News & Events
Made in NYC Holiday Market Showcased Local BIPOC-Owned Brands at Grand Central Terminal
This past holiday season, Made in NYC transformed Grand Central Terminal’s historic Biltmore Room into a marketplace celebrating the city’s diverse food and beverage makers. From November 30 to December 8, the Made in NYC Holiday Market showcased a curated selection of gift-worthy treats from local BIPOC-owned businesses, offering shoppers an opportunity to connect with the creative entrepreneurs behind the products.
The market featured an array of items, from allergy-friendly baking mixes and artisanal chocolates to global sauces and seasonal teas, all crafted by independent makers from across New York City. Each product reflected the city’s rich cultural diversity, with offerings inspired by cuisines from West Africa, Latin America, the Philippines, Japan, and more.
“New Yorkers found a wide variety of flavors to share with loved ones this holiday season,” said Taylor Novick-Finder, Senior Program Manager at Made in NYC. “This event was about more than just shopping—it was about celebrating the artisanal talent and cultural heritage that make NYC unique.”
Among the vendors was Laura Dadap of Djablo Sauce, a Filipino hot sauce brand based in Queens, who emphasized the importance of the market as a platform for community connection. “This experience is about more than just selling a product; it’s about building connections and creating shared experiences that bridge cultures and celebrate heritage, at a hub that connects people from all over,” said Dadap.
The market was organized into categories to help shoppers find the perfect gifts, including options for “The Constant Snacker,” “The Sweet Tooth,” “The Adventurous Eater,” and “The Festive Sipper.”
Hosted by Made in NYC, an initiative of the Pratt Center for Community Development, the event also highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting local economies and making high-profile markets more accessible for small businesses. “We’re proud to have partnered with Grand Central Terminal to create an affordable platform for these growing brands,” Novick-Finder added.
By bringing together local talent in an iconic setting, the Made in NYC Holiday Market fostered meaningful connections between makers and shoppers, while celebrating the spirit of sustainable, community-driven holiday shopping.