Houchens Rolls Out Kentucky Proud Products

Houchens Industries is launching Kentucky Proud products in eight of its stores, with plans to roll out the program to all 42 of its stores in Kentucky. The initial launch includes the three IGA stores in Owensboro, three Houchens IGA stores in Glasgow, Crossroads IGA in Louisville and the Price Less in Bowling Green. All items available in the stores were collected and distributed by Fishmarket Seafood, based in Louisville.

The program was introduced to customers during a recent sampling event, and producers included Ranger Bees Honey, Catrina’s Kitchen, Bourbon Barrel Foods, Mr. G’s Kettle Corn and KHI Foods. “This expansion of our partnership will enable Houchens customers to find the Kentucky Proud products they want while helping Kentucky farmers and small businesses make a living. We appreciate Houchens’ commitment to carrying local products for its customers,” said Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles.

Houchens Industries, which was founded in Kentucky and is currently based in Bowling Green, notes that the Kentucky Proud program is a perfect fit for its stores. “It allows our shoppers to get top-quality, locally sourced items, which, in turn, helps Kentucky Proud farmers and small businesses prosper,” said Spencer Coates, president of Houchens.

Houchens was founded in 1917 and currently operates more than 400 retail grocery, limited-assortment, convenience and hybrid grocery/convenience stores in 17 states. Kentucky Proud is the state’s official farm marketing program, representing more than 5,700 farmers, processors, retailers, restaurants, school systems, colleges and universities, farmers’ markets, state parks, and Farm Bureau roadside markets.