever Taste NY Bar, which is offering a full selection of New York products from across the region and state to Barclays Center’s nearly 2 two million visitors annually.
“New York’s craft beverages are some of the best in the industry – and through this new partnership, we’ll be introducing them to more consumers than ever before,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

“The Taste NY Bar at Barclays Center will give visitors the chance to enjoy some of the greatest beer, wine and spirits that this state has to offer. This is about raising the profile of craft beverage producers and stimulating economic growth across the state, and I’m pleased to see this partnership moving forward,” he said.
 
“We are honored to align with Governor Cuomo to open the inaugural Taste NY Bar,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “Taste NY is a great complement to our Brooklyn Taste program, Barclays Center’s culinary platform that features 55 popular Brooklyn restaurants and food vendors, and furthers our commitment to sourcing from local producers.”
 
The Taste NY-Barclays Center agreement is part of the governor’s promise made at the third Wine, Beer, Spirits & Cider Summit to continue to support and provide resources for this growing industry.
 
The Taste NY Bar is located in a prime location in the venue  — on the main concourse, next to the main entrance. To promote the Taste NY Bar, Taste NY branded messaging will be displayed on the more than 700 HDTVs and LED displays in concession areas and throughout the venue, including in the arena bowl and on the Oculus — the 3,000-square-foot LED marquee outside of Barclays Center’s main entrance.

The Taste NY Bar will also be featured on BCTV — a custom in-arena and online video network featuring original content about the arena’s events and the Brooklyn community. BCTV programming appears on the venue’s HDTVs prior to and following events, as well as online at BarclaysCenter.com.
 
Barclays Center will also become a place for the industry’s producers to engage and connect with enthusiasts and consumers. The partnership provides opportunities for Taste NY producers to host hospitality and networking seminars with distributors.
 
Barclays Center has redefined the arena customer service and culinary experience. Its more than 2,000 employees are trained by Disney Institute, the business advisory arm of The Walt Disney Company, and its BrooklynTaste™ food program features selections from 55 well-known restaurants and vendors in the borough.

Choose NY Products for Your Valentine

From the state Department of Agriculture and Markets:

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today reminded New Yorkers that Taste NY gift baskets filled with the very best of New York made food, beverages and other unique products are available now, just in time for Valentine’s Day.  Pre-made or customized gift baskets can be picked up or delivered.

 

“Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity for New Yorkers to share their favorite local products with friends and family while supporting the state’s farms and agri-businesses,” said Commissioner Ball.  “New York State has a diverse selection of homegrown and made only in New York products, and the Taste NY stores have done a great job of providing pairings and themed baskets, offering something for everyone.”

Gift baskets range in size and price, and feature specialty gourmet food items, locally produced wines and liquors, and bath and beauty products.

A list of the participating stores and their contact information, as well as descriptions and photographs of the products and specialty gift baskets being offered, are available on the Taste NY website at www.taste.ny.gov.  Shoppers can contact the stores directly to order pre-made or custom gift baskets for pick up or delivery, available at an extra cost.

The following Taste NY stores are offering Valentine’s baskets and gifts:

 

Broome Gateway

Taste NY at the Broome Gateway Center is selling an assortment of gift baskets and promotional items for Valentine’s Day.  They are offering assorted sweets, breakfast selections, including pancake mixes, jams and honey, as well as bath and beauty products. Please call Kaitlyn Sirna, Market Manager, at 607-584-5017 to place your order. Additional store information: http://www.taste.ny.gov/store/broome-gateway-center.

 

Market at Todd Hill

The Taste NY Market at Todd Hill has delicious offerings to choose from, featuring locally made cheeses, baked goods, sweets, sparkling drinks, coffee, and locally crafted porcelain mugs and bath and body products. For inquiries or ordering information, please call Market Manager Lachele Coninx-Wiley at 845-849-0247. Additional store information: http://www.taste.ny.gov/store/todd-hill-rest-area.

 

OGS Visitors Center Empire State Plaza

The Empire State Plaza Gift Shop is offering specialty gift baskets and products along with gourmet items such as crackers, specialty spreads and condiments, teas, sweets, granolas, honey, maple, and bath and beauty products. Contact Market Manager Jackie M. Davis at 518-817-2900 to customize your own basket today! Additional store information: http://www.taste.ny.gov/store/empire-state-plaza-visitors-center.

 

Grand Central Station

The Taste NY store at Grand Central Station (across from Track 37) is offering a large variety of products for Valentine’s Day, featuring locally produced wines, liquors and gourmet items. Stop by and see the amazing variety of locally produced cheese, crackers, sauces, candy and maple products. Call 212-663-2212 or visit http://www.taste.ny.gov/store/grand-central-station for additional store information.

 

Taste NY also offers a wide range of foods and beverages that can be used to create your own basket or special meal. For a complete list on where to find Taste NY products, as well as additional partners selling New York State products, please visit the Taste NY website at www.taste.ny.gov.

 

Taste NY Thanksgiving Photo Contest Underway

A special Taste NY Thanksgiving photo contest to promote New York’s food and beverage producers and the agricultural industry is on now through Dec. 1.

The contest encourages New Yorkers to submit photos of their favorite Thanksgiving dish, beverage or entire holiday meal made with New York products and ingredients to the website at http://offerpop.com/hashtag/gallery/17504/submit or post to Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #TasteNYThanks. 

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball, New York State Chief Digital Officer and Deputy Secretary for Technology Rachel Haot, and distinguished culinary experts from the New York Wine and Culinary Center and The Culinary Institute of America will judge the entries and select five winners.

 

The contest started Nov. 20 and runs through midnight Dec.1. All entries will be judged on the overall appeal of the finished product, quality of the image, and representation of the New York-produced or sourced ingredient or food or beverage.  

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets will announce the winners of the contest Dec.9 on the Taste NY website and social media channels, where the winners’ photographs and names will be displayed. 

The five entries that receive the highest overall scores will also win Taste NY gift baskets.