Ohio Proud Showcases Ohio-Made Products, Expands Business Opportunities at National Restaurant Association Show

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and its Ohio Proud program helped connect Ohio-made products with buyers from across the country during the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago.

For the first time, Ohio Proud participated in the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture's "A Taste of the States" Pavilion, a national showcase highlighting food and agricultural products from across the United States. The pavilion featured a record 21 participating states and created opportunities for producers to connect with buyers, distributors, retailers, and hospitality leaders from around the world.

Throughout the four-day event, ODA promoted the Ohio Proud brand and the nearly 400 companies represented through the program while showcasing the quality and diversity of Ohio food and agricultural products.

Visitors to Ohio's booth sampled products from three Ohio Proud partner companies:

• Al's Delicious Popcorn (Cincinnati & Columbus)
• C. Krueger's Finest Baked Goods (Blacklick)
• Foris Extraordinary Meats (Columbus)

During the trade show, Ohio Proud generated more than 150 business leads, with interested buyers representing airline, restaurant, catering, and foodservice sectors seeking additional information about the featured Ohio companies and products.

"The Ohio Proud program continues to create valuable opportunities for Ohio businesses to expand their reach and connect with new customers," said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. "Participating in national events like this allows us to elevate Ohio brands, strengthen awareness of Ohio Proud, and help open doors to new markets for the companies we represent."

The National Restaurant Association Show is the largest annual gathering of foodservice professionals in the Western Hemisphere and attracts restaurant chains, distributors, retailers, hotels, universities, healthcare systems, and other foodservice leaders searching for new products and suppliers.

Ohio Proud participated in the pavilion through NASDA in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service. The "A Taste of the States" Pavilion was designed to support U.S. food and beverage companies by creating opportunities for product discovery, business development, and international market connections.

Ohio Proud is a marketing program administered by ODA that helps consumers identify and support products made and grown in Ohio. The program includes nearly 400 member companies representing a wide variety of Ohio agricultural and food products. In addition to statewide marketing and promotional opportunities, the program helps members increase visibility and connect with new retail, foodservice, and business opportunities.

To learn more about Ohio Proud, visit Ohio Proud.