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MARCH 2015

Block Grant Funding Opportunity for Specialty Crops

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is pleased to announce the competitive solicitation to award 2015 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds for projects that solely enhance the competitiveness of Texas specialty crops.

The Request for Application (RFA), application and instruction documents may be found on TDA’s website under Grants & Services.
 
Responses will only be accepted from producer, industry or community-based organizations involved with, or that promote specialty crops.
 

• Projects must demonstrate that they enhance the competitiveness of Texas’ specialty crop industry.
   
• Project funds may only be used for activities benefiting specialty crops.
   
• Projects must benefit more than one individual, institution or organization. Grant funds will not be awarded for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual.  
   
• Applications will not be accepted where the primary applicant is an educational institution.
   
• Producer, industry or community-based organizations involved with specialty crops may partner with an educational institution; however, the primary applicant must be a producer, industry or community-based organization involved with specialty crops.

For questions regarding SCBGP, please contact Mindy Fryer, Grants Specialist, at (512) 463-6908.

From the Garden to the Grocery Store

Brenda Craig (the one pictured above in the cowgirl hat) is still nothing more than a farm girl at heart, yet she is also the founder of Texas Brew Products. It is a San Antonio-based company focused on producing gluten free, gourmet salsa, sauces and dressings — all of which are made with no artificial ingredients.

Brenda started making her now infamous Texas Brew Salsa in 2005 on her backyard grill. She employed this method for several years, as family and friends helped her to refine it into the deep roasted smokey salsa it is today. Every batch was made with love and care, which is something she still believes. “This is something that is necessary to success and must be translated to the larger manufacturing process,” said Craig. “The process can change, but the quality and bigness of heart cannot.”

Brenda is still the same determined farm girl and is adamant that her company represent the very best of Texas in everything they make and do. Living up to the reputation Texas has earned throughout its history is a high calling, yet one she is determined to keep. Her salsas and sauces may not overtly prove everything is “bigger” in Texas, but they do prove the most important thing: that everything is definitely “bolder and better” in Texas. All her condiments are “Texas bred, born and brewed,” boasting, “A bit of Texas in every jar.”

Her two newest sauces (Fire Roasted Pineapple Spices Rum and Fire Roasted Mango Tequila) were recent Zest Fest Fiery Food Challenge winners. Her True Blue Love confit just won second place for Best New Product at the 2015 Zest Fest Fiery Food Challenge and her renowned Fire Roasted Kale Salsa won a First Place Scovie Award. Her products can found on the condiment aisle at select H-E-B stores and H-E-B Cooking Connection stores, as well as several other retailers, including Whole Foods, Spec’s, Market Street and several gourmet shops.

Congratulations to Brenda Craig and her continued success. One of her mottos will certainly help in keeping Texas Brew Products growing. It is: “There is no such thing as failure, only course corrections. What seems like failure is only a business traffic sign that tells you to stop and yield to the lesson learned. Stop at the stop sign and wait to go until you have clarification and procure good advice. Learn from your mistakes and don’t beat yourself up.”

She also cites advice she heard from her co-packer: “‘Grow at a slow but steady rate. Don't be afraid to take risks. Listen to your gut and do your research, but use wisdom and ask for all the advice you can from those who have gone before you. No question is dumb. Do what you’re good at and, as you grow, hire others to do what you cannot do.’”

When being asked for advice to share with other GO TEXAN members, Craig is not just philosophical, but practical, as she also urges businesses: “Keep a certain amount of your finances untouchable and set it aside for production of product, which is your lifeblood.”

Besides sourcing locally for her products, she also uses a Texas co-packer and is not shy about extolling the virtues of the GO TEXAN program. “From the early days when I first exhibited at the GO TEXAN building at the rodeo — which was one of the places I was discovered by H-E-B — to the retailer events I have attended, I cannot express how grateful I am for all the opportunities GO TEXAN provides for me nor list all the benefits I have received. What is most puzzling to me is how some businesses cannot see the value. Come on in. The water is warm!”

