The Taste of the Southwest is back: register today

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

If your business contributes to the food industry, do not miss your opportunity to market your products at the second annual “Taste of the Southwest” on August 11. This year’s event will take place on Main Street in downtown Swift Current.

The Taste of the Southwest was started to help promote food products being made in southwestern Saskatchewan by agricultural producers, processors, caterers and restaurants in the region. The event creates exposure and new markets for those in the region whose service area may currently be limited.

“This event is a very inexpensive way for businesses to feature their food products to a wide range of the public,” said Gerry Holland, Regional Business Planning Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food. “Last year’s event served over 900 clients.”

The event also creates a level playing field by requiring each booth to be of a similar size and appearance for a consistent cost structure. Taste of the Southwest allows booth participants to sell samples of their products to current and future customers, all done in a fun atmosphere. Participating booths will be limited to serving three of their specialty food items.

“The goal is not to provide meals, but to allow attendees to sample as many food products as possible,” Holland stated. “Not to mention providing businesses with a fantastic marketing opportunity.”

Food tokens will be sold to the public for $1 each. These tokens can then be exchanged at the booths for the customer’s desired food items, with a maximum charge of four tokens per food item. Ten per cent of the sales are kept by the organizing committee to cover event advertising and rental costs.

The event is organized by a non-profit committee. As a result, any profits following the event will be retained for the next year’s function. This year’s organizing committee includes Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, producers, the Southwest REDA, Community Futures Southwest, Saskatchewan Regional Economic and Co-operative Development, Tourism Swift Current and Golden West Radio.

“A variety of entertainment will be available, such as face painting and games for the children, as well as a mixture of live entertainment,” Holland said. The event will be featured as part of the Swift Current Fun Fest Weekend.

The deadline for early bird registration is sneaking up quickly. Until June 15, participants interested in renting a booth may register and secure their spots at the event for $100. After that date, booths will cost $150 apiece, with the final registration deadline being July 15.

The registration price includes access to approximately 1,000 potential customers, as well as a 10-foot by 20-foot booth with tables, chairs and electricity.

Holland encourages people not to miss this wonderful marketing opportunity for your food-related business. To obtain a registration package, contact one of the following individuals:

Britney Blackmore
Southwest REDA, Swift Current
Phone: (306) 778-4243
e-mail: bblackmore@southwestreda.ca

Sandy Garrett
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, Swift Current
Phone: (306) 778-8285
e-mail: sgarrett@agr.gov.sk.ca

For more information, contact:
Gerry Holland, Regional Business Planning Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306) 787-4051
e-mail: gholland@agr.gov.sk.ca