October 24, 2007

Novi - Fifteen Michigan food businesses displayed and sampled their products for some of Michigan’s most successful restaurant owners, chefs, and foodservice professionals as part of a special “Select Michigan Pavilion” during the 2007 Michigan Restaurant Show held on October 16 and 17, 2007 at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi.

The Select Michigan Pavilion, hosted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Select Michigan Program, was one of more than 300 exhibits of food, equipment, wine, spirits, interiors, tableware, soft drinks, technology, business advice and design all focused on the foodservice industry. The goal of the pavilion was to connect Michigan companies with potential customers while increasing awareness of the diversity of Michigan food and agriculture products and the benefits of buying locally.

“For just about any food product you want to buy, there is a company in Michigan that produces or processes it,” said MDA Director Don Koivisto. “By sponsoring Michigan companies at shows like this, we are able to showcase the diversity and quality of Michigan companies and their products.”

Michigan’s foodservice industry plays an integral role in Michigan’s economy, employing more than 436,000 people and generating over $11.3 billion in total annual sales. Purchasing locally grown and processed food and agriculture products helps support Michigan farmers and the state’s second largest industry. Michigan agriculture generates $60.1 billion for the state economy and circulating revenue in local communities.

The Michigan companies that participated in the Select Michigan Pavilion were: Eden Foods of Clinton; Michaelene's, Inc. of Clarkston; Fruit House Winery of St. Johns; LorAnn Oils, Inc. of Lansing; Black Star Farms of Suttons Bay; Sanders - Morley Candy of Clinton Twp.; Carmi Flavor & Fragrance of Walled Lake; Thumb Oilseed Producers of Ubly; Riveridge Produce Marketing Inc. of Sparta; Festida Foods of Cedar Springs; Michigan Dry Bean Industry; Peterson Farms Fresh of Shelby; Serra Cheese Co. of Clinton Twp.; Heartland Ingredients of Hillman; and Win Schuler Foods of Southfield.

For more information about MDA’s Select Michigan Program and its retail and consumer promotions, please contact Christine Lietzau, program manager, at 517-373-9800 or by email at lietzauc@michigan.gov.

“Select Michigan. It’s good for you, our growers and our local economy.”