The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is urging holiday shoppers to support local businesses by purchasing gifts from Taste NY Markets across the state. These markets, located at regional Welcome Centers and other sites, as well as the online platform ShopTasteNY.com, feature a range of locally produced foods, beverages, specialty items, and customizable gift baskets. Shoppers can take advantage of discounts of up to 30 percent on in-store and online purchases beginning Black Friday.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “One of the greatest joys of the holiday season is supporting local farmers and businesses. Whether you’re shopping for holiday dinners, stocking stuffers, or special keepsakes, our Taste NY program offers a wide variety of high-quality products that showcase the best of New York’s rich agricultural tradition. Through Taste NY, we invite you to find fun, unique products — everything from local artisan crafts to decadent chocolates, maple syrup, beverages, and more — that make perfect additions to your holiday meals or thoughtful gifts for loved ones. There’s no better time than now to visit one of our Taste NY Markets or ShopTasteNY.com and explore everything Taste NY has to offer.”
Taste NY Markets at Welcome Centers statewide are offering various seasonal promotions. For example:
– The Capital Region Welcome Center will provide gift boxes and charcuterie options along with catering services for office parties.
– The Central New York Welcome Center is giving out coupons redeemable after January 1.
– The Hudson Valley | Catskills Welcome Center features storewide discounts on key dates like Black Friday and Hanukkah promotions.
– The Mohawk Valley Welcome Center is introducing promotional gift items such as coffee mugs and holiday treats.
– At the Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn, there are discounts on gift baskets during Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.
– Taste NY at Front Street in Broome County hosts an artisan market with over 40 vendors in December.
– Todd Hill Market welcomes local lamb producers offering samples and sales.
– Western NY Welcome Center provides daily sampling events and custom basket options with additional workshops for visitors.
In addition to physical locations found in travel hubs such as Thruway service areas and airports, consumers can shop online at ShopTasteNY.com. Launched in 2020, this site delivers New York-produced goods directly to customers’ homes. Over 100 food, beverage, and gift items from around the state are available for purchase online. Holiday deals include 30% off all products from Black Friday through Cyber Monday; following that period until Christmas Day most items are discounted by 20%, with select products at 30% off. Orders placed between November 28–December 25 come with additional coupons for future use; customers are advised to order by December 15 for Christmas delivery.
Jenna Gangel, ShopTasteNY.com Market Manager, said: “It’s a special experience, to be a part of a marketplace that focuses on reaching out and including New Yorkers on a national level, while also welcoming other Americans to explore food, beverage, and gift items sourced from all over New York State.”
Allyson Towndrow from the Central New York Welcome Center added: “We have new items for the holiday season in addition to new experiences here at Destiny USA. Shop local has never been easier here at the Welcome Center.”
Jennifer Kime from the Finger Lakes Welcome Center noted: “The Finger Lakes Welcome Center is thrilled to be hosting our Annual Geneva Jingle Markets…On top of these wonderful shopping dates, we have a variety of New York State produced products to check all the boxes off on your holiday shopping list.”
Molly Vigrass from Western NY stated: “The holiday season is one of our favorite times of year at the Taste NY Market at the Western NY Welcome Center…we’re proud to offer a warm and festive space that supports local businesses.”
Heather Ann Ward emphasized: “Taste NY at the Equal Rights Heritage is your one stop shop for your holiday gift giving needs…Our staff can help you create a custom gift basket for your special someone.”
Hank Rose of Saratoga Chocolate Co., remarked: “Taste NY has been an incredible supporter of local makers like us…”
Since its inception in 2013,Taste NY has contributed over $100 million in economic impact for state producers across ten years. More than 2,500 food and beverage producers have participated through retail outlets or events supported by Taste NY.