Prepare to Meet the Commissioner

 

Be sure to check out our “Meet the Commissioner” Go Local. GO TEXAN articles and video interview excerpts on our Facebook page. We will be sharing a three-part series on getting to know Commissioner Sid Miller, including his personal life and upbringing, his experience as a rodeo champion and farmer/rancher, as well as his goals and vision for expanding and promoting Texas agriculture with his new position as Commissioner. If you don’t already subscribe to our free monthly Go Local. GO TEXAN., sign up here.

 

Showcasing the Best of Texas

Interested in spotlighting your products to dignitaries, business executives and heads of state? TDA is offering another great opportunity for GO TEXAN members to do just that. Donate your shelf-stable products to TDA for inclusion in VIP packages and your products may be seen and sampled by buyers and officials from around the world.

Here at TDA we value and appreciate great partnerships and contributing your product could potentially offer your company well-deserved local, national and/or international exposure. For more information, contact Jordan Oglesby at (877) 99-GOTEX.

Shipping Discounts for GO TEXAN Members

Unishippers is proud to offer special Platinum Plus shipping rates to all GO TEXAN members! Contact Chandra Eggemeyer today at (325) 234-3401. It only takes a few minutes to see if you can save money and time on anything from small express envelopes to full truck load shipping.

GO EXPORT!

GO TEXAN companies new to exporting and companies with limited export experience can use SUSTA’s Basics of Exporting handbook to get up to speed on terminology, processes, common pitfalls and strategies for success. Learn more here or contact Carlos Guerrero at (512) 463-6507.

Compete in the State Fair of Texas Food and Beer Competitions

Every year we hear members lament how they wish they knew about this opportunity. Well, 2015 could be your year, because we found out where to get the information well in advance. Check out the different food and craft competitions at the State Fair of Texas website. To get advance notice on the contests, join the State Fair Creative Arts newsletter club. Members receive exclusive competition information, deadline alerts, recipes, DIY instructions and more. Sign up here.
 

Mark Your Calendar

What: Hill Country Wildflower Festival
When: March 14-15
Where: Dripping Springs
Details: This festival specializes in promoting Texas handmade and Texas grown products, so this would be a great opportunity to come sell your products. They are offering reduced rates for agricultural products. For registration information, contact Jerry at (800) 392-9904.

What: Galveston Island Food & Wine Festival
When: April 17-18
Where: Downtown Historic Strand District, Galveston Island
Details: GO TEXAN members are invited to sample, display and sell their products at the Premium Wine Tasting on Friday from 6–8 p.m. and at the Grand Tasting on Saturday from 12–5 p.m. Booth fees are $400 for Friday and Saturday vending and $200 for Saturday only. Vendors need to supply their own tent, table, chairs, electricity and health permit. Contact Elizabeth Matthews at (409) 770-0999.

What: Texas Hot Stuff Market Festival
When: April 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: CITYCENTRE, Houston
Details: GO TEXAN spicy food members are invited to sample and sell their product at the Texas Hot Stuff Market Festival. GO TEXAN handmade “peppery” gift items are also welcome. CITYCENTRE, an upscale shopping and entertainment area, hosts up to 10,000 people each Saturday. Booth spaces begin at $400 for a 10’x10’. Spaces are very limited, so call show management now. Contact Michael Briggs at (832) 788-7071.

What: Volente Olive Fest
When: April 18
Where: Village of Volente
Details: Volente Olive Fest will be hosted at the Volente Beach Waterpark on Saturday, April 18th, from 2:30-8:30 p.m. with music, demonstrations, activities and vendors. Vendor opportunities are available (please bring your own set-up, tables, chairs, tent, etc., and a raffle item). For more information, contact Margie Moore at (512) 560-7743.

What: San Jacinto Day Festival and Battle Reenactment
When: April 18, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, La Porte
Details: GO TEXAN members are invited to sample, display and sell their products at the Festival. Booth fees start at $130, which includes a 10 percent discount for being GO TEXAN. Booth spaces are 12’x12’ and include a canopy, if needed, 2 chairs and 2 tables. Contact Sellmark (event organizer) at (210) 824-9474 for more information.

What: Earth Day Texas 2015
When: April 24-26
Where: Fair Park, Dallas
Details: Earth Day Texas is the largest public environmental exhibition in the world, with more than 75,000 attendees expected. It brings together businesses and agencies “to positively influence the way Texans think, live, and work.” For more information, visit the website or contact Matt Myers at (503) 781-8699.

