Attention GO TEXAN Restaurant Members: Join the 2015 GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up
We have some exciting changes to announce for this year’s GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up. We’re focusing on special, local events, and expanding it to an entire month of promoting the best of Texas all across the state. Join other GO TEXAN member restaurants to show your support of local Texas food and beverage producers by hosting an eat-local event at your restaurant, or by featuring a special Texas-themed menu or menu item, during the month of July.
How can your restaurant get involved?
Let GO TEXAN help you determine what kind of event or promotion is right for your restaurant brand, goals and community. Click here to fill out the survey to see examples of events, get ideas and request free marketing materials to use during your event or promotion. This is an especially good opportunity for food and beverage producers to get involved with Texas restaurants and promote their products on a local or statewide level.
Food Bank Collaboration:
For this month-long celebration, TDA is once again partnering with Feeding Texas. Each restaurant hosting an event or menu feature will include their local food bank in a way that pays an immediate benefit to the bank, such as having can donation bins onsite, or collecting money during the event to donate.
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State Fair of Texas Food and Fiber Pavilion Early Bird Deadline is July 10!
The State Fair of Texas is around the corner. We are now taking applications for the GO TEXAN General Store in the Food and Fiber Pavilion.
The GO TEXAN General Store is building the largest collection of Texas-made products on the Fairgrounds (September 25 - October 18).
Showcasing your product in the GO TEXAN General Store at the State Fair of Texas is a great opportunity for your company to shine in an all-Texas product setting. Visit the GO TEXAN website or email TXStateFair@TexasAgriculture.gov for more information.
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GO TEXAN Member Opportunity: Walmart's Buy Local, Buy Texas Proud Campaign
This is an opportunity to promote your product with other Texas products in Walmart stores all over the state during two phases (one in July and/or one in October). Each vendor receives exclusive promotion in their product category, meaning your product will be the only one promoted in your specific category.
• An in-store incremental feature display for 4 weeks in 10-20 stores in a designated area of the store with Texas Proud sign kits.
• 35 radio ads (30-second commercials) to air across MIX 94.7, Majic 95.5, 96.3 RnB, and Talk 1370 in Austin. These will run as a piggy back ads with Walmart's Texas Proud 30-second commercial during the designated phase, reaching over 800,000 listeners a week.
• 35 online radio commercials (30-second spot) to air across station websites of MIX 94.7, Majic 95.5, 96.3 RnB, and Talk 1370 during designated phase.
• Social media posts and digital displays.
• Opportunity to sample at 4 "Retail-tainment" events at Walmart stores per phase (8 total events). Events will be 2 hours each on a Saturday or Sunday. Dates and time TBD.
Vendor will provide logo, copy points, product for sampling and communication with Walmart on product displays and pricing. For pricing and more information, contact Coreen Boals at (512) 329-6254.
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New Trade Relationship with Ecuador Benefits Texas Ranchers
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) recently hosted a delegation of agriculture leaders from Ecuador to facilitate the trade of cattle between the two nations. Ultimately, the meeting has led to the sale of Brahman cattle from Texas ranches to Ecuadorian producers.
“I’m excited to see leaders from different countries working together to improve trade relations and grow opportunities for Texas producers to market and sell their goods at home and abroad,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “These types of agreements help Texas ranchers by opening new markets and showcasing the quality of Texas breeding programs.”
As the No. 1 cattle producing state in the nation, with more than 11 million head of cattle roaming the state’s land, Texas stands to benefit from the new trading partners in Ecuador.
“The Ecuadorian breeders are known for demanding quality cattle,” said Sloan Williams, owner of V8 Ranch. “We are so honored that the Ministry of Agriculture officials came to Texas ranches to select our highest quality bulls for this historic exportation. I am certain that these Texas-bred bulls will be an asset to the agriculture industry of Ecuador, and I look forward to seeing their impact."
This significant trade mission sets the precedence for more successful trade relations between Texas and Ecuador in the future. Agriculture Commissioner Miller is committed to building impacting international relationships and facilitating trade opportunities for Texas agricultural producers.
The photo above shows the bulls from V8 Ranch making their last walk down the ranch’s bull development pens as they embark on their new journey to Ecuador.
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Update Your Contact Information
We don't want you to miss a single piece of important information we send to our GO TEXAN members. Please make sure we have your most accurate contact information. Want to spread the news? We are glad to add the email addresses of other vital contacts at your company to receive publications like this info-letter and other direct email blasts about GO TEXAN opportunities. Simply email your updated or expanded contact information to us. Please include your GO TEXAN account number or TDA client ID number, if available.
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GO TEXAN Success Story:
Ana’s Foods
“I owe a great big ‘Thank You’ to the employees of the Texas Department of Agriculture for all they do for GO TEXAN members,” said Anna Olvera Ullrich, president and CEO of Ana’s Foods, Austin. The company recently announced that Randalls and Tom Thumb grocery stores throughout Texas are now carrying Ana’s Salsa, thanks to GO TEXAN. Safeway, the parent company of the Randalls/Tom Thumb grocery chain, has elected to put Ana’s Salsas into the deli section of their stores.
