About

History

Founded almost twenty years ago, we like to say that the Made in Oklahoma Coalition was local before local had a name. What is now one of the most successful public-private partnerships in the history of the state started out small, with only seven companies sitting around a table discussing ways to build brand loyalty for made-in Oklahoma products. The MIO Coalition was established on the premise that building brand loyalty for Oklahoma-made food products could be attained by pooling together resources to generate consumer awareness through collective marketing campaigns. MIO Coalition members match public funds with private dollars to support sales in retail grocery stores, local and national restaurant chains, and other non-traditional outlets.

The MIO Coalition has grown significantly over the past 19 years and now boasts over 70 local food companies, which generate over $3.4 billion dollars annually and employ over 58,000 Oklahomans. For over two decades, the MIO Coalition has become the cornerstone for what it means to be local in Oklahoma. We will continue to lead the charge by keeping people informed of all the ways they can support local food companies and restaurants.

Local has a name, and that name is the Made in Oklahoma Coalition.

Our Founders

Meet the companies that came together to create the Made in Oklahoma Coalition.

Bar-S Foods
Field’s Pies
Head Country
Chef’s Requested Foods
Clements Foods
Griffin Food Company

We are here today because of their leadership.

Letter from the President

To say that 2020 was a strange year would be an understatement. I kept expecting locusts. Instead, we got Murder Hornets.

During the Pandemic, many of our members have experienced record sales while others have struggled. I applaud all of your efforts through these troubled times, risking everything to ensure our fellow Oklahomans have food on their tables, not knowing the total scope of the Pandemic or the consequences that you or your employees might suffer.

I want to thank all of the Oklahomans who make an effort to purchase MIO products. In doing so, you are supporting local economies with the tax dollars that these sales generate. Buying local has never been more critical than it is now.

As we move forward, try not to look at any of the negatives that this contagion has created. Instead, concentrate on the positives, no matter how small. There is no right or wrong way to attack the Pandemic. This rule is true whether you are a manufacturer or a consumer. Stay the course, and we will get through this together. Vaccines are coming. We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I want to personally thank all of you for your belief and support of the Made in Oklahoma Coalition.

Sincerely,

George Lemmon
MIO President
Business Manager
Clements Foods Company