GRIFFIN FOOD CO. Family-owned and operated since its inception, the Muskogee-based Griffin Food Co., a manufacturer and wholesaler of syrups, baking products, jelly, preserves, mustard, peanut butter and other comestibles, was founded by brothers John T. and Charles M. Griffin in 1908. Today, Griffin Food Co. is still owned and operated by the Griffin family, with John W. Griffin, grandson of the founder, as president. He continues in the tradition of his forefathers as a company dedicated to the quality of their products. “For more than 100 years, Griffin’s has been synonymous with quality,” he says. “I’m proud to put my name on the Griffin label, and I’m proud to be a third-generation member of the Griffin team.” Originally known as the Griffin Grocery Co., the company initially sold only fruits and vegetables. Following the death of Charles M. Griffin in 1915, John T. Griffin began manufacturing coffee. Then, in 1923, John T. Griffin built a three-story administrative facility, warehouse and processing plant in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Seven years later, the company started manufacturing Griffin’s Waffle Syrup, which today is the company’s topselling product. Griffin is proud to say Griffin’s Waffle Syrup is still made from the original recipe, and because it is the thickest and sweetest syrup on the market, it has been a family favorite for more than 80 years. Griffin Food Co. has grown from the three-story building operation of the 1920s to servicing 15 states and annual sales of several million dollars. “The changes continue to keep up with the times, but the one thing that hasn’t changed is the quality of our products,” Griffin says. “Before the Griffin name is placed on anything, we make sure it’s the best.” Griffin serves on FAPC’s Industry Advisory Committee, a 16-member board consisting of food and agricultural industry leaders from across the state. The committee offers counsel, makes decisions and takes leadership action to ensure FAPC makes sound short- and long-term plans to accomplish its mission and objectives.
Bar-S-Foods grills products to sample at the Made in Oklahoma Day food fair.
PHOTO / MANDY GROSS
THE MADE IN OKLAHOMA STANDARD The tradition of producing quality Made in Oklahoma products is the Oklahoma standard. FAPC understands the need to promote and educate the public about the state’s quality food products and is teaming up with University Dining Services to offer more Made in Oklahoma products on campus. “The Farm to University Dining program was designed to bring local, fresh, healthy food to the university,” says Terry Baker, University Dining Services director. “As a part of this initiative, the program features locally produced and processed items from Oklahoma communities. It’s exciting to bring these products to campus dining.” As a part of the program, Made in Oklahoma companies are featured during the spring and fall to introduce the companies and products to OSU students, faculty and staff. Andrea Graves, FAPC business planning and marketing specialist, helps University Dining Services identify Made in Oklahoma companies for campus distribution. “When I heard about the University Dining Services program, I was very willing and excited to help,” Graves says. “FAPC works and is in contact with Made in Oklahoma companies on a daily basis and helps local companies enter the market. This is a great opportunity for both OSU and Made in Oklahoma companies.”
FAPC and University Dining Services also partners with the Made in Oklahoma Coalition to provide a Made in Oklahoma Day on campus that is celebrated every year during Made in Oklahoma Month in April. Baker says it’s important to make students aware that Oklahoma has a creative industry and rich heritage for entrepreneurship. Oklahoma companies, representing the Made in Oklahoma Coalition, distribute complimentary samples of products, including meat, desserts, beverages and condiments. Participants during the 2015 Made in Oklahoma Day included Ralph’s Packing, Bar-S Foods, Andrews Honey, Chef’s Requested, Blackjack Beef Jerky, National Steak and Poultry, Ozarka, Griffin Food Co., Schwab’s Finest, Kratos, Suan’s Foods, Head Country and KiZE Concepts. Reggie Carmon, University Dining Services graduate research associate and one of the organizers of the event, says it is always well received by OSU students, faculty and staff. “University Dining Services is currently working with more than 40 Oklahoma companies,” Carmon says. “They will continue to introduce and offer various Made in Oklahoma products on campus to increase awareness of local food products. When you buy local products, you are putting money back into the state — keeping jobs and money in Oklahoma.”
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