Local currant producer becomes founding member of organization
NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (June 29, 2012) – CurrantC™, a leading developer of currant products located on the first commercial currant farm in New York State, has joined the Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance as a founding member.
After owner Greg Quinn worked to overturn a 100-year-old ban on currant farming in New York — a policy originally enforced due to incomplete and outdated research — his Walnut Grove Farm in Staatsburg is now breaking new ground in the region. The company’s primary product, CurrantC™ All Natural Black Currant Nectar, is a beverage well known for its health benefits, and it contains antioxidants, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium and more.
“We are very excited to be joining the Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance as a founding member,” said Quinn. “This is a unique opportunity to share what we’ve learned and experienced throughout the process of creating CurrantC™, and we hope to gain some helpful insight into the successes and challenges of other member organizations in the region.”
The Food & Beverage Alliance focuses on helping food and beverage companies in the area work together as strong partners, as well as market their products all over the United States. Launched by the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC), the organization includes food businesses, farmers, vegetable growers, beverage makers, distributors and other organizations in the industry.
In addition to its popular Black Currant Nectar, CurrantC™ offers vacuum-sealed fresh frozen currants, currant-scented candles, currant concentrate, dark chocolate and black currant bars and many other products. Quinn’s goal is to raise awareness of the many health benefits of currants, including lowering blood pressure and staving off the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. The company hopes to cultivate the nutritional value of currants on a larger scale by re-establishing the crop in New York.
“We’re thrilled to welcome CurrantC™ as a founding member of the Food & Beverage Alliance, as this is a company that is unique to New York state,” said Mike Oates, President and CEO of the HVEDC. “CurrantC™’s innovative approach, creative product line and dedication to increasing product availability are all qualities that we hold in high regard within the Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance.”
To learn more about CurrantC™, visit http://www.currantc.com.
About Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC): HVEDC represents seven counties in Hudson Valley. This public-private partnership markets the region as a prime business location to corporate executives, site selection consultants and real estate brokers. HVEDC also helped start the branding and promotional effort for NY BioHud Valley. For more information on Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation or to review available business sites, visit http://www.HVEDC.com or call CEO Mike Oates at 845-220-2244.