Last summer a deli buyer for Safeway inquired if Ana’s Foods would like to submit their salsas to Safeway to have them taste-tested with other Texas salsas. She explained that her company was making an effort to bring in more local products into their Texas stores. She went to the GO TEXAN website to look up Texas-made products, where she found Ana’s Foods.
Tubs of Ana’s Salsas were sent to Safeway’s main office in California. Finally, after a few weeks passed, the buyer informed Anna that Safeway definitely wants their salsas, starting with the medium heat level of both Ana’s Original and Ana’s Restaurant Style. The first orders for the stores were delivered in January.
Anna stated that she is very happy that, shortly after she and her husband started the company almost eighteen years ago, they joined what was then known as Taste of Texas, the predecessor to GO TEXAN. She and her company were formally recognized last year as one of the founding members of the GO TEXAN program. She credits the various avenues and activities that GO TEXAN utilizes to promote Texas products with her garnering her second largest account, after H-E-B.
Anna Olvera-Ullrich and Jim Ullrich started the business in early 1997 by selling jars of Ana's Salsa to neighbors, friends and co-workers. Its public unveiling occurred in August 1998 at the 8th Annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival, where Ana's Salsa took First Place, People's Choice Award in the Red Salsa Commercial category. The salsa has been awarded 25 awards, including the Golden Chile Pepper at the Fiery Food Challenge for Fresh Salsa in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Ana's Salsa Pico de Gallo was awarded its first place award in its debut at the 2005 Chile Pepper's Fiery Food Challenge. Ana's Herbs was added to Anna's Unlimited gourmet food lineup at the 3rd Annual Texas Fiery Foods Show in 1999.
It has already won numerous first place awards, including the prestigious 2001 and 2002 Scovie Award for Table Seasonings. Anna's latest creations are her serrano pepper jellies that are “sweet with a little heat.” These are available in burnt orange, strawberry, peach and original serrano.
The Austin-based company has also been recognized for its innovative new packaging. It’s the first food company in the United States to use a radically new tub design that utilizes a lot less plastic. For more information on Ana’s Foods, go to their website.
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Commissioner Miller Encourages Texans to Help Farmers and Ranchers Devastated by Deadly Tornadoes and Severe Flooding
Parts of rural Texas have recently been hit hard by severe weather and experienced the wrath of Mother Nature through tornadoes, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and flooding. As Texans continue to deal with the aftermath of this devastating weather, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is calling on fellow Texans to lend a helping hand to those in need by donating to the State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund or STAR Fund.
The STAR Fund was created to collect monetary contributions from private individuals and businesses to assist farmers and ranchers in responding to and recovering from natural disasters. Funds may be used to rebuild fences, restore operations and pay for other agricultural relief efforts.
“These severe storms are catastrophic in nature, and in their wake, they’ve destroyed homes and devastated the livelihoods of the farmers and ranchers who dedicate their lives to supplying us with food and clothing,” Commissioner Miller said. “We are Texans, and when disaster strikes, our citizens rise to meet the challenge. I ask all Texans who have the means to assist their neighbors in need to please come forward and show their support.”
You can learn more about how to donate to the STAR Fund on the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) website at TexasAgriculture.gov.
As farmers and ranchers begin to assess the damage and rebuild their lives, Commissioner Miller is encouraging them to apply for assistance through the STAR Fund. TDA is now accepting applications for grants, which are available in areas where a state of disaster declaration has been issued by the governor or president.
“Every day, we depend on farmers and ranchers to provide our families with the healthy food and warm clothes to sustain our lives, and now is the time for Texas producers to lean on us,” Commissioner Miller said. “This is not a hand out, rather it’s a helping hand. I hope people will take advantage of these funds if they need them.”
Farmers and ranchers can apply for assistance through the STAR Fund by contacting TDA’s Grants Office or by visiting TexasAgriculture.gov.
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GO TEXAN Members Representing Texas at Fancy Food Show
The following 17 GO TEXAN members are participating in the Fancy Food Show in New York City. We wish them the best of luck, as they'll be meeting with food buyers from around the world. GO TEXAN! Austinuts, Cherith Valley Gardens, Conscious Choice Foods, Del Sol Food Company, Dipasa USA, Drink Daily Greens, Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods, GNS Foods, The Great San Saba River Pecan Company, Jardine Foods, Lammes Candies, Lily of the Desert, Mozzarella Company, Pita Pal Food, RiceSelect, Smart Flour Foods and Sweet Shop USA.
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Mark Your Calendar
What: Houston Chili Cook-Off When: June 14, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Where: The Union Kitchen, Houston Details: GO TEXAN members are invited to come and enter their chili team. Team entry fees are $30 for a 10’x10’ booth. Subject to availability. Contact Michael Briggs at (832) 788-7071.
What: Sixth Annual Texas Rural Challenge When: June 15-16 Where: Waco Details: The conference features engaging and accomplished leaders in business and government. The theme this year is “Rural Matters: Growing Our People, Resources and Future.” The conference will highlight topics and best practices in business and economic development, community development and rural statewide issues. A large number of state and federal agencies, along with private sector partners, will host and participate in this event; the largest of its kind to focus on the challenges facing rural Texans. This is a statewide conference hosted by the Office of the Governor and UTSA’s Institute for Economic Development — SBDC Rural Business Program. For sponsorship information, contact Celeste Cavazos at (210) 458-2046.
