State Agriculture Commissioner Encourages New Yorkers to Give the Gift of New York This Holiday Season with Taste NY Gift Baskets

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today encouraged New Yorkers to give the gift of New York this holiday season with Taste NY gift baskets filled with the very best of New York made food, beverages and other products.  Taste NY stores around the state are now offering pre-made and customized gifts available at the store, and, for the first time, are taking orders by phone and for delivery.

Commissioner Ball said, “There’s no better time to enjoy the many delicious products grown and made here in New York than the holidays. From the food and beverages used in our special meals to our gift-giving, I encourage New Yorkers to support the state’s farms and agribusinesses by sharing with friends and family the diverse and unique products homegrown and made only in New York.”

Gift baskets range in size and price, and feature specialty gourmet food items, locally produced wines and liquors, and bath and beauty products.

A list of the participating stores and their contact information, as well as descriptions and photographs of the products and specialty gift baskets being offered, are available on the Taste NY website at www.taste.ny.gov.  For the first time, shoppers can contact the stores directly to order pre-made or custom gift baskets by phone and for delivery, available at an extra cost.

The following Taste NY stores are offering holiday baskets:

 ·       Grand Central Station

The Taste NY store at Grand Central Station (across from Track 37) is offering a large variety of gift baskets featuring locally produced wines, liquors and gourmet items. They encourage shoppers to stop by in person and explore an amazing variety of locally produced products, including wine, beer, spirits, cheese, crackers, sauces, candy, maple syrups and snack foods, or call to order a gift basket for the ‘foodie’ in your life.

 ·       Market at Todd Hill

The Taste NY Market at Todd Hill has many items for shoppers to choose from, including gift baskets featuring locally made maple syrup and pancake mixes; a Tea Time Basket with tea tins, cinnamon sugar crackers, honey and crabapple jelly; and a Coffee Time Basket featuring locally crafted porcelain mugs and freshly roasted coffee.

 ·       Empire State Plaza Visitors Center

The Empire State Plaza Visitors Center gift shop is offering specialty gift baskets featuring New York State products and gourmet items, such as crackers, specialty spreads and condiments, teas, coffees, granolas, snacks, honey and maple products. Many selections include specialty food baskets, and bath and beauty products that are perfect for stocking stuffers or special gifts.

 ·       Broome Gateway

Taste NY at the Broome Gateway Center is selling an assortment of gift baskets ranging in prices from $7 to $50. They are offering multiple spa packages using Jada Hill Farm’s unique goat’s milk products (shampoo, conditioner, lotion, lip balm).  A Breakfast in Bed themed basket includes Broome County maple syrup, pancake mixes, artisan jams and local raw honey. Charcuterie boards are available with The Piggery sliced hams, salami and capicola, beautiful New York State cheeses, a cutting board and preserved figs.

Taste NY also offers a wide range of foods and beverages that can be used to create your own basket or special holiday meals. For a complete list on where to find Taste NY products, as well as additional partners selling New York State products, please visit the Taste NY website, www.taste.ny.gov.

About Taste NY Taste NY is an initiative launched by Governor Cuomo in 2013 to promote New York’s food and beverage industries. It is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Markets and has created opportunities for local producers to showcase their goods at large public events, such as the Great New York State Fair. The program has also opened stores at Thruway rest stops along the state’s highways and in transportation hubs, enabling travelers to buy New York State’s homegrown and homemade products. Approximately 1,100 local companies have participated in these opportunities, further linking their products and the state’s growing food and beverage market to consumers from across the globe. For more information about Taste NY, please visit www.taste.ny.gov. Connect with Taste NY through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.