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Illinois Products Logo Program Promotes Local Food and Products
Artists put their signature on their work. It’s a sign of pride and a way for those who enjoy it to know where it came from and how to find more.
That’s the concept behind the Illinois Products logo, a program coordinated by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA). The logo provides an easy way for producers to add a “signature” to their products, and it helps consumers quickly identify locally grown, processed and packaged food.
As the nation’s leader in food processing sales and a significant player in the growing local food movement, Illinois has a strong reputation for producing quality food products. Adding a symbol of Illinois pride to those products makes it easy for consumers to recognize that quality, says Jennifer Tirey, Bureau Chief of Marketing, Promotion and Grants for the IDOA. “More than ever, today’s consumers are educating themselves on how and where their food is grown,” she says.
Taking the Challenge
The IDOA is promoting two initiatives to help add to those economic benefits. Recently, it unveiled an updated, visually engaging Illinois Products logo. “It’s a simple way for producers to get the consumers’ attention and let them know that they are an Illinois product but still keep their brand identity,” Tirey says.
The IDOA has also established the “Buy Illinois Challenge,” an online initiative that encourages individuals to pledge to spend $10 of their weekly grocery budget on Illinois products. That can include anything from fresh produce to the long list of food processed in the state.
It’s a modest pledge, but if half of the state’s 4.7 million households took the challenge, it could generate $1.2 billion per year for the state economy.
But for consumers to buy the products, they must be able to find them. “It’s important that the retailers who sell the products make the consumer aware that they carry these products by displaying them prominently and proudly,” Tirey says.
For a complete listing of Illinois food and agribusiness products, visit www.agr.state.il.us/markets/mis/index.php.
Here are a few Illinois products that are part of the Illinois Product logo campaign.
Uncle Joe’s Cooking Products
Inspired by founder Joe’s rural Southern Illinois upbringing, Uncle Joe’s offers sauces with flavors like sweet mustard and tangy BBQ. The company is based in Ina.
Country Bob’s Sauce
“Country” Bob Edson created his perfect sauce in 1968 and began selling it commercially in 1977. Today, the company – based in Centralia – has expanded their product line to include two more sauces and a seasoning blend.
In Good Taste
Located in Taylorville, this confectionery creates custom candies, cupcakes and gift baskets filled with gourmet goodies.
Ray’s Chili
Based in Decatur, this company still follows the original chili recipe founded by Ray’s brother, Port DeFrates, back in 1914.
Jimmy B’s Salsa
Offered in mild, medium and hot, Jimmy B’s salsa features seven varieties of fresh peppers, as well as tomatoes, onions and more from his personal garden. The company is located in Springfield.