State Leaders Celebrate Alabama-Made Products at 2026 BUY ALABAMA’S BEST DAY on the Lawn Feb 25

The Alabama Grocers Association (AGA), the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, and the Alabama Food Manufacturers and Producers Association (AFMPA) will host a sampling event for the Buy Alabama’s Best Campaign on Wednesday, February 25 on the Alabama State Capitol Lawn, 600 Dexter Ave., Montgomery, AL 36130.

The event will begin at 11:00 AM.

Speakers will include:

• Governor Kay Ivey
• Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate
• AFMPA President Kyle Kimsey
• AGA Chairman Wade Payne
• AGA President/CEO Ellie Taylor

Launched in 2006, the Buy Alabama’s Best Campaign was initiated by four Alabama companies, the Alabama Grocers Association, and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to showcase Alabama-made products. Since its inception, the campaign has grown to include more than 40 companies headquartered in Alabama or manufacturing their products within the State.

During the event, legislators and guests will sample products from participating companies representing Alabama’s diverse food and beverage industry, including the Blue Bell Creameries, Bud’s Best, Buffalo Rock, Cane Brew, China Doll/Dixie Lily, Coca-Cola Bottling United, Conecuh Sausage, Golden Eagle Syrup, Harmony Hydration, Mayfield, Midas/JM, Milo’s, Moore’s Marinade, MRaine Industries, LLC, Red Diamond, Uncle Bob’s Sauces & Rubs, Utz/Golden Flake, and Wickles Pickles.

Alabama’s food manufacturers and producers play a vital role in the State’s economy while supporting local agriculture through the purchase of raw materials and ingredients. Alabama food product sales generate a $2 billion economic impact on the State’s economy and tax base, and together with the grocery and food service industries, employ one out of every four Alabamians.The overall grocery industry has an $18 billion impact on Alabama’s economy.

The Buy Alabama’s Best campaign will run throughout the year and is designed to inform and educate consumers on what products are made, produced, manufactured and/or headquartered in the state of Alabama. A portion of the proceeds of the sales of these products will benefit Children’s of Alabama.

The campaign continues its longstanding partnership with Children’s of Alabama. Through icon sales, donations, and grants, the program has now raised more than $903,000 to support the hospital and its fight against childhood cancer.

Founded in 1911, Children’s of Alabama provides specialized medical care for il and injured children. With more than 3.5 million square feet, it is one of the largest pediatric medical facilities in the United States. The Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders treats more than 90% of Alabama’s children with cancer and blood disorders and remains committed to finding a cure for more than 2,000 children each year.

Retailers across the State are supporting the Buy Alabama’s Best campaign throughout the month of March and year-round by featuring in-store displays, special promotions, and prominent signage highlighting Alabama-made products. Shoppers are encouraged to look for the Buy Alabama’s Best logo in their local grocery stores, which signifies that the product is made, manufactured, produced, or headquartered in Alabama. In addition, retailers are selling in-store icons to benefit Children’s of Alabama, further strengthening the campaign’s commitment to supporting both local businesses and a meaningful charitable cause.

For a complete list of Buy Alabama Best participating companies, visit www.buyalabamasbest.org.  

The Alabama Grocers Association is a State trade association representing the grocery retail industry since 1990. With more than 135 retail members operating over 850 stores statewide, as well as over 225 manufacturers, brokers, wholesalers and other members, the AGA is the voice of the industry in the state of Alabama. The food retail industry in Alabama provides over 70,000 jobs with over $2.2 billion in annual wages paid.  Grocers pay over $1.2 billion in state taxes and have a total economic impact on the state’s economy of over $12 billion.   For more information, go to www.alabamagrocers.org. 

Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children, offering inpatient, outpatient and primary care throughout central Alabama. Ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s serves patients from every county in Alabama and nearly every state. Children’s is a private, not-for-profit medical center that serves as the teaching hospital for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) pediatric medicine, surgery, psychiatry, research, and residency programs. The medical staff consists of UAB faculty and Children’s full-time physicians as well as private practicing community physicians.