Welcome to CTFoodTrail.com
Presented by Wittman Specialty Foods in cooperation with the Connecticut
Food Association
v. 2.06.06
What are the goals of the Connecticut
Food Trail?
Our goals are simple.
The Connecticut Food Trail aims to advance the promotion, marketing
and sale of Connecticut specialty food brands in state and nationwide.
Our group combines the talents and experience of specialty food
producers, distributors, retailers and restauranteurs. Anyone in
these disciplines interested in Connecticut and its select bounty
of specialty foods is welcome to participate in our forums and events.
As a collective body we encourage cross-pollination and networking
between those who make our food products and those who sell it through
coordinated food expositions, the establishment of a Connecticut
Food Trail, a web portal and in other venues. There is no “membership
fee”. We accept contributions in-kind and website advertising
fees for assistance in maintaining our presence on the web, in-store,
in print and wherever our message needs to be heard. We are not
a legislative body. We do not strive to change governmental policy.
All participants are urged to join the Connecticut Food Association
for added program benefits.
Who may join the Connecticut Food Trail?
The Connecticut Food Trail is open to Connecticut-based gourmet/specialty
food manufacturers, retailers and restaurants throughout the state.
Are there any fees to join?
No. We do offer advertising and sponsorship opportunities to support
our efforts but listings on ctfoodtrail.com are absolutely free.
Are there any restrictions?
For Connecticut-based gourmet/specialty food manufacturers,
No.
For retailers – You must agree to carry at least
5 Connecticut based specialty food SKU’s in your store. These
products do not include dairy, meat or what would be considered
staples to any market. Specialty foods are condiments, sauces, jellies,
honey, cheeses, desserts, etc. You must also display our window
seal and provide space for our brochure in your store.
For restaurants – You must agree to offer two dishes
on a weekly basis (may be weekend specials, breakfast or other specials)
that are made with a Connecticut-based specialty food. You must
also display our window seal and provide space for our brochure.
What are the benefits of The Connecticut
Food Trail?
ctfoodtrail.com will be accessible around the clock for visitors
to Connecticut, shoppers looking for where to buy Connecticut-based
foods and restaurants that may offer unique items featuring Connecticut
specialty foods. There will be an online map as well as a printed
map available to take advantage of the entire experience of shopping
for and enjoying Connecticut specialty foods.
ctfoodtrail.com will help support the marketing
efforts of all specialty food manufacturer’s in the state.
Through the CTFoodTrail website, a manufacturer will be identified
for their unique product and promote it to the world.
Retailers will enjoy the promotional opportunities of showcasing
Connecticut-based specialty foods and offering specials through
a coupon mechanism built into the site. This proven traffic-generator
is a great tool for measuring the interest customers have in Connecticut-based
food.
Restaurants now have a unique way to show their support of Connecticut-based
foods – by putting them on their menu. Offered as specials
to their customers they can now feature the true taste of Connecticut
in many ways large and small.
Both retailers and restaurants may list up to 2 free help wanted
listings per week. This value-added service is available exclusively
to qualified members only.
Do Connecticut Food Association members
receive any additional benefits?
Yes. As a member of the Connecticut Food Association/Connecticut
Specialty Food Association your free line listing will be upgraded
to a minister webpage showcasing your product in full color. Optional
links to a coupon participation program and additional web links
are also available. You will also be included as a CTFoodTrail member
on the CTFoodTrail map and in all outgoing correspondence, increasing
your exposure. Specialty food manufacturers will also be included
in our Menu of Products offered for sale to retailers and restaurants
that are willing to participate in the program.
Who is Wittman Specialty Foods?
Brian and Jennie Wittman started Wittman Specialty Foods LLC in
January 2005 in order to bring their favorite condiment, Nip ‘N
Tang™ fruited horseradish to the world. With creative and
legal backgrounds they embarked on rebranding the company that originally
produced the product and sold it locally – to a national level
with appearances in Gourmet News, The Hartford Courant and The New
York Times. The Connecticut Food Trail was founded by Wittman Specialty
Foods in April 2005 with its website scheduled to launch March 1,
2006.
Who is the Connecticut Food Association/Connecticut
Specialty Food Association?
The Connecticut Food Association and Connecticut Specialty Food
Association are food industry trade associations that work on critical
industry issues effecting state public policy. Their wide-ranging
membership includes all the major chains as well as independent
grocers, convenience stores, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers,
brokers, and specialty food producers in Connecticut. Members enjoy
one stop shopping for benefits and insurance needs, legislative
and regulatory assistance, networking opportunities and more.
What are typical web advertising rates
for ctfoodtrail.com?
While we have a “book rate” for standard compartments
on our website, we also offer customized advertising and promotional
opportunities including corporate sponsorships, map graphic appearances,
coupon positions and others. Connecticut Specialty Food Association
members receive up to a 15% discount on all published rates.
How do I find out more about CTFoodTrail
and ctfoodtrail.com?
To sign up for news and events, participate in, or advertise on
ctfoodtrail.com, or for more information about CTFoodTrail, please
contact:
Brian Wittman
Wittman Specialty Foods LLC
P. O. Box 370416
West Hartford, CT 06137
info@ctfoodtrail.com
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The
Connecticut Food Trail is brought to you by Wittman
Specialty Foods in cooperation with the
Connecticut Food Association.
©
2005 Wittman Specialty Foods LLC. All rights reserved.
