Food Producers and Buyers Connect through Virtual Tastings
For Immediate Release
December 21, 2020
Media Contact: Erin Sigrist, | 802-839-1928 | erin@vtrga.org
Food Producers and Buyers Connect through Virtual Tastings
Presented by Vermont Specialty Food Association and Vermont Retail and Grocers
MONTPELIER, Vt. – With many in-person events cancelled through 2021, the Vermont Specialty Food Association (VSFA) and the Vermont Retail and Grocers Association (VRGA) are working together to bring specialty food producers and wholesale buyers together virtually. The 2021 Virtual Tasting Series will invite some of Vermont’s best specialty food producers (think maple, chocolate, jams, coffee, pickles, snacks, and everything in between) to pitch to wholesale buyers of all shapes and sizes.
How does it work?
- Producers will mail products and sales information to buyers ahead of the tasting.
- Participants join the live virtual event: Producers will pitch their brand and products.
- Buyers will learn about these products and have the opportunity to ask questions.
- Buyers will taste and handle the product in the comfort of their home or office.
- Connections are made and follow-ups are encouraged
There is an application process for producers and buyers interested in participating. Applications can be found here. Interested parties will need to fill out the application and submit it to VSFA as soon as possible. Tastings are capped at six producers and ten buyers; they ill fill fast. Any additional applicants once a tasting is filled will be kept on a waiting list, so don’t hesitate to apply if you’re interested. Participating food producers must be a member of the Vermont Specialty Food Association. To join, visit vtspecialtyfoods.org/become-a-member. Non-VRGA members will be charged $50 to gain access to tastings. This registration fee can be allocated toward VRGA membership dues if you join within three months of the tasting.
The 2021 tasting schedule has been announced, see schedule below. Please note that some themes are yet to be determined. The first tasting will be held on January 28th with a theme of “New Year, New Products” - application deadline for the January 28th tasting is December 31st. There will be a registration fee of $50 for Non-VRGA Retailers.
- January 28th, 2021 - 10am-11am - Theme: New Year, New Products
- March 25th, 2021 - 10am-11am - Theme: Summer Staples
- May 27th, 2021 - 10am-11am - Theme: TBD
- July 29th, 2021 - 10am-11am - Theme: TBD
- August 26th, 2021 - 10am-11am - Theme: TBD
To learn more about the work of VRGA and VSFA, visit their websites at www.vtrga.org and www.vtspecialtyfoods.org, follow them on Facebook and Instagram, or call the office at 802-839-1928
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About the Vermont Specialty Food Association:
The Vermont Specialty Food Association is the leading information resource for all specialty food and beverage producers, service providers, and industry professionals. VSFA seeks to grow specialty food and beverage businesses and the Vermont industry through education, promotion, and statewide and national collaboration. It is the nation's oldest and most highly regarded specialty food association, celebrating over 30 years of service to the industry.
About Vermont Retail & Grocers Association:
The Vermont Retail & Grocers Association represents approximately 800 Vermont retail stores and 250 suppliers to the industry, including members of the Vermont Specialty Food Association. VRGA is an association of merchants and trade partners united to promote the sustainable growth of the industry through the educational, economic and public policy needs of its members.
