By Blake Jackson
Kentucky Proud, the official marketing initiative of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, is inviting Kentucky Proud vendors and wholesale buyers to participate in its second Kentucky Proud Vendor Expo on Friday, Sept. 18.
The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Shelbyville Conference and Welcome Center and is designed to connect Kentucky Proud members offering retail-ready products with wholesale buyers from across the state.
The business-focused expo provides an opportunity for producers to showcase their products, build relationships, and expand their reach into new retail markets.
“We are excited to offer this showcase for our Kentucky Proud agriculture producers,” Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “Agriculture is economic development, and bringing everyone together benefits the producers, the retailers, and the state.”
Launched in 2002, Kentucky Proud serves as the state's official marketing program, helping consumers identify locally grown, raised, manufactured, and processed products.
The program supports thousands of agricultural businesses, with more than 75 percent of its members being small family farms.
“At Kentucky Proud, we promote Kentucky farms and the farm products that our members create,” Commissioner Shell said.
“If it has the Kentucky Proud logo, you can be assured the products were raised, grown, manufactured, or processed in Kentucky by Kentuckians. That logo gives consumers the confidence to know it came from friends, neighbors, or fellow residents of this great Commonwealth.”
The expo will feature a wide range of Kentucky-made products, from fresh produce and meats to specialty foods and sweet treats.
Vendors must meet commercial retail requirements, including product liability coverage, proper labeling, and barcode compliance, ensuring buyers have access to retail-ready products.
Kentucky Proud members may apply for booth space through their member portal at kyproud.com.
Retailers, distributors, and food service professionals can register online to attend at no cost. Early registration closes Aug. 15, while final registrations will be accepted through Aug. 30.
Photo Credit: kentucky-proud
Categories: Kentucky, Business, General