Food Importing and Transportation: Trends and Opportunities

Domonic O'Brien was already scheduled to speak on the challenges and trends he has seen from his seat at the PhilaPort / The Port of Philadelphia. But even while at the Boston Seafood Show, he has spent the last few days inviting more regional experts to the discussion. This is the expert lineup Dominic and session sponsor Liz Smith of Norwood Construction have lined up so far, register now to see who else will be there.

• 365-degree summary of international food importing and transportation trends
• Advances in inventory control systems and real-time tracking
• Demands for traceability from regulators to customers

Facility Design to Enhance Process & Performance

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at photos and blueprints used in the latest facility designs. These slides will NOT be made available after the conference. You have to be in the room this Friday. Register now!

•  How do I expand an existing facility without slowing down production?
• Do I renovate a facility to a new use or invest in new construction?
• How can I incorporate sustainability issues from the beginning vs renovating an existing building?
• Learn more about the renovation of the Rutgers Food Innovation Center and more recently the Cumberland County Improvement Authority Food Commercialization Center. Both buildings were designed to serve as incubators for developing food businesses and need to handle a wide variety of processes. 

J.W. Pedersen, Architect P.C. is located in Southern New Jersey. President, John W. Pedersen, has over 40 years of experience in the construction industry in both new and renovation projects. Recent projects have included a 70,000 s.f. renovation to a 110,000 s.f. cheese processing facility completed without interruption to production and the completion of a 46,000 s.f. addition to a 62,000 s.f. bakery process facility. 

Challenges and Solutions For Your Processing Facility Construction

The Food and Beverage business in NJ is booming. NJMEP's 2023 NJ Manufacturing Industry Report lists Food and Beverage Manufacturing as the second-largest manufacturing sector across all of New Jersey. The facilities needed for our industry are VERY different than an empty box warehouse.

2023 NJFPA Stewardship Award AND Breakout Session Presenter

NJFPA and the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program are proud to announce that Premio Foods, Inc. has been selected as the recipient of this year's NJFPA Stewardship Award. Recipients are New Jersey food and beverage processors recognized for their investment in New Jersey, our industry, and the greater community.

Come learn from the best! Our partners at NJMEP present the award at our annual conference on March 17th and share more on why Premio Foods' leadership is worth celebrating. AND lead a breakout session on their workforce success story with Premio HR. Here are just a few of the stories that stood out:

Breakout Session on Fallacies & Fairytales: The Truth Behind Business Valuations

Determining the true value of your business is important for every company: mature, growing, and startup (think shark tank valuations!) But many market-based "Rules of Thumb" are not worth much when valuing a business. Join NJFPA Member Expert Fred Kaplan of Stony Hill Advisors as he dispels the most common myths that catch businesses unprepared. 

Breakout Session on Food Safety Culture and Regulatory Compliance

FDA-recognized Food Safety Expert and long-time lecturer from Rutgers University Food Innovation Center, Donna F. Schaffner, will be sharing her insights into how ‘Food Safety Culture’ is being measured by FDA Inspectors in order to meet regulatory expectations.

Welcome Closing Speaker Dr. Jill Weber 

Dr. Jill Weber is in every sense of the word an explorer in both her fields (so far) of archaeology and restaurateur. One of Jill’s greatest attributes has been described as just being interested. Interested in the past, in science, in processes, in food and wine, and most importantly - in people.

Her true interest and insights have made her a leader in her industries. Jill has been president of Les Dames d'Escoffier - Philly Chapter, is currently on the board of the Geographical Society of Philadelphia and Co-Chair of the Sisterly Love Collective. 

Keynote Speaker Arlin Wasserman of Changing Tastes

Arlin Wasserman is the founder and managing director of Changing Tastes. Over the past two decades, he has helped identify and catalyze some of the most significant shifts in the way businesses and consumers think about food.

Wasserman’s accomplishments include working with General Mills to develop the first sustainability strategy for a major U.S. food company and innovating the now common practice among food companies to make forward-looking, measurable commitments to reduce carbon emissions, water consumption, energy and chemical use, and waste. 

