News Releases

Home  |  Programs  |  Divisions  |  Links  |  About Us  |  Contact Us

11-4-05

WEST VIRGINIA TO HOST BOOTH AT CHARLOTTE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SHOW

Eight West Virginia agribusinesses will make their first trip to the Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte , N.C. , November 10-20, joining more than 50 other companies that have provided products for past West Virginia booths at the 10-day holiday extravaganza.

Mountain artisans from Tamarack - a one-stop-shop for West Virginia culture, handcrafts, fine arts, cuisine and music - will also participate in the booth, demonstrating heritage crafting each day of the show and selling their products.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) and the West Virginia Division of Tourism, the booth gives state food producers and tourist destinations an opportunity to reach out to a populous and lucrative regional market.

"The link between agriculture and tourism is becoming more apparent every day," said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. "More farmers see the potential of using their farm operations to attract visitors, and more tourism destinations are realizing that visitors want unique culinary experiences during their vacations. Charlotte is within a day's drive of West Virginia and many of the people who live there already have West Virginia ties, so it's an ideal location to market West Virginia ."

The booth will feature samplings and demonstrations by 20 West Virginia companies, including Red Roof Farms, DeFluri's Fine Chocolates, Vita Foods and Chef Joe Re from Smokey's on the Gorge.

"The samplings and demonstrations are always very popular with shoppers and provide a huge boost for sales," said Jean Smith, WVDA's Director of Marketing and Development. Smith added that coupons have been sent to last year's buyers to entice them to visit the booth this year.

The theme of West Virginia 's booth this year is "Visions of Sugarplums," and some companies have created products to match the theme. DeFluri's Fine Chocolates will feature sugarplum truffles, Peaceful Scents will sell sugarplum tree ornaments and Carnation Candles will add sugarplum electric candles to its line. DeFluri's will also stock its popular candy case with gourmet items, including sugar-free and soy truffles for the health-conscious. Susan Kay Candies will feature 20 varieties of old-fashioned, hard-tack candy.

Altogether, products from 59 West Virginia companies will be for sale and 19 companies will conduct samplings at the booth.

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.

Home  |  Programs  |  Divisions  |  Links  |  About Us  |  Contact Us

©2001, 2002 West Virginia Department of Agriculture, All Rights Reserved

Contact the Webmaster