Convention Connects Pick Tennessee Products

In partnership with: Tennessee Department of Agriculture

For more than 30 years, the Pick Tennessee Products program has been a part of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), connecting people to the state’s farms and food businesses. 

Expanding on this success, TDA is using the program to connect businesses with retail outlets, helping small food manufacturers expand markets.

See more: How the Pick Tennessee Trade Show Helps Companies Grow

Those connections are often made at the Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association (TGCSA) convention, where eligible participants are featured in a special section of the exhibitors.

“Independent grocers, chain grocers and smaller retail stores looking to expand their local product lines attend this important show each year,” says Debbie Stepp Ball, business consultant in TDA’s Business Development Division.

Pick Tennessee Products

The impact of attending TGCSA cannot be overstated, according to some Pick Tennessee Products participants. Lynchburg Cake and Candy, makers of cake, whiskey balls and praline pecans, reports picking up two new accounts at the 2021 TGCSA show. Confection makers The Chocolate Ladies and gourmet food company Southern City Flavors both developed relationships with other Pick Tennessee Products businesses to source ingredients, make contacts and find customers. 

“Some of our largest retail accounts have come from this show,” says Danielle Ontiveros, CEO and founder of Grab the Gold Inc., which produces snack bars, cookies and supplements. “TGCSA is the most important show for us as a Tennessee-made product.” 

Members and eligible food businesses get a free listing in the Pick Tennessee Products directories and can use the program’s logo on their products and in advertising. 

See more: Pick Tennessee Products Celebrates 30 Years

“Pick Tennessee Products has an active social media presence, and we feature members in our posts throughout the year,” Ball says. 

TDA’s sponsorship of the annual trade show allows members to participate at a reduced rate, and TDA business consultants are available to work with food manufacturing businesses in regulatory and marketing assistance. 

“More than 2,500 members currently participate in the program,” Ball says. “From produce to pumpkin patches to honey and homemade soaps to cheese and artisan chocolates, you support local when you pick local products.”