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Premade and customized gift baskets filled with local products available at regional welcome centers & Taste NY markets across state
√ Markets also offer wide selection of food & beverages for holiday meals
√ Shopping local supports New York farmers and small businesses
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball encouraged holiday shoppers looking for that perfect last-minute gift to visit a Taste NY Market and buy local this holiday season in support of New York’s farmers. New York’s regional welcome centers’ Taste NY markets and Taste NY stores around the state offer specialty gift items as well as premade and customized gift baskets.
Many stores are also offering a variety of safe shopping options, including curbside pickup. Find a nearby Taste NY store here. ShopTasteNY.com additionally offers an opportunity to ship New York’s products right to one’s door.
Ball said, “Products grown and produced right here in New York state make the best gifts to share with family and friends and are easily accessible during this challenging time for the global supply chain. I encourage everyone to visit a Taste NY Market to choose from a selection of beautifully made baskets filled with New York food, beverages and other specialty products that are sure to bring joy to all, or shop online at ShopTasteNY.com. When you choose Taste NY for your holiday shopping, you are supporting local farmers and small businesses and giving unique, beautiful gifts to your loved ones.”
For the holiday season, Taste NY markets across New York are curating a variety of unique themed gift baskets filled with local goods. For a sneak peek, visit agriculture.ny.gov/business/taste-ny-holiday-baskets.
Taste NY markets are also a place to purchase a wide range of foods and beverages, from charcuterie meats and cheeses to wine and cider, that can be used to create holiday meals. In addition, Taste NY gift stores and product displays can be found in travel and tourism hubs across the state, such as service areas along the thruway, plus airports and train stations. For a complete list of Taste NY locations, hours of operation and contact information, visit the Taste NY website.
In addition, ShopTasteNY.com allows consumers to shop for New York agricultural products and gifts from the comfort of their own homes. ShopTasteNY.com has holiday gift sets available for purchase in addition to a regular selection of products that highlight the diversity of New York’s agricultural regions. Orders can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. Shoppers should place orders by Dec. 17 to ensure the best chance of arrival by Dec. 24.
Finger Lakes Welcome Center Market Manager Jennifer Kim said, “The Finger Lakes Welcome Center is proud to be part of the Taste NY team. The Finger Lakes Region has an abundant bounty of products such as craft beverages, health and beauty products, salad dressings, pasta sauces, maple and honey products, and jams. Currently, our Taste NY market carries over 400 products with roughly 75% sourced from the Finger Lakes Region, making us a great place to shop and support local. Shop us year-round, as the Finger Lakes Welcome Center’s Taste NY market offers monthly featured items, a coffee loyalty program, and a craft beverage club, all with stunning views of Seneca Lake.”
The Taste NY initiative has seen steady growth and recognition since it was created in 2013. The program, which is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, creates 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.
Visit the Taste NY website or connect through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.