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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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.

 



 



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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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.


 



Members in the News

 

Athens, which is a GO TEXAN Certified Retirement Community, is given historical recognition for being home to the very first hamburger in this article on OnlyInYourState.com.

Bee Bop Books was featured on local Fox affiliate KXII.

Deep Ellum Brewing, Revolver Brewing, Rahr & Sons, Lakewood, Franconia and Peticolas Brewing were honored on Eater Dallas as “Best Craft Beer in Dallas/Fort Worth.”

Congratulations to Aaron Franklin (of Franklin BBQ), who was honored as the James Beard Best Chef: Southwest 2015.

Garrison Brothers Distillery was featured on Hamptons.com.



Chef Gorji had one of his recipes highlighted in D Home Magazine.

H-E-B, Messina Hof and Fall Creek were highlighted on YourHoustonNews.

Haak Vineyards and Winery
were spotlighted in a YourHoustonNews article celebrating women in the wine world.

Jacoby’s and Hoover’s were highlighted on Eater Austin.

Little Red Wasp and Luscher’s were spotlighted on Eater Dallas.

Pedernales Cellars was featured in Texas Monthly.

Congratulations to Taste Elevated, who is a finalist in the Summer Fancy Food Show.

Texas Keeper was featured in the Houston Chronicle.

 

 

 


 

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.
 

 


 

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.


 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 


 

 

NEW/RENEWED MEMBERS

 

 

 


2 Gringos Chupacabra
San Antonio

The 501 Winery
Childress

Angelo's Bar B Que
Fort Worth

Aqua One
Amarillo

Aqua Pop

Flower Mound

Auntie Pens Backyard Herbs
San Antonio

The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company

Austin

Austin Farmers Market

Austin

Baker Berry Farms

Austin

Barton Creek Farmers Market

Austin

Bastrop 1832 Farmers Market

Smithville

Bear Creek Smokehouse
Marshall

Bee Bop Books

Howe

Belvedere Farms
Fredericksburg

Big Dawg Foods
Georgetown

Bluebonnet Crossing

West Columbia

Bo Jangles
Exclusively for Dogs

San Antonio

Bone Spirits

Smithville

Bonnie's Greenhouse
Lorena

Bragg Pecans

Hondo

Brazos Valley
Producers Network

College Station

Broken Arrow Ranch

Ingram

Bugtussle Burn

Arlington

Call Me Gourmet

Houston

Caphin

Houston

Caudalie Crest Winery

Celina

Chancellor's Ballroom

Pearland

Cheesemakers

Cleveland

Chilitepin King

Lancaster

Chip Berry Produce Co.

Flint

Chisholm Trail
Longhorn Beef Coop

Dallas

Circle X Land
and Cattle Co.

Bryan

Clarendon Christmas Bazaar

Clarendon

Clarendon Tourism and Economic Development

Clarendon

Claude's Sauces

El Paso

Clavel Corporation

Abilene

Colors of Texas

Waco

Concho Valley Winery

San Angelo

Cooper Farms

Fairfield

Cooper's Meat Market

San Antonio

Corn Maze Events

Donna

Corpus Christi
Produce Co.

Corpus Christi

County Line Farms

Hereford

Creekside Nursery

Hempstead

Cypress Ace Hardware and Feed

Houston

Daddy's Seasonings

Nacogdoches

Dallas Farmers Market

Dallas

David’s Nursery
Mineral Wells

Denton Spice Company

Denton

Depot Liquor
Brownwood

Dionisio Winery

Houston

Dirty Deeds Soap

Lubbock

Doug Nelson Food Products
Beaumont

Dripping Springs Farmers Market

Dripping Springs

Dziuk's Meat Market

Castroville

E and B Orchards

Hempstead

Eagle Mountain Farmhouse Cheese Co.

Granbury

Eastland Chamber
of Commerce

Eastland

Echo Springs
Blueberry Farm

Brownsboro

Emporium Packaging
and Spice Company

Temple

Fain's Honey
Llano

Forgotten Creek Farms
Lufkin

Frankie's Fresh Foods
Watauga

From the Garden

Lubbock

Funky Art Café

Brenham

Generation Farms

Rice

Genuine Texas Beef

Wichita

Georgetown Farm Supply
Georgetown

Gilbert Pecan Co.

