Hoosier Producers in Statewide Spotlight

Indiana Grown was launched in the summer of 2015.

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Organizers of the Indiana Grown initiative say an interactive food and beverage showcase this weekend in Indianapolis will shine a spotlight on food producers from throughout the state. Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Ted McKinney says the Fantastic Food Fest will connect Hoosier companies with consumers and retailers. He says Indiana Grown is gaining traction, as some members are reporting increased sales since the initiative announced partnerships with grocery chains Marsh Supermarkets Inc. and the Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR).

Nearly 50 Indiana Grown members will be among those taking part in the Fantastic Food Fest, which runs January 16-17 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The event will also feature cooking classes, workshops and demonstrations from local and national chefs.

McKinney says Indiana Grown is taking a "big tent approach" to promoting businesses in the state. He says the initiative targets operations ranging from large producers to startups and family farms. He says the prospect of members having their products displayed throughout the state is playing a part in bringing families back to small communities that they may have otherwise left.

The Fantastic Food Fest, McKinney says, will also help expose producers to the "next wave" of partners that Indiana Grown hopes to attract, including the state’s restaurants.

Indiana Grown members participating in this weekend’s event include:

12-05 Distillery – Indianapolis                             Hotel Tango Whiskey – Indianapolis
240 Sweet – Columbus, Ind.                              Indiana Pickle – Indianapolis
Amber Waves – Martinsville, Ind.                       Jen’s Country Kitchen BBQ – Lapel, Ind.
Batch No. 2 – Indianapolis                                 Joe’s Jerky – Kokomo, Ind.
BeeFree – Noblesville, Ind.                                JohnTom’s BBQ– Muncie, Ind.
Best Boy & Co. – Roanoke, Ind.                         Kim’s Key Lime Cookies – Indianapolis
Big Brickhouse Bakery – Fort Wayne                  Kroger – Indiana
Brick House Vinaigrettes – Greenwood, Ind.       JavAroma Roasters – Mitchell, Ind.
Broad Ripple Chip Co. – Indianapolis                  Mallow Run Winery – Bargersville
Charlie’s Premium – Greenwood, Ind.                 Master’s Hand BBQ – Fort Wayne
Chocolate for the Spirit – Carmel, Ind.                Monarch Beverage – Indianapolis
Cook’s Bison Ranch – Wolcottville, Ind.              Needmore Coffee – Chesterton, Ind. 
Cornerstone Bakery – Indianapolis                     New Old-Standard Baking Co. – Bloomington, Ind.           
Crazy Charlie’s – Fishers, Ind.                            Real Hemp – Indianapolis 
Custom Quality Meats – Fort Wayne                   Revival Food Co. – Indianapolis
Foods Alive – Waterloo, Ind.                              Risin’ Creek Creamery – Martinsville, Ind. 
Fresco Spice Blends – Fort Wayne                     Schnabeltier – Rochester, Ind.
Frittle – Indianapolis                                          Skinny & Co. – Indianapolis 
Grandma’s Oven – Clayton, Ind.                         This Old Farm – Colfax, Ind.
Grandpa’s Beef Jerky – Fishers, Ind.                  Traders Point Creamery – Zionsville, Ind.
Green BEAN Delivery – Indianapolis                  Triton Hydro Farm – Huntington, Ind.
Gutwein Popcorn – Francesville, Ind.                  Urban Ladle – Greenfield, Ind.
Harvest Café and Tea – Indianapolis                  Vom Faas – Noblesville, Ind.
Healthy Hoosier Oil – Converse, Ind.                   Winzerwald Winery – Bristow, Ind.
Hoosier Momma – Brownsburg, Ind.