MARKETING SERVICES
Virginia Food and Beverage Expo |
MEDIA INFORMATION
Elaine Lidholm, VDACS, 804.786.7686, elaine.lidholm@vdacs.virginia.gov
The Virginia Food and Beverage Expo is the ideal location for journalists to sink their teeth into all things Virginia. More than 100 Virginia specialty food and beverage companies representing hundreds of jobs across the Commonwealth are expected to showcase their fine products. The convenient Expo will allow you to spend part of your day visiting with Virginia’s leading food purveyors, many of whom represent small to medium size family-owned Virginia companies. Virginia’s specialty food and beverage companies contribute heavily to Virginia’s economy, as well as to the national and global scene. Total sales of specialty foods in 2011 were $75.14 billion, with $59.74 billion retail sales, according to the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT). NASFT’s latest report goes on to say, “The specialty food industry continues to enjoy spectacular growth, outpacing most sectors within the U.S. economy. From 2009 through 2011, sales of specialty foods rocketed by 19.1 percent. Sales at retail grew 9.2 percent between 2010 and 2011.”
2012 Expo Highlights
Samples of media coverage from the 2012 Expo.
Washington Post, Washington, DC
Richmond Times-Dispatch and for a photo gallery
Free Lance-Star, Fredericksburg
November 7, 2011
From The Newest and Trendiest to the Best of Traditional Virginia Cuisine, You’ll find it At the Virginia Food and Beverage Expo
Blogs:
Striped Pot
2010 Expo Highlights
Best New Products Named at 2010 Virginia Food and Beverage Expo
WVEC-13 News: Expo Promotes Virginia Products
The Washington Post: All We Can Eat-Cornmeal, Chocolate and DIY Whiskey
Richmond Times-Dispatch: Homegrown Entrepreneurs Show Off Specialty Foods
The Virginian-Pilot – Virginia’s Best New Food Product Winners Are…
The Virginian-Pilot – Taste History with Cornmeal Made from Bloody Butcher Corn
Clark Daily News – Products Grown and Produced in Virginia Showcased at Virginia Food and Beverage Expo
Contact Us
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is proud to present the Virginia Food and Beverage Expo – Tradition of Taste 2012. Our community of dedicated marketing specialists is committed to connecting Virginia specialty food and beverage producers and buyers, as we promote Virginia agricultural products and the development of Virginia’s economy.
2012 Expo Coordinators
VDACS Division of Marketing - Office of Promotions
102 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219
Lisa Lloyd, VDACS Promotion and Event Specialist Leanne DuBois, VDACS Marketing and Promotions |
Olivia Wilson, VDACS Marketing and Promotions Coordinator |
Virginia Food and Beverage Expo
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Greater Richmond Convention Center • Exhibit Hall C • 403 North Third St., Richmond, VA 23219