By KAREN BINDER Illinois Correspondent
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Some of Illinois’ newest products are the centerpiece to the 17th Illinois Products Expo, attracting home consumers and wholesalers alike. Up to 80 different Illinois-based producers will gather March 7-8 in the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, and provide free food samples and selling their products. Vendor booths are still available. A few non-food items, such as soy and herb candles and agricultural-based soaps/lotions will also be available to purchase. As will a variety of locally-made drink options from breweries, wineries and distilleries as well as coffee and soda. “Illinois is known around the world as one of the leading producers of agricultural commodities, but many may not realize that we are also a leading food manufacturer,” said expo coordinator Kendra Schilling of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Illinois ranks first in the United States in sales of processed food products and third in food processing jobs. The state’s 2,514 food companies employ more than 83,000 workers. Illinois is known for its corn, soybeans and hogs, and major manufacturers from Caterpillar to Archer Daniels Midland Corp. The state also is a leader, however, in pumpkin production – 90 percent of the nation’s pumpkins are grown within a 90-mile radius of Peoria, according to the University of Illinois – and specialty crops such as radishes, red peppers, asparagus, cauliflower, peas and lima beans. One of the main goals of the expo is to highlight Illinois food products. “If consumers buy Illinois products, that helps keep the economy of the state. Our goal has always been to buy local, buy Illinois because it keeps jobs in the state and brings tax revenue to the state,” State Ag Director Bob Flider noted in a news release. While the expo is expected to attract 4,000 visitors, as many as 100 food and drink buyers also will attend a special showing before the doors open to the public. The buyers’ attendance is a vital element to the expo’s vendors if the state wants to see more Illinois products on store shelves and begin to reap economic benefits from local products, Schilling said. “We go from the Illinois Pork Producers selling their pork sandwiches to Oakland Noodle Company selling noodles,” she said. Others will sell pizza, chocolate, popcorn, spices, chili mix, cheese, beer, wine, spirits and more. One goal of the expo, hosted by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, is to make sure the companies have a chance to meet with buyers, including those who stock store shelves. Admission for the Illinois Products Expo is $5. Children 10 and under are free. It’s Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For a list of participating companies, visit www.agr.state.il.us/marketing/expo/expoexhibit.php |
