Had an amazing weekend at the Chicago Merchandise Mart (dang that thing is big) Gift and Giving Show. Thanks everyone that came out to meet us and taste our distinctive unrefined salts and handmade blends. Chef Eric and our wonderful Chicago representative, Janelle (janelle@beyondtheshaker.com) did Beyond the Shaker proud with lots of in-person time for potential retail sellers.

The show goes until until January 26th so feel free to stop by and try some of the ridiculously simple gourmet offerings that Chef Eric has whipped up with Beyond the Shaker unrefined salts and handmade blends. The most interesting revelation from my time at the show was a. there is a lot of ‘get rich quick’ products out there (fancy desserts in a fricking preservative-filled bottle that you can make at home in your microwave…uh, no thanks!) b. folks are concerned about sodium intake, and c. fear of the strength of the economy, especially in the midwest, continues to shackle growth.

To point c., it is time to take a stance and jump in with both feet. We are in an incredibly unique situation in time and economic history, so rather than tucking away funds under an aged mattress, use that money to grow and build. Enough. I say this not as a producer, but as a consumer. We have languished for long enough, and now is the time to move forward. Come on! And heck, unrefined salt is a great cause (health, culinary, and otherwise) in many ways, so spreading the word by purchasing or reselling our products cannot be half bad, right!?

Anyway, here is another picture from the show. Enjoy!

Chef Eric Talking Up Our Gourmet Salts

Related posts:

1. Beyond the Shaker at Michigan International Women’s Show
2. Beneath the Wreath – Our first “show”
3. Beyond the Shaker In the News – Chicago Magazine “Dish”
4. Beyond the Shaker at Michigan International Women’s Show
5. Beyond the Shaker in the News – NBC Chicago