NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (Feb. 4, 2013) – The Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance, a group dedicated to promoting the food and beverage industry throughout the region, has announced that five organizations have joined its membership.
Poppy’s Burgers & Fries, Hudson Valley Harvest, Hudson Chocolates, Prohibition Distillery and Culinary Depot have become founding members of the Alliance, which focuses on helping food and beverage companies in the area work together as strong partners. Launched by Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC), the organization includes food businesses, farmers, vegetable growers, beverage makers, distributors and other organizations in the industry.
“We are pleased to announce that these organizations have become part of the Food & Beverage Alliance,” said Mike Oates, President and CEO of HVEDC. “These businesses have all found success in the Hudson Valley. They all are great supporters of the local economy and the local environment, and we are looking forward to their working with us to further the Alliance’s mission of promoting the region’s food and beverage industry.”
Poppy’s Burgers & Fries, which opened in 2009 in Beacon, serves affordable, farm fresh food with a mission. Poppy’s supports the local economy and environment by partnering with local farmers and local bread artisans to ensure a quality and local food experience. All of the meat Poppy’s serves is organic, humanely raised and local from Kiernan Farm in Gardiner, Ulster County. The owner and chef, Paul Yeaple, won the Food Network’s cooking competition show Chopped in 2010, and Poppy’s was named one of the Best Burgers in the Hudson Valley by Hudson Valley Magazine in 2009 and 2010.
“With our commitment to proving local and sustainable fare to our customers, we are excited to join the Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance to further our relationships with potential vendors and to help spread the word about the amazing food available in the Hudson Valley,” Yeaple said.
Hudson Valley Harvest was established in 2011 with the mission of making fresh and local meats and produce from Hudson Valley farms available to the consumer. By partnering with local family and farmer-owned operations, Hudson Valley Harvest supplies fresh food to restaurants and retailers, creating jobs and supporting the local economy while producing economically responsible, nutrient dense food. Hudson Valley Harvest celebrates the beauty and agriculture of the Hudson Valley and aims to be a destination for consumers who want to know more about their food.
“Our network of over 40 independently owned local farms produces some of the most delicious, highest quality local food found anywhere,” said Paul Alward, co-founder of Hudson Valley Harvest. “By partnering with the Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance, we can work to promote the incredible agriculture that exists right here in the area.”
Hudson Chocolates is a high-quality chocolate-making startup based in Poughkeepsie. Every piece of chocolate is the result of testing and research, with carefully balanced flavors and textures crafted and developed with the utmost care. Many of the ingredients used to make the fillings in the chocolates are fresh from the Hudson Valley, including hormone-free dairy products and seasonal fruits.
“It is an honor to join the Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance,” said Francisco Migoya, owner and head chocolatier of Hudson Chocolates. “We are committed to making chocolate of the highest possible quality, and we are excited to join with like-minded organizations with equally high standards.”
Prohibition Distillery, based in Roscoe, is the distiller of Bootlegger 21 New York Vodka, a locally crafted, smooth spirit named for the spirit of New Yorkers in the 1920s who vehemently disputed prohibition under the 21st amendment. Bootlegger Vodka was awarded gold medals at the 2010 New York International Spirits Competition and was given an “Exceptional 90-95 Rating” from the Beverage Testing Institute.
“The alliance is a leading organization representing the food and beverage community, and as a local New York distillery we feel it is important to partner with the members of this community,” said Brian Facquet, president and founder of Prohibition Distillery. “The consumer demand for local products ranging from produce, to meats, to beer and to spirits, like our Bootlegger 21 NY Vodka, is a trend being seen at hotels, restaurants and bars. We are proud to join the alliance and be an ambassador of the craft spirits movement.”
Culinary Depot, based in Monsey, has been building, renovating and servicing commercial kitchens for over 10 years. Culinary Depot specializes in meeting each of its customer’s needs from inception to completion and designing, building and installing kitchens that are on budget, on target and on time.
“Culinary Depot will be an asset to the network of food service professionals in the Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance,” said Culinary Depot Director of Design Simon Rottenberg. “We are looking forward to giving our ideas and sharing input with other esteemed Hudson Valley organizations.”
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.
