Taste NY and ShopTasteNY.com
Taste NY was launched in 2013 to promote New York’s food and beverage industries and drive agritourism throughout the State. The exposure from Taste NY has helped the farms and companies participating in the program to reach more customers, increase online sales, and, in many cases, expand the processing capacity of their business. Taste NY's food and beverage businesses also support the State's farmers by using New York grown and produced ingredients in their products.
In 2018, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCE Sullivan) was tapped by NYS to open the much-anticipated, Hudson Valley Catskills Welcome Center and Taste NY Market at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley.
“This location is designed for those who produce and grow within NYS, most predominately in the Hudson Valley and Catskills regions,” said CCE Sullivan Executive Director Colleen Monaghan.
“The beauty of shopping with an exclusive network of local farms, food artisans, and makers is that it keeps dollars in our friends’ and neighbors’ pockets, supporting local economic development, rather than sending our dollars out of the state.”
CCE Sullivan credits the success of the Taste NY Woodbury location to the careful selection of farmers and makers with a focus on high quality products that appeal to a variety of consumers.
While perusing local specialty food items, visitors receive an education in NYS tourism from trained store clerks and educators. The Hudson Valley Catskills Welcome Center boasts a rock wall, waterfall; 360-degree panoramic screen highlighting the best of NYS agriculture and tourism locations; and five interactive kiosks filled with fun quizzes that when completed, provide the visitor with tips and informative tidbits to enhance their NYS tourism experience.
The Hudson Valley Catskills Welcome Center and Taste NY Market opened on October 26, 2018, and is open for your "local" shopping experience!
On April 4, 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, CCE Sullivan expedited the launch of the highly anticipated statewide e-commerce marketplace for the Taste NY program, ShopTasteNY.com. “CCE Sullivan is devoted to helping New York producers explore and expand new market opportunities, supporting local business and bringing dollars into New York State, now more than ever,” explained Vanessa Petrosian, CCE Sullivan County Director, State & Regional Ag Program Initiatives.
Through ShopTasteNY.com, a diverse selection of foods, beverages, and gifts from each region of New York State, are now also available on the new mobile-responsive online store. The new website was launched to support the state’s farmers, producers, and small food and beverage businesses, and to increase sales and drive revenues to local communities. It also allows farmers to connect with new consumers in the marketplace.
Shop Taste NY is operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County on behalf of Taste NY and the Department of Agriculture and Markets. The site offers a variety of products from across New York, from honey and jams to goat milk soaps, reflecting each region’s offerings. Currently, nearly 200 farms and food and beverage businesses are showcased on the site. Participating partners and products are featured on a rotating basis to ensure the diversity of the product line and regional representation.
Last updated September 23, 2022