Santo

Gonzales Chamber
of Commerce

Gonzales

Good to Go Meals
Wimberley

Gorji Gourmet

Addison

Grease Containment Systems
Fort Worth

Grocers Supply Produce
Houston

H and B Packing Co.
Waco

Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce

Harker Heights

Heart of Texas Landscape and Irrigation

Belton

High Plains Food Bank

Amarillo

Hill Country
Homestyle Canning

Fredericksburg

Hill Country Seedballs
Dripping Springs

Hillsboro Chamber
of Commerce

Hillsboro

Historic McKinney Farmers Market

McKinney

Hobbs Bonded Fibers

Waco

Holiday Tour of Homes
in McKinney

McKinney

Houston Dairymaids

Houston

Jim Wells County Farmers Market

Alice

Karen Musgraves

Mineola

Karma Candle Makers
San Antonio

Katie's Seafood Market

Galveston

Kloesel's Steak House and Bar

Moulton

Koch Ranches

San Antonio

La Raye's Bar B Que

Houston

Lazy 8 Ranch

Driftwood

Lubbock Economic Development Alliance

Lubbock

Manske Roll

San Marcos

Market Square Farmers Market
Paris

McMullen County

Tilden

Mercado De Familia
Nederland

My Texas Market

Spring

Nacogdoches
Farmers Market

Nacogdoches

Nelson Water Gardens and Nursery

Katy

Neopel
San Antonio

Night Hawk
Frozen Foods

Buda

Oak Cliff
Beverage Works

Grand Prairie

Oak Valley Vineyards

San Antonio

O'Farrell Country Vineyards

Atlanta

Onion Creek Kitchen

Dripping Springs

The Onion House
Weslaco

Papalote
Sanderson

Paris Vineyards
Paris

Pedernales Brewing Company

Fredericksburg

Pitts and Spitts

Bellville

Pop Cart Handmade
Ice Pops

Spring

The Protein
Cookie Company

McAllen

R and E Plants
Weatherford

Rancho Tres Hijos

Houston

Ready Ritas
Dallas

Red Potato Farmers Market

Simonton

Renfro Foods
Fort Worth

Rich Products Corporation

Buffalo

Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show

Mercedes

Royal Oaks Alpacas

Bryan

Russells Pecans and Fine Candies

Waco

Sabor!

Austin

Salsa Maya

Houston

Salud Corporation

Austin

San Antonio Farmers Market Association

San Antonio

Sandknop Tree Farm

Commerce

Santa Rosa Ranch

Crockett

Selrico Services

San Antonio

Serenity Tea Sips

Mesquite

Seville Farms
Fort Worth

Shallowater
Bridgeport

Silva Food Products
San Antonio

Sisters and Brothers

Austin

Slovacek Sausage

Snook

South Central Llama Association

Austin

South Tex Organics

Mission

Southside Market
and BBQ

Elgin

Soy Delites Candles

Austin

SPFM
San Antonio

Spiral Horn Ranch

Rochelle

Steve's Place
Aquilla

Strong Sugar Stopper

Mansfield

Sugar Mama's Cupcakes

Weslaco

Suregrow Agricultural Products

Comanche

Sustainable Harvesters

Hockley

Taylor Meat Company

Taylor

Tejas Chocolate

Spring

Texan Tree Depot

Katy

Texarkana Wine Festival

Texarkana

Texas Country
Farmers Market

Lubbock

Texas Earth

Brownfield

Texas Flame and Smoke

Bryan

Texas Pecan Ranch

Tomball

Texas Plant and Soil Lab

Edinburg

Texas Pride Barbecue

Adkins

Texas Triangle Grove

Richardson

Thirsty Planet
Brewing Company

Austin

Timothy's Gourmet House

Plano

Tru Tex Antique Prints

Maxwell

Uncle Bob's Country Seasonings

Austin

Val Verde Vegetable Co.

McAllen

Vidalias Southern Cuisine
Fort Worth

Village of Volente
Annual Olive Festival

Volente

West Creation

Waxahachie

West Texas Fair
and Rodeo

Abilene

Weston Gardens
in Bloom

Fort Worth

Wicked Beaver
Brewing Company

Wolfforth

Winters Family Beef
Brady

Wunderbar Products
Seguin

 

 

 

 

TESTIMONIAL


"Sampled at Food and Fiber Pavilion at the State Fair of Texas and was approached by Central Market. Now, we are in Central Markets, sampling there each week, selling out of one sauce and other sauces (are) doing well."

—Harold Green,
Bentley's Batch 5