New logo makes it easier to shop Ohio Proud

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by Marc Kovac

Capital Bureau Chief

Columbus -- Hoping to make it easier for consumers to identify (and purchase) Ohio-made foods, the Ohio Department of Agriculture unveiled a revamped marketing campaign and Web site for its Ohio Proud program.

Agriculture Director Robert Boggs and Gov. Ted Strickland pulled the ceremonial covers off the colorful new logo, which reads "Ohio Proud" and "Made in Ohio, Grown in Ohio," during a press conference at the Statehouse April 2.

The event marked the culmination of research conducted by Ohio State University and resulting improvements to Ohio Proud, which was launched in 1993.

Through the program, foods that are at least 50 percent grown or processed in the state can display the Ohio Proud logo, differentiating them from other products in grocery stores and farmers markets.

To date, more than 200 companies have enrolled.

Last year, the state contracted with OSU to survey about 600 consumers on their opinions of the program and their shopping habits. Most said they were familiar with Ohio Proud.

About 90 percent also said they were willing to spend 50 cents or more to buy Ohio-made products over national brands.

"Ohio consumers want locally produced food because they're fresh, because it's safe and because it's nutritious," Boggs said.

The new logo is an attempt to better connect with consumers, and an Web site (to launch next month at www.ohioproud.org) will include additional information about the program and where to buy Ohio-made products.

Area businesses that are part of the Ohio Proud effort include:

* Portage County: Mackenzie Creamery, Hiram, and Viking Vineyard & Winery, Kent.

* Cuyahoga County: American Culinary Concepts, Cleveland; Bertman's Ball Park Mustard, Cleveland; Bickford Flavors, Cleveland; Dairymens Milk Co., Cleveland; Distillata, Cleveland; Fisherman's All Natural Seasoned Products Inc., Cleveland; Herold's Salads, Cleveland; The Humphrey Co., Cleveland; Kitchen Basics, Brecksville; Lake Erie Creamery, Cleveland; Miceli Dairy, Cleveland; Orlando Baking Co., Cleveland; Paramount Distillers, Cleveland; Pierre's French Ice Cream Co., Cleveland; R.O. Apelt Sons, Cleveland; Stancato's Italian Restaurant, Parma, and Trattoria Foods, Cleveland.

* Summit County: Gone Nuts, Richfield; Heritage Farms, Peninsula; Hickory Harvest Foods, Akron; Welch's Dairy Cream, Norton, and Wolf Creek Vineyards, Norton.