What: Hutto Home and Garden Show
When: May 9, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Hutto
Details: The show will feature many vendors offering products and services, new ideas and general information related to home, gardening, remodeling and home décor. There will also be regional garden experts from the Texas Master Gardeners Association of Williamson County and Texas Master Naturalist presenting educational sessions and demonstrations throughout the day. GO TEXAN members get a 20 percent discount on vendor booth space. For information on becoming a vendor, contact Kim McAuliffe at (512) 759-4029.

What: Texas Steak Cookoff
When: May 16
Where: Hico
Details: Backyard chefs from all over the Southwest come to Hico to see who cooks the best steak in Texas. As the largest event of its kind in the Southwest, this event is a perfect venue to sell your one-of-a-kind jewelry, paintings, furniture, gourmet food items and high-end crafts. All types of quality vendors participate and their products are seen by more than 6,000 attendees. The normal cost for a 10’x10’ booth space is $150, but GO TEXAN members will get it for $125 (You must enter the promo code “steak2015” to get this discount at checkout). If needed, electricity is $5 extra. For more vendor and registration information, call (254) 796-4620 (ext. 4) or visit the website. The deadline is Monday, May 12.

What: Hill Country Olive Festival
When: May 29-31
Where: Dripping Springs
Details: This wonderful festival in Dripping Springs is full of wine, olive oil and food vendors, with entertainment for the whole family. For vendor information, contact Cara Gambini at (512) 607-6512.

What: 2015 U.S. Food Showcase
When: June 9-11
Where: Chicago, IL
Details: The Global Food Retailing Experience is the most cost-effective opportunity for U.S. manufacturers of food and beverage products to find new qualified international and domestic buyers. The USFS is specifically designed to put U.S. produced food products in direct contact with international and domestic buyers who have serious purchasing plans. Last year’s exhibitors reported $1.2 million in U.S. product purchases during USFS 2014 and are projecting export sales of $16.2 million over the next 12 months resulting from their participation. As a state pavilion participant, your company can be a part of a block of booths reserved by TDA exclusively for GO TEXAN companies who want to compete more effectively in the retail market place. To reserve your prime pavilion location, please contact Wendy Womack at (512) 463-7170.

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: 2015 Global Inbound Trade Mission to Fancy Food
When: June 27
Where: New York City
Details: Specialty food shows are an excellent venue for high-value food and beverage items and have attracted thousands of attendees. According to estimates from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT), this show attracts over 40,000 buyers annually. With many international representatives attending, the Fancy Food Show presents an excellent opportunity for companies seeking to export their products to meet foreign buyers. Schedule one-on-one meetings with key buyers from: Canada, China, Europe and Japan. The product focus will be on high-value and processed foods. The participation fee is $25 and the registration deadline is May 29. For registration information, click here.

What: Colombia Outbound Trade Mission
When: July 20-23
Where: Bogota, Colombia
Details: The opportunities for U.S. exporters to sell food and agricultural products in Latin America are on the rise. The United States is the number one supplier of consumer-ready food products to Colombia. 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 participation fee is $400. After May 1, this fee goes up to $600. The registration deadline is June 19. For more information, click here.

What: 2015 ANUGA
When: October 10
Where: Cologne, Germany
Details: The deadline for the biggest food and beverage trade show in the world is coming up, and no other event attracts more international participants. ANUGA takes place in Germany, but over half of the attending buyers and trade visitors will come from outside of the country. Meet one-on-one with international buyers and get your booth space in the SUSTA Pavilion. Products with best prospects include convenience and snack foods, nuts, frozen foods, seasonings, sauces, beverages, meat, poultry and beverages. Registration deadline is April 15, but if you register by March 1, there is an early-bird discount. For registration information, click here.

Members in the News

 

The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company (ABGB) and Franklin Barbeque have been featured on Eater Austin. The ABGB was also listed in the Austin American Statesman.

Artizone, H-E-B, Gorgi Gourmet, Slimritas and Texas Brew Salsa were highlighted in The Dallas Morning News.

Austin Land and Cattle (ALC), Green Pastures and Franklin Barbeque were all featured on Eater Austin. Austin Land and Cattle was also highlighted on Eater Houston.

