FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Jenny Green
Public Affairs Specialist
jgreen@nmda.nmsu.edu, 575-202-4249

April 27, 2026

New Mexico heads to one of world’s largest foodservice shows

State-backed pavilion debuts NM products to global market

LAS CRUCES – Six New Mexico food and beverage companies will bring the state’s signature flavors to a global audience May 16-19 in Chicago, connecting buyers and distributors from 110 countries.

Attendees gather in the New Mexico Pavilion during the Taste of the States exhibit, sampling products and speaking with exhibitors — Six New Mexico food and beverage companies will bring the state’s signature flavors to a global audience May 16-19 in Chicago, connecting buyers and distributors from 110 countries. (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture)

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) is sponsoring the state’s pavilion at the 2026 National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show at McCormick Place Convention Center through the NEW MEXICO—Taste the Tradition®/Grown with Tradition® Logo Program, which helps local businesses expand into new markets. The participating companies are:

Best in the West Brands
Bueno Foods
Naples Drizzle LLC
Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (NAPI)
Prickly Foods LLC
Zia Hatch Chile Company

“Promoting New Mexico agriculture nationally and internationally is a core part of our mission,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. “This show gives our producers direct access to buyers, new markets and business partnerships that help them grow their companies while showcasing the quality and uniqueness of New Mexico products to the world.”

Attendees walk past the New Mexico "Taste the Tradition" booth at the Taste of the States exhibit, which features food samples and product displays. — Six New Mexico food and beverage companies will bring the state’s signature flavors to a global audience May 16-19 in Chicago, connecting buyers and distributors from 110 countries. (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture)

New Mexico State University’s School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management is partnering with NMDA to provide student ambassadors who will assist with product sampling and outreach at the pavilion.

The NRA Show, backed by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, is the largest foodservice event in the Western Hemisphere, attracting 65,000 attendees from around the world.

Businesses interested in participating in future domestic or international trade shows with NMDA are encouraged to contact Marketing Specialist Sabrina Priest at spriest@nmda.nmsu.edu.

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The New Mexico Department of Agriculture benefits the public by promoting the viability and advancement of New Mexico agriculture and affiliated industries. The agency promotes a fair marketplace, food safety, marketing, and economic development; supports the beneficial use and conservation of natural resources; and works cooperatively with the public and private sectors.

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NMDeptAg.nmsu.edu
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New Mexico heads to one of world’s largest foodservice shows