2009 PRESS RELEASES

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April 21, 2009
VDACS KICKS OFF 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF VIRGINIA’S FINEST TRADEMARK PROGRAM
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Virginia’s Finest™ trademark program and has officially kicked off its salute. Launched by VDACS in 1989, the program has helped identify and promote top quality Virginia-produced and processed agricultural products for two decades.

“The Virginia’s Finest program differs from many state recognition programs because ours is quality-based,” said Todd P. Haymore, VDACS Commissioner. “For a product to qualify as Virginia’s Finest, it has to meet the high standards set by industry and approved by VDACS. The review committee thoroughly evaluates each product submitted to ensure quality, safety and proper labeling. Over the past twenty years, more and more consumers have recognized the blue check and red A of the Virginia’s Finest trademark as a symbol of excellence. We look forward to the continued growth of this important market segment and its contribution to maintaining agriculture as the largest industry in Virginia.”

VDACS plans to highlight the trademark program and products throughout the anniversary celebration. A variety of Virginia’s Finest trademarked products will take center stage across the Commonwealth during Virginia’s upcoming farmers market season which is in full swing from May through August. Virginia's Finest companies will also showcase and sell their specialty products at the Everything Virginia Festival, hosted by the Five Points Community Farm Market at Church Street in Norfolk, Virginia, May 22 – 24, 2009. GIANT/MARTINS Food Markets has invited Virginia's Finest companies to exhibit at the 3rd Annual Supplier Diversity/Regional and Small Business Trade Show, Thursday, June 4, 2009 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The Virginia Pavilion at the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc.’s Summer Fancy Food Show will give more than a dozen Virginia’s Finest companies the opportunity to present their products to one of the largest international markets of retailers, restaurants, groceries, gift and gourmet stores in New York City June 28 – 30. September will be designated Virginia’s Finest month and VDACS is putting together a section for vendors at the State Fair of Virginia when it premieres at its new location at the Meadow Event Park September 24 through October 4.

Currently, the Virginia’s Finest program boasts more than one thousand participating food, beverage and agricultural companies and producers representing eighty industries, ranging from fresh produce, meats, seafood, jams, jellies, baked goods, peanuts and wines to potted plants, Christmas trees, soaps, lotions and more. Virginia’s Finest products are sold in gift, gourmet and specialty shops, grocery stores, nurseries, farmers’ markets and university gift shops.

Specialty foods represent a large segment of the U.S. food industry and this segment continues to grow at a rapid pace. Experts estimate that national specialty food sales at retail totaled $48 billion in 2008, an 8.4 percent increase over 2007. When foodservice sales are added, total specialty food industry sales for the U.S. were $60 billion in 2008, accounting for 15.9 percent of all retail food sales.

To discover Virginia’s Finest exceptional offerings, explore a complete list at www.vafinest.com. Participation in the quality-based trademark program is voluntary and open to all Virginia agricultural producers and food processors who consistently meet specific quality standards. For additional information about Virginia’s Finest companies, or about applying for Virginia’s Finest product designation, call 1.800.284.9452 or log on to Virginia's Finest.