Get the 2023 Industry Survey Results First

For the third year since the extraordinary year that was 2020, NJFPA has partnered with Grassi Advisors & Accountants to create a benchmarking survey that examined the specific regional challenges and opportunities of the NJ Food Processing Community. Review the 2022 & 2021 Reports.

Be the first to hear the comprehensive industry benchmarks that your business can leverage at the 2023 NJFPA Annual Conference.

Don't forget, if you participated in the survey you were given a coupon code for 20% off registration to the Conference in Atlantic City. (Discount code was provided at the end of the survey.)

Conference Schedule as of February 24

Register | Schedule | Exhibitors | Sponsorship | Accommodations | 2022 Recap 

THURSDAY, MARCH 16TH, 5 PM - 7 PM

Casual Kick Off Cocktail Reception
Visit Exhibitors and Networking

Harrah's Conference Center, Wildwood Ballroom

FRIDAY, MARCH 17TH, 7 AM - 2:30 PM

7:00 AM    Breakfast / Visit Exhibitors / Networking
8:00 AM    Welcome and Remarks by Sam Pipitone, III, NJFPA President
8:05 AM    Keynote Address by Arlin Wasserman, Changing Tastes

8:45 AM    Food Manufacturing Survey by NJFPA and Grassi
9:30 AM    Visitors Exhibitors / Networking
10:20 AM  Breakout Sessions I
11:10 AM  Breakout Sessions II
12:00 PM  Visitors Exhibitors / Networking
12:45 PM  Lunch and Awards
1:30 PM    Dessert and Closing Presentation by Jill Weber, Sojourn Philly Restaurant Group

We Love Our Sponsors!

Thank you to all our sponsors who have already stepped forward with their support for our upcoming NJFPA annual conference on March 17th! Sponsorship of the NJFPA Annual Conference represents an opportunity for creative engagement with both food processors and the partners that support the industry. Through sponsorship, your organization can be associated with leaders in our community. Read more about the Sponsorship Details and Reserve your sponsorship today!

Schedule | Exhibitors | Sponsorship | Accommodations | 2022 Recap 

10th Manufacturing Cares Food Drive Kick Off

From John W. Kennedy, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer, New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc.

Consider this the kick-off for our 10^th year of the Manufacturing Cares Food Drive…where we currently sit at 1.76 Million Meals provided directly to those in need in NJ…especially children!! Our goal is to top 2 Million in 2023.

Get your exhibitor reservation in today!

In 2022, the exhibit hall was energetic. We heard how wonderful and productive the conversations were throughout the day with NJ area companies especially looking to support each other. More than 40 companies are expected to participate, displaying products and services and interacting with top-level executives from organizations throughout the state. With extended exhibit hall hours during Thursday's welcoming cocktail reception, this is a program not to be missed.

Set up begins at approx.12 noon on Thursday, March 16, 2023.

January NJ / NY Industry Benchmark Study Discussion

Thank you to everyone who attended the NJ/NY Food Manufacturers Benchmarking Survey Discussion with NJFPA, Grassi, and the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey. It was a great discussion and a great group of people.

Keep the conversation going. Did you agree or disagree with what you heard? Did anything surprise you? Is there anything you are going to do differently based on what you learned?

Don't miss out on conference hotel room rates!

With extended exhibit hall hours and Whitepenny's welcoming cocktail reception Thursday night, (not to mention March Madness) there is more reason than ever to take advantage of accommodations in Atlantic City. 

Harrah’s Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey - Rate Cut-Off-Date is Monday, February 20, 2023
$81 Run of House on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 and Thursday, March 16, 2023
$221 Run of House on Friday, March 17, 2023
Reservations can be made by calling (888) 516-2215, Group Code SHO3FR3 or NJFPA Annual Conference. OR online at https://book.passkey.com/go/SH03FR3
Additional applicable taxes, occupancy fee, casino fee, resort fee

New Member Spotlight: Beneficial Bakery

Beneficial Bakery heard about NJFPA from yet another fabulous NJ resource: Choose NJ. Knowing the value of connections and relationships, they dove into their first OTR, toured the Rutgers FIC, and are crisscrossing the state looking for new connections.

