Shop Local: products expo showcases Illinois grown, Illinois made merchandise
Doors open Saturday, March 5th

[March 03, 2016]    SPRINGFIELD - New exhibitors will be among the more than 70 Illinois food companies, wineries, and agriculture associations that will take part this weekend in the 18th annual Illinois Products Expo. From ice cream and cheese for the kids, to beer and wine for the adults, you will be able to taste, sample, and purchase all of what Illinois has to offer at the Expo.

“Illinois ranks first among all states in food processing sales ($186 billion), and food processing is the state’s number two manufacturing activity,” said acting director Raymond Poe. “Currently, the state’s 2,372 food processing companies employ more than 71,000 workers. Illinois agriculture is more than the rows of corn and soybeans in the fields across our state. I encourage everyone to come out and witness all of what Illinois agriculture has to offer and support our local agri-businesses.”

The Expo’s food offerings, which can be sampled for free as well as purchased, will include fresh meat products, gourmet seasonings and sauces, and homemade jams and jellies. There will also be non-food items, such as soy candles and agriculture-based soaps and lotions, on display and available for purchase.

Another favorite among visitors is the wine and beer companies. There are currently over 100 wineries operating in Illinois, and 450 growers statewide. This year there will be 18 wineries in attendance, including two businesses brand new to the Expo. “The Illinois Products Expo is a wonderful venue to help our organization introduce Illinois wine to customers who care about supporting Illinois agri-businesses,” said Cynthia Fleischli, Executive Director of the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association. “Illinois wine is a $692 million dollar economic engine for the state of Illinois and we are excited to see it grow thanks to exposure from events like the Illinois Products Expo.”

The Illinois Products Expo will be open on Saturday, March 5th from 10:00am-5:00pm and Sunday, March 6th from 10:00am-3:00pm in the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Admission is $5 per person. Children 10 and younger will be admitted free of charge. While food sampling will be free, the beverage tastings are offered at a small cost. Five dollars will get you five tastings and your own wine glass to take home.

List of participating vendors scheduled to attend the 2016 Illinois Products Expo:

Engrained Brewing Co.
Pasta Alley
Rolling Meadows
Turasky Meats
Hickory Grove Products
Grandma Cookey
Reinneck Ranch
The Cousins Dog Biscuit Co.
Toohill Seed & Beef Services
Meatsmack
Golden Prairie Popcorn
The Homestead Bakery

Hilltop Maple Syrup & Honey Co.
Papa's Midwest Kettle Corn
IL Specialty Growers Assoc
Voss Pecans
Country Lights Soy Candles
ReMARKable Caramels
Wilderness Farms Blackberries
Four Score & Seven Ribs Ago BBQ
Crowbridge Farm Ice Cream
MG Foods
Oakland Noodle Company
Jimmy B's
Butch's Pizza
Uncle Joe's Sauces
Jones Boys Markets
Flat Branch Soap Co.
JD Mullen Co
Two Fat Guys Gourmet Sauce
Sasse's Apiary
LaMexicana
SS Backwards Longhorn Meats
IL Pork Producers/Bloomington Meats
Mowry Baking and Candy Co
Cocoa Blue Chocolates
Big Fork Brands
HK Foods - Kelley's Gourmet
Lane Distributing - Eastside Café
SenTEAmental Moods
Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners
Consolidated Brands
Gridley Meats Inc
Rays Brand Chili
Serious, LLC
Phoenix Bean LLC
Papa's Pasture
Spark of the Heart
Java & Company
Zillions Chili
Spice of Life
Windridge Herb Farm
Ludwig Farmstead Creamery
IL FFA Center
Family Kettle Corn
Linda's Salsa

[Illinois Department of Agriculture]