One of Texas' most beloved exports, Blue Bell Creameries, was featured in Texas Monthly.

Brennan, Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant, Grape Creek Vineyard and Texas Hills Vineyard were all highlighted in The Dallas Morning News.
 
Blue Lotus Winery and Texas Mead Works were featured on mySA.

Bryan Street Tavern was featured on Eater Dallas.

Buc-ee’s was highlighted on mySA.

Buenos Aires Café, Fall Creek Vineyards, Flat Creek Estate, Hudson’s on the Bend and Texas Hills Vineyard were all featured on Wow Austin.

Café Josie, Chez Zee, Moonshine Grill and Quality Seafood 
were highlighted on Austin360.

The Carillon Restaurant was featured on Austin 360.

Carmelo’s Ristorante, The Carillon Restaurant and Kerbey Lane Cafe were all featured on Austin 360.

Chez Zee American Bistro, Green Pastures, Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill, Opal Divine’s Austin Grill and Red’s Porch were all highlighted on Austin 360. Green Pastures was also featured on Eater Austin.

Dish Society and Trevisio were featured on Eater Houston. Dish Society received extra coverage in yet another Eater Houston article.

Eden East was featured on Thrillist and Austin 360. Eden East was also spotlighted on Austin Culture Map in advance of the Austin Food and Wine Festival coming up (April 25-26). Several other GO TEXAN members were spotlighted in this article as well, including Jack Allen’s Kitchen, Easy Tiger and Olive & June.

Easy Tiger, Wholly Cow Burgers and The Backspace were all highlighted on Eater Austin. The Backspace was also featured on Eater Houston as well.

Fargo’s Pit BBQ was highlighted in Texas Monthly.

Grace was freatured by Eater Dallas. Grace was also mentioned alongside Little Red Wasp, Jack Allen’s, Arro and Easy Tiger on Houston Culture Map.

Granny Muffin Wines and Sabor a Pasión Estate and Vineyard were highlighted on TylerPaper.com. They were also highlighted on KLTV.

Hillside Farmacy, Kerbey Lane Cafe, Russian House and The Carillon Restaurant were all mentioned on Austin 360. Russian House was also featured on Eater Austin.

Hoover’s Cooking, Jack Allen’s Kitchen and Jacoby’s Restaurant and Mercantile were all featured on Eater Austin. Jacoby’s Restaurant and Mercantile was also featured on Austin 360.

House Pizzeria and The Backspace were highlighted in an article by the Austin American Statesman.

Iron Works Barbeque was highlighted on Eater Austin.

Jack Allen’s Kitchen and Jacoby’s Restaurant and Mercantile were highlighted on Thrillist. Jack Allen’s Kitchen was also mentioned on Austin 360.

Kiran’s Restaurant was spotlighted in the Houston Press.

Kerbey Lane Cafe and Jack Allen’s Kitchen were featured on Eater Austin.

Kuby’s Sausage House was highlighted on Eater Dallas.

Luck Local Urban Craft Kitchen was featured on Eater Dallas.

Luscher’s has been mentioned on Eater Dallas.

Messina Hof and a slew of others (including Dionisio Winery, Crescent Moon Wine Bar and Bernhardt Winery) were featured in an article on the Texas Wine industry in YourHoustonNews.

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen was featured on Eater Houston.

Parkside was highlighted on Eater Houston.

Prego was featured on Zagat.

Quality Seafood was highlighted on Field and Feast with a nice article on its history. Eater Austin also shined a spotlight on the Austin restaurant's iconic neon sign, along with Lammes Candies.

The GO TEXAN collaboration between members Saint Arnold Brewing and H-E-B was spotlighted on CraftBeer.com.

Lots of GO TEXAN members won big in the Zest Fest Fiery Food Challenge. The winners included: Sweet Heat Jam, Sucklebusters, Grumps, KW’s BBQ Sauce, Ana’s Food, Citas Salsa, Damn Good Heat, Stagecoach Salsa, Shaggy Dog, Texas Toffee and What the Chuck.

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) quilt was highlighted in Texas Tea & Travel Magazine. You can read the latest issue by scrolling down to the bottom right column and the article is on page 31.

New and Renewed Members
 

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 Challenge
 

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.