What: 11th Annual Blanco Lavender Festival When: June 12-14 Where: Blanco Details: The festival historically has upwards of 10,000 visitors over the course of the 3-day event. Blanco is the Lavender Capital of Texas. There will be two production farms for visitors to tour and experience this unique facet of Texas agriculture. A Speaker’s Pavilion, held in our historic Old Blanco County Courthouse, will host panel discussions and speakers with topics such as incorporating lavender into the home landscape, beekeeping, rainwater collection/drip irrigation and creating butterfly friendly landscapes. A market on the lawn of the Old Blanco County Courthouse will showcase over 130 artisans from all over the state. This tent features Texas made foods, beer and wine. All vendors will provide samples and tastings. For more information, contact Libbey Aly at (830) 833-5101
What: Dallas Temp Show When: June 25-28 Where: Dallas Details: Reach the tens of thousands of retail store buyers attending the Dallas Temp Show at Dallas Market Center. GO TEXAN members receive a 15 percent discount on exhibit space. Don't need a whole booth? Consider showing among other like products at one of the “specialty” booths for an even deeper discount. For more information, visit the website or contact Tammy Scholz at (214) 655-6139.
What: Colombia Outbound Trade Mission When: July 20-23 Where: Bogota, Colombia Details: Expand your business to this region and register with SUSTA to participate in this trade mission to Bogota. Participants will meet with potential key buyers in pre-arranged, one-on-one appointments as well as tour various grocery chains and specialty stores. SUSTA will reimburse three nights of hotel accommodations within the federal per diem rate. SUSTA will also sponsor up to $500 in product sample shipping, provide interpreter services and local business transportation. The product focus will be on fruits, nuts, vegetables, high value and processed foods, horticulture, nursery, meat and seafood. The registration deadline is June 19. For more information, click here or contact Carlos Guerrero at (512) 463-6507 or Evan Knopp at (512) 463-2537.
What: IPM Dubai International Plants Expo When: October 5-7 Where: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Details: If you are a producer of flowers, landscape plants, seeds, turfgrass, hydroponics or trees, you might want to attend this expo. The Middle East is one of the fastest growing markets in the world within the horticultural, flowers and plants industry. Dubai is developing into an important trade center for producing areas such as Africa, Asia and the consumer markets of UAE and Europe. The early-bird participation fee is $700, which goes up to $850 after July 3. This fee includes a 100 square-foot booth within the SUSTA pavilion, interpreter services and SUSTA will reimburse each company up to $3,000 in shipping costs with proper documentation. For more information, contact Carlos Guerrero at (512) 463-6507.
What: Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest When: October 24 Where: Marktplatz in downtown Fredericksburg Details: This is the 25th anniversary of the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest. There are still openings for Texas specialty food booths. Any interested GO TEXAN food member should contact Deborah Farquhar-Garner at (830) 997-8515 for an application.
What: 28th Annual Hogeye Festival
When: October 24
Where: Elgin
Details: The Hogeye Festival will feature over 120 artists with handcrafted wares, delicious food vendors, great music throughout the day and a wonderful children’s area with activities and games. It is advertised throughout central Texas and attracts up to 20,000 attendees each year. GO TEXAN members will receive a 20 percent discount on being a vendor. For more information, click here for more information or email or call (512) 229-3217.
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Show Your Texas Pride: Wear GO TEXAN.
Did you know all GO TEXAN merchandise is always available at gotexan.org with free shipping? For a limited time, we have an exclusive discount for all GO TEXAN members: a 10 percent discount on any and all GO TEXAN merchandise. Just enter the coupon code "June2015" when checking out to apply your discount. This coupon code expires June 30, 2015. Go shopping and pick out some GO TEXAN apparel for your or your loved ones to wear and show the world that you GO TEXAN.
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Tell Your Story: Shine a Spotlight on Your Company
Would you like to see your GO TEXAN company featured in one of our publications (like this one)? Go here for information on how to send us your story for publication consideration.
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Spot the Mark
Want a fun way to share the best things in Texas with the world? It’s easy!
GO TEXAN uses social media tools like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to post GO TEXAN events, share member news and increase the awareness for the wide variety of products grown or made right here in the Lone Star State.
Challenge: If you spot the GO TEXAN mark in public, let us know. Send us a picture of the GO TEXAN mark on a product, sign or printed materials and let us know where you saw it. You may send us that information by using the GO TEXAN Twitter hashtag (#GOTEXAN), so we can easily retweet your message or send us an e-mail.
And speaking of the GO TEXAN mark, as a valued member, please ensure you're using the correct GO TEXAN mark. We updated the mark to include a registration symbol (®) and all members should now be using the new mark.
If you don't have the latest version of the GO TEXAN mark, email us to get high-quality digital copies of the mark to use on your labels, merchandising materials, website and more.
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