CONTACT: Peter Thorton, assistant director for international trade, NCDA&CS Marketing Division
(919) 733-7912, ext. 248, or Peter.Thornton@ncmail.net

Ford’s Gourmet Foods to be honored as first N.C. Exporter of the Year

RALEIGH – Ford’s Gourmet Foods will be awarded the first North Carolina Exporter of the Year award at the Specialty Foods Association’s annual banquet Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel in Greensboro.

Sandi Ford, president and founder, and her son Patrick Ford, international marketing director, will accept the honor from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The department created the award to honor agriculture businesses that successfully export N.C. food products around the world.
“I am impressed with Ford’s Gourmet Foods’ innovative global marketing strategies,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Our state’s agriculture and agribusiness industries are being represented well beyond our borders, and that’s very important in today’s changing marketplace.”

The specialty food company grew out of Ford’s Produce Co., a fourth-generation family business formed in 1946. The company first exported its “Bone Suckin’” barbeque sauces to countries such as the United Kingdom, Denmark, New Zealand and Hong Kong in 1994, and now ships its sauces, salsas and nuts to customers in more than 30 countries.

Since rejoining the family business in 1997, Patrick Ford expanded its international presence by exhibiting at 36 international trade shows in seven countries and has spoken at the World Trade Center in North Carolina, Wake Technical College Business and Industry Center, and for the N.C. Community College System.

North Carolina ranks ninth in the country in terms of agricultural export value, according to a 2007 report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with more than $2 billion each year in exports.

Ford's Gourmet Foods Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2008
Ford’s Gourmet Foods
Patrick Ford
International Marketing Director
1109 Agriculture Street
Raleigh, NC 27603 USA
PatFord@BoneSuckin.com
919-833-7647

First North Carolina Exporter of the Year Award to be given to Ford’s Gourmet Foods
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNERS!

Ford’s Gourmet Foods, distributors of Bone Suckin' Sauces, Wine Nuts, and Fire Dancer Jalapeño Nuts, will be receiving the first North Carolina Exporter of the Year Award. The award will be presented by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The award will be presented at the NC Specialty Foods Association annual banquet in Greensboro Saturday, August 23rd. The department created the award to honor agriculture businesses that successfully export North Carolina food products around the world.

Ford’s has been exporting since 1994 and has a strong commitment to producing Made in America, all-natural foods for healthy living. Today, Ford’s Gourmet Foods exports to 40 countries. “I am impressed with Ford’s Gourmet Foods’ innovative global marketing strategies,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Our state’s agriculture and agribusiness industries are being represented well beyond our borders, and that’s very important in today’s changing marketplace.” Ford’ Gourmet Foods was also rated “The Best” in the Restaurant Magazine UK.

Recognitions for Ford’s Gourmet Foods this year: 1 of 2 North Carolina companies invited to The White House to hear President Bush’s remarks during World Trade Week May 2008 for exporting US products. Fords nominated for the North Carolina Small Business of the Year award. Columbia Medical University Celiac Disease Center is honoring Ford’s October 2008 at a reception and banquet dinner.

Ford’s Gourmet Foods, a division of Ford's Produce Co., is a fourth-generation Raleigh family business. It is run by Sandi Ford and Patrick Ford with a staff of ten at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh North Carolina. They are known for some of the world’s best tasting all-natural, gluten free foods. No preservatives or MSG in the internationally acclaimed Bone Suckin’ Sauces, Wine Nuts, Fire Dancer Jalapeno Peanuts and Earth Family Organics. Some of their national & international customers include; Whole Foods, Harvey Nichols UK, Lakeland Limited, Bos Foods, Neiman Marcus, Harrods, Adfong, Tesco Europe and Walt Disney World.

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Press Releases: North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Ford's Gourmet Foods