Market of Choice Marks 45 Years of Community Connections
In a heartfelt tribute to its 45-year journey, Market of Choice, Oregon’s largest independent grocery retailer, is preparing for a celebratory event called the Product Experience Show (PES). This eagerly awaited gathering, which focuses on food, beverages, and health and wellness products, will take place on September 26 in Eugene. The event will showcase over 250 makers, producers, and farmers from the Northwest, with a strong emphasis on supporting local talent, as 125 of the exhibitors hail from Oregon.
Celebrating Local Producers and Sustainable Practices
The Product Experience Show embodies Market of Choice's dedication to nurturing local relationships. Rick Wright, the owner and CEO, highlighted the event's importance: "Market of Choice wouldn’t be where we are today without the incredible support of our customers and local producers. The PES is a joyful celebration of community—a chance for us all to connect and discover innovations."
Championing Local Communities
As a family-owned grocery chain with 11 locations across Oregon, Market of Choice is deeply committed to supporting local food banks. Since 2019, they have provided over one million meals in Lane County alone, and 2023 marks a significant achievement with the donation of 289,114 meals to FOOD For Lane County. Rebecca Sprinson, Director of Development at FOOD For Lane County, praised the quality of the donated food, noting that people actively seek out the kinds of products sourced from Market of Choice.
The Product Experience Show: A Festive Community Gathering
The Product Experience Show promises to enlighten attendees about local offerings and innovations within Oregon's food scene. Scheduled for September 26, from 12 PM to 5 PM at Venue 252 downtown, this community event offers a chance to sample a variety of products and engage with the enthusiastic makers behind them. To encourage generosity, entry requires attendees to register for a free ticket and donate two cans of food, reinforcing Market of Choice’s commitment to community welfare.
Spotlight: Local Artisans Shine at the Show
Market of Choice proudly showcases a range of local businesses, supporting several Oregon makers who have thrived through its MOJO program. This initiative helps local products succeed, ensuring they reach a wider audience while keeping funds within the community. Notable participants at the PES include:
De Casa Fine Foods: Renowned for their USDA Certified Organic salsas, De Casa Fine Foods has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Market of Choice. Over the past 20 years, they have refined their products, achieving remarkable success with new offerings.
Tân Tân Foods: Located in Beaverton, Tân Tân Foods specializes in authentic Vietnamese sauces inspired by family recipes. With gluten-free and vegan options, they prioritize quality, making Market of Choice an ideal venue for their products.
Josie’s Best: With a heartwarming origin story, Josie's Best began its journey with support from Market of Choice’s MOJO program. Since 2018, they have significantly expanded their range of certified gluten-free baking mixes to cater to various dietary needs.
HYCH Hot Sauces: Known for their bold and flavorful hot sauces, HYCH found an excellent partner in Market of Choice, which has helped them distribute their products statewide through personalized support and events.
About Market of Choice
Founded in 1979, Market of Choice has evolved from a local grocery store into a vital community hub. With around 1,400 dedicated employees, their stores stretch from Ashland to the Portland area. The company takes pride in fostering strong relationships with local farmers and producers, advocating for a vibrant local economy that highlights Oregon’s culinary excellence. To discover more about their offerings and community initiatives, visit their official site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Product Experience Show?
The Product Experience Show aims to connect the community with local makers, showcasing innovative food and beverage products while supporting local food banks.
How does Market of Choice contribute to local communities?
Market of Choice supports local communities through food donations and partnerships with food banks, having provided over one million meals since 2019.
When is the Product Experience Show taking place?
The show is scheduled for September 26, from 12 PM to 5 PM, at Venue 252 in downtown Eugene.
How can attendees participate in the event?
Attendees can register for a free ticket and donate two cans of food at the entrance to participate in the Product Experience Show.
What local brands will be featured at the event?
Participating brands include De Casa Fine Foods, Tân Tân Foods, Josie’s Best, and HYCH Hot Sauces, showcasing their innovative products.
