Taste NY sales soar to record $16.1 million

The consumer demand for New York’s food and beverage products soared in 2017, with Taste NY sales reaching a record $16.1 million.

The Taste NY initiative has seen steady growth and recognition since it was created in 2013. A year after the program started, Taste NY sales were $1.5 million, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office said. In 2016 sales were $13.1 million.

In the past year, Taste NY made products available at 13 new locations and participated in major events, such as the Northern Trust and the New York City Marathon. Taste NY also opened concessions in six additional state parks in 2017, and launched its first Craft Beverage Week in New York City, hosted the Taste NY Craft Beer Challenge, and held the Taste NY Food Truck Competition and first-annual Craft Beer Competition at the Great New York State Fair.

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 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.”

Cuomo’s 2018-2019 Executive Budget proposes additional support for Taste NY. This year, the Department of Agriculture and Markets will identify ten core food and beverage categories that will be highlighted in New York’s regional Welcome Centers to further strengthen Taste NY brand. Events are also on the agenda.

Read the Taste NY annual report here.