 "Beneficial Bakery was founded in May 2021 by Dr. Diane Melano in EHT, NJ. We ferment vegetables from over 60 qualified farms in NJ into a pantry of ingredients that are used to create the most delicious baked goods. Our products contain prebiotic microbiome-accessible carbohydrates (MACs) and a variety of probiotic live bacteria that promote improved gut health. As we grow our supply chain we are hoping to meet potential partners who have (i) food prep space available for lease, and/or (ii) capacity to wash vegetables."

Third Annual MAFTO Community Care Package Fundraiser

MAFTO is seeking donations from its member regional food, beverage, and consumer packaged goods brands to supply 1,000 to 2,000 units of a variety of non-perishable products, free goods coupons, non-alcoholic beverages, gift cards, or sundries to support the program. Donations of products or coupons are being accepted through February 21st. For more information contact Barb Delp at 267-644-8537 or [email protected].

Donate funds or spread the word to show your support for the program and local charities any time! For more information contact Andy Morfopoulos / Ignite2x Advertising [email protected] 

The Financial Fitness Corner with Maryann and Bill

Longtime members Bill Cornelius of M&T Bank and Maryann Lewis of Citizens Bank both focus their work specifically in the food industry. They have teamed up to regularly highlight the issues crucial to our members. Disagree? Have a follow-up question? Maryann and Bill are regular attendees at our On The Road events or email [email protected]. Get financial information you can trust from people you actually know.

Now that you are warmed up, Bill shares tips to keep your company growing: 

1. Hire the right people – harder said than done but this is integral.

2. Focus on established revenue sources – focus on existing core customers. Create strategies based on previous buying behaviors which could encourage repeat business, i.e. loyalty programs.

RFIC Spring Food Safety Class Schedule AND Expanded Consulting Services

The Rutgers Food Innovation Center's reputation for food safety training is well known, did you know they also have consulting services? They can do FSMA, GMP or SQF Gap audits to help you prepare for the FDA, USDA or 3rd Party audits. They can review your Food Safety Plans and give recommendations on how to meet regulatory requirements. 

Learn more on the RFIC training and consulting page and remember NJFPA members are eligible for discounts on many RFIC services and training. 

1. ServSafe Food Safety Manager Course – For anyone under the Cottage Food Law, operating in a commercial kitchen and leaders in serving food to the public (restaurants, schools, nursing homes, fast food, etc…)
1. Jan 17-18, 2023 in person!
   https://foodinnovation.rutgers.edu/what-fic-does/learn/training-services/servsafe-manager/
2. HACCP – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points – Both are virtual, through WEBEX
1. March 7-9, 2023
2. May 16-18, 2023
   https://foodinnovation.rutgers.edu/what-fic-does/learn/training-services/haccp/
3. PCHF – Preventive Controls for Human Food
1. March 21-23, 2023 - Virtual
2. May 23-25, 2023 - In Person!
   https://foodinnovation.rutgers.edu/what-fic-does/learn/training-services/pcqi/
4. SQF Practitioner
1. May 4th -5, 2023 Virtual
   https://foodinnovation.rutgers.edu/what-fic-does/learn/training-services/sqf-safe-quality-foods/
5. RFIC can also come to you if you have 5-10 (or more) employees that need any of the training above and:
1. FSVP (if you import ingredients)
2. IAVA (Food Defense)
3. GMPs
4. Food Safety Culture

2023 NJ / NY Food and Beverage Manufacturing Benchmarking Survey

We need your insight! If your company is a food or beverage manufacturer or distributor doing business in NJ / NY, please take a few minutes to complete this survey and share it with your network. Tell us how shifting consumer demands, supply chain disruptions, and volatility in ingredient pricing and other trends have impacted your business operations and outlook. Your responses will be used to compile a comprehensive industry benchmarking report specific to our region that will help companies like yours measure their progress and plan for the road ahead.

The food and beverage manufacturing and distribution industry evolves every year. What is changing and what is still to come? Those are the questions we are looking to answer in our 2023 survey of New York and New Jersey food manufacturers. The NJFPA is conducting this survey in partnership with Grassi CPAs, and facilitated by the research team at Crain's New York Business.