MISSION

To stimulate and support sustainable economic growth and prosperity of the food and agricultural industries in the New Jersey region by providing businesses with innovative research, customized practical solutions, resources for business incubation and a trusted source for information and guidance.

OUR CLIENTS

The Center specifically targets:

Farmers and Cooperatives desiring to create new businesses based on value-added agricultural products and/or developing new markets for their existing commodities

Startup Food Companies coping with challenges such as financing, technology, regulations, market development and infrastructure requirements

Existing Small and Mid-sized Food Companies seeking to access new technologies, upgrade quality assurance capabilities, enter new markets, and expand and improve their operations

Retail and Foodservice Establishments seeking to improve their operations and purchase locally grown New Jersey products.

OUR SERVICES

• Expertise in Business Development, Market Research, Product and Process Development, Regulations and Compliance,Workforce Training, Quality Assurance and Food Safety
• Extensive network of strategic partners includes state agencies like NJ Commerce and the NJ Department of Agriculture, and federal partners such as the US Small Business Administration, USDA Agricultural Research Service, and USDA Rural Development
• Extensive network of legal and financial service providers, as well as industry consultants, that are available to clients
• 23,000 sq. ft. food business incubator (expected opening early 2007) will enable food research and manufacturing to occur in a fully inspected state-of-the-art, shared-use food processing facility. In addition, a distance learning center will provide access to college level and continuing education courses for Southern New Jersey residents.

OUR IMPACT ON NEW JERSEY’S ECONOMY

• Creation of new businesses
• Retention, growth, and increased profitability of existing businesses
• Generation of new jobs, and improvement of workforce skills
• Identification of funding opportunities, from grants, loans and venture capital
• Commercialization and transfer of patents and intellectual property to local companies
• Attraction of out-of-state and international companies to New Jersey
• Graduation of clients, and assistance with independent business establishment
• Continuation of ongoing business mentoring and strategic advice

FOOD FOR THOUGHT—FROM SOME OF OUR MANY APPRECIATIVE CLIENTS...

"...I’m not sure we’d be in business today without them."
"From day one the Food Innovation Center pointed us in the right direction.We had an idea…a dream rooted in three generations of Italian kitchens. At a wonderful seminar in Bridgeton,we met the staff.Their knowledge of the industry is extensive; if they don't have the answer, they’ll find it. Unbelievably,we took our product from concept to retail sale within one year of our first meeting.We made fewer mistakes and came further faster because of the Center. I’m not sure we'd be in business today without them."

Fran Zaccaria
Three Generations of Food

"They made the connections with the right people..."
"The Food Innovation Center helped us look at the huge dairy industry, analyze it step by step, and apply the principles of a large, complex marketplace to our small niche.They showed us how to drill down the information and focus on our market.The Center’s staff was very hands-on and networked with consultants and experts in the field.They made the connections with the right people for research and answers to very specific questions about the dairy business."

Peter Southway
Sussex County Cooperative
Milk Producers Association

"They had faith enough to push me..."
"The best thing about working with the Food Innovation Center is the motivation they gave me to move forward.As a small food entrepeneur, I didn’t know how to deal with the whole ball at once, but the Center’s staff had the energy and experience to help me get going.They had faith enough to push me and in their wisdom, knew more than I did about the potential for Spring Creek’s success."

Diana Johnson
Spring Creek Farm

"The staff has made a real difference for us."
"I can’t say enough about the Food Innovation Center.They have tremendous experience and a vast network of resources to help small companies and startups develop programs that they otherwise would not be able to afford.There are so many issues facing small companies today, from the trickle down effect of bioterrorism, to outsourcing—it can be overwhelming. For a little company, the Center is a godsend. The staff has made a real difference for us.Thank you for a program that really works. May you continue to help businesses throughout the state that would otherwise be struggling alone."

Pearl Giordano
Limpert Brothers, Inc.

"Without our value-added products,we would not be surviving in farming today."
"We felt we had a very good idea to convert some of our orchards to vineyards;we learned how to make wine, produced our first bottles in 2000, and won awards from the beginning. I believe good wine begins with best practices in the field, but we needed to hire a winemaker, expand facilities and boost our marketing to ensure our growth.The Food Innovation Center coached us every step of the way through a very complex application for a USDA valueadded grant. As a result, we received a $50,000 grant. Without their help, I know we wouldn't have succeeded, and without our value-added products we would not be surviving in farming today."

Penni Heritage
Heritage Station Vineyards & Winery