Local produce emerged as a major focus at Baldor Specialty Foods Inc.’s April 4 food show which included news of an Empire State partnership to promote local produce.

Baldor’s “Bite” event drew high attendance as the New York wholesaler marked its 25th year.

More than 2,000 chefs, restauranteurs, grower-shippers, suppliers and others attended the Manhattan meeting, the third time the Bronx-based company has hosted it, said Mike Muzyk, president,

During the event, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball announced the agency’s Taste NY program is partnering with Baldor to support the growth of local agribusinesses and farms. 

In the partnership, Baldor’s Pledge Local Web page allows Baldor’s customers to take the Taste NY Pledge and encourage restaurants to increase the sourcing, marketing and education of New York grown and manufactured products.

By signing the pledge, restaurants and chefs promise to expand their use of New York products by at least 10%

“Baldor’s Pledge Local program complements the ongoing efforts of Taste NY to promote locally made food products and spur economic growth for our vital agricultural industry,” the commissioner said in a news release. “This pledge bridges local growers and producers with the restaurants and businesses that help share their products with consumers from every part of the state and beyond.”

Many show attendees discussed local produce and packed four sessions that covered innovation in the restaurant business, the future of fine dining, social media and the new Nordic cuisine, Muzyk said.

“The local pledge was the buzz of the event,” he said. “The sessions gave restaurant operators and chefs access to high-profile speakers who addressed real-life solutions through question-and-answer sessions.”

Participating vendors included Driscoll’s, Mann Packing and Tanimura & Antle.