Eight Milwaukee-area food and beverage companies have created the Wisconsin Artisan Food Producers Association, a new business organization focused on promoting, advocating for and supporting artisan food and beverage producers throughout Wisconsin.

The founding companies include Bolzano Artisan Meats, Clock Shadow Creamery, Great Lakes Distillery, Indulgence Chocolatiers, Lakefront Brewery, Purple Door Ice Cream, Stone Creek Coffee and Wild Flour Bakery.

In addition to drawing attention to Wisconsin's artisan producers, the WAFPA will also host special events to give the public opportunities to meet producers and sample some of their artisan food and beverages.

More information on WAFPA is available at its website.