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“This competition continues to grow, both in the number of food trucks competing and in the number of fairgoers lining up to try all the delicious entrees. Moving the festivities to the western part of the Fairgrounds, with plenty of grassy areas and seating, will make the competition a more comfortable experience for everyone and will be one more reason to enjoy one of the great spots on the Fairgrounds,” said Troy Waffner, Fair Director.

“ALDI is proud and excited to again partner with the State Fair on this great event. We know the Taste NY Food Truck Competition always brings out the best of the best across the state, and we can’t wait to try their dishes,” said Aaron Sumida, Tully division vice president for ALDI. “ALDI is honored to provide the winning food trucks gift cards, so they can buy premium food at affordable prices for their future culinary endeavors.”

Food truck chefs continue to bring their most creative ideas to the competition. Among last year’s winners were a mushroom steak slider, an apple bacon cheddar grilled cheese sandwich, a jerk pork taco and a hot honey pizza. Thirty-five food trucks competed, with winners coming from Syracuse, Rochester, Geneseo, Binghamton and Auburn, and entrants coming from every corner of the state.

Applications are now being taken for the 2019 competition. Food truck operators can apply here until July 1. Food trucks sell samples of their best entree for $3. Fairgoers then vote for their favorite via text to a phone number revealed on the day of the competition. Prizes of Aldi gift cards for $1,000, $500 and $250 will be given to each day’s top three vote-getters. Competitors cannot sell other food products.

Competitors are required primarily to use food products grown or made in New York for their entrees. The competition supports Taste NY, the state Agriculture Department’s program to promote to consumers food from New York State. Fairgoers can purchase excellent products from around the state at the Taste NY store in the Horticulture Building and can try free samples of products at the sampling area next to the store. The Fair continues to require its food and beverage vendors to use New York products whenever possible.

About ALDI U.S.
A leader in the grocery retailing industry since 1976, ALDI operates more than 1,800 U.S. stores in 35 states. More than 40 million customers each month benefit from the simple, streamlined approach ALDI brings to retailing. ALDI sells frequently purchased grocery and household items, primarily under its exclusive brands, which meet or exceed national name brands on taste and quality. ALDI has been one of America’s favorite grocery retailers, and for the eighth consecutive year, the Value Leader for grocery shoppers, according to a 2018 survey of U.S. consumers by Market Force Information®*. ALDI also backs up its products with a Twice as Nice Guarantee: replacing the product AND offering a full refund. For more information about ALDI, visit ALDI.us.

*According to annual surveys of U.S. consumers conducted from 2011 to 2018 by Market Force Information®

About Taste NY
The Taste NY initiative has seen steady growth and recognition since it was created in 2013. The program, which is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, has created opportunities for local producers to showcase their goods at a variety of venues throughout the State and at large public events, such as the Great New York State Fair and the Barclays Tournament at Bethpage State Park. It has also helped the farms and companies participating in the program to reach more customers, increase online sales, and, in many cases, expand the processing capacity of their business. Taste NY’s food and beverage businesses also support the State’s farmers by using New York grown and produced ingredients in their products.

New York products sold under Taste NY branding (Taste.NY.gov) are available in more than 70 locations throughout the State as well as the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

About New York State Fair
Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair is America’s third largest state fair. The fair showcases the best of New York agriculture and provides top-quality entertainment. The 2019 Fair runs from August 21 to September 2. Information about the Fair can be found here.

The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. A year-round schedule of events is available here. Find the Great New York State Fair on Facebook, follow @NYSFair on Twitter, on Snapchat at nysfair and enjoy photos from the Fair on Flickr. Also, New Yorkers are invited to send their ideas for the Great New York State Fair at statefairideas@agriculture.ny.gov.

Media Contacts:
Jola Szubielski
Public Information Officer
NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets
518-457-0752

Dave Bullard
Public Relations
New York State Fair
315-487-7711 x 1377