TIFTON, GEORGIA – September 28, 2023 – The Georgia Pecan Growers Association proudly announces the successful completion of the inaugural Georgia Pecan Tour, produced by FEAST Global at Southern Woods Plantation in Sylvester.
This groundbreaking culinary expedition united 15 influential culinary buyers from seven states representing a diverse array of sectors, including food service distributors, importers, restaurant groups, candy makers, ice creameries, bakeries, luxury hotels, and even a nut importer from the country of Taiwan. The tour's remarkable success centers on its core mission: to boost sales and advocacy for Georgia Pecans within this pivotal demographic.
Culinary buyers, revered for their substantial influence in the culinary world, are known for their discerning choices based on factors such as nutritional value, food safety, traceability, flavor profiles, and their relationships with producers. Frequently, culinary buyers have lacked access to various grades and sizing options like the "Georgia Grand" super mammoth pecan half or customized pecan piece sizing that could greatly benefit their businesses. The Georgia Pecan Tour was meticulously designed to offer them an immersive experience that not only deepened their appreciation for this native tree nut but also promised tangible positive impacts on their businesses.
During the course of two enlightening days, participants immersed themselves in the world of Georgia Pecans through orchard and sheller tours, product sampling sessions, collaborative cooking experiences, and specialized training seminars. These engagements fostered meaningful connections between participants and six Georgia Pecan producers, further underlining the critical role of Georgia Pecans in culinary creations.
Samantha McLeod, Executive Director of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association, remarked, "The remarkable achievement of the Georgia Pecan Tour is a testament to the immense potential of our Georgia Pecans within the culinary industry. We are elated to report that 100% of the participants have pledged to increase their purchase of Georgia Pecans as a direct outcome of their participation in this tour."
The Georgia Pecan Tour was made possible through the generous support of the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program.
The Georgia Pecan Growers Association is dedicated to the research, marketing, and education of Georgia-grown pecans to both growers and consumers, domestically and internationally. GPGA continuously strives to serve the industry and meet the evolving needs of its members.
FEAST Global, an innovative company committed to promoting extraordinary ingredients to culinary buyers worldwide, played an indispensable role in orchestrating this inaugural event. The partnership between FEAST Global, the Georgia Pecan Growers Association, and other key stakeholders solidified their commitment to propelling Georgia Pecans to new heights in the global culinary arena.
