2023 NJ / NY Benchmarking Survey Results

A special thank you to co-panelists Nolan Lewin, Executive Director of the Rutgers University Food Innovation Center, and Colin Turner, Chief Strategy Officer of F&S Fresh Foods, and the Grassi team of Robert Grote, Jeffrey Cohen, CPA, James McIntosh, CPA, MST or Chris Fifis who led the discussion of findings from the 2023 industry report at Friday's conference. 

Download your copy and learn what your regional peers are saying about the challenges they are facing. Disagree? Have follow-up questions? Join us for breakfast May 2 with the Southern New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. Find out what's working and what's not in automation, inventory management, staffing, cybersecurity, and more.   

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 

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

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

New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program (NJMVP) grant

The NJEDA’s pre-qualification application for the NJMVP program is closing soon. If you are looking to purchase new equipment in 2023, you might be eligible to offset the cost by up to 50%! https://bit.ly/3jnKAbr.

Want more information? NJFPA member John McDaris of Garton's Rigging attended the NJEDA webinar and is happy to share what he learned. Garton's is also offering NJFPA members introductory discounts for the installation of equipment.

Reach out to John today!

Need to Upgrade Your Equipment?

Did you miss EDA webinar on the new New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program (NJMVP) grant? Grants range between $7,500 and $250,000 and funding can be used to purchase equipment needed to improve operations. The NJMVP is designed to increase manufacturing production in New Jersey.

NJFPA member John McDaris of Garton's Rigging attended the NJEDA webinar and had these insights to share: 

"There is free money out there you just have to qualify for it and it does not sound too hard. They have a 1000-dollar application fee. The link for this is https://www.njeda.com/event/njeda-manufacturing-voucher-program

2023 Conference Exhibitor and Sponsorships

We couldn't have our signature annual conference without the support of our exhibitors and sponsors. In 2022, the exhibit hall was energetic. We heard how wonderful and productive the conversations were throughout the day. More than 40 companies are expected to participate, displaying products and services and interacting with top-level executives from organizations throughout the state. 

Advance reservations by mail are now available for exhibitors and sponsors. Online forms to follow!

2023 NJFPA Annual Conference 

Overwhelmingly you have said that one of the biggest challenges you are facing is workforce. From hiring and retention of your own employees to driver shortages and port personnel logistics affecting your processes and profits. How can NJ businesses stay ready for anything?

As many of you know, the NJFPA Annual Conference is planned by members, for members. The education committee is building on some of our most popular topics from last year. For instance, bringing in students to talk about apprenticeships and hiring practices. 

October OTR Recap and Photo Album

Were you at our October On The Road networking event? Tag yourself in the Facebook photo album and share your pictures as well. (How is it possible that the Cultinary Family Farm twins were not captured on camera??)

The staff and space of Cross Keys Brewing were wonderfully welcoming and the room was packed. Thank goodness the rain held off because the crowd was spilling out the door. Not that rain would have kept anyone from lining up for dinner from Red's Rolling Restaurant.

Culinary Family Farms Black Garlic was an experience. When they walk you through the flavors like a wine tasting you know this is something special. Superfoods was already using black garlic in their recipes and were excited to meet a NJ source. The samples of Superfood's veggie burgers, taco filling, and "forbidden banana bread" are all vegan and amazingly delicious. Paul is an experienced chef that has already brought products to Costco and it shows. We got to learn a little more about the history behind the spring rolls of Carey's Gourmet and their established following. 

Thursday, November 3, 2022 - Food Business Workshop

Are you interested in the upcoming Rutgers Food Innovation Center, Food Business Basics Workshop but still on the fence?

Check out the workshop schedule to see the full scope of what this day will cover to bring your food business to the next level: branding, packaging materials, food safety, sales, Whole Foods foragers, and finding co-packers. 

And this workshop is not just for startups! Are you new to the industry and need a crash course? An established small business looking to take things to the next level? Even the largest NJ food processors have taken advantage of the resources of the Rutgers Food Innovation Center to test out new recipes, formulas, and processes. 

Still not sure? Reach out to [email protected] and [email protected] to learn more. The first 15 NJFPA members that mention this post will get a VERY special rate.

If you can't make this one, remember that NJFPA members always get 10% off on RFIC classes. 

October 13th OTR - New Tastings

For our October OTR we are featuring some up-and-coming local food processors.

• Sample new in-development sauces from Dirty Jerz BBQ
• Taste the trendy flavor of Black Garlic with Culinary Family Farms
• Find your new crave with the spring rolls of Carey's Gourmet 
• Explore food as medicine with Superfoods veggie burgers
• Take your Jersey tomatoes east with Aaji’s Tomato Lonsa
• Taste what science can do with the groundbreaking Sundial Vegan Chicken Wings
• who knows who else you will meet!

If that wasn't enough to tempt you, we are excited to welcome Larry Walker, President & CEO of Balford Foods who will share a few words on his experiences and advice in the food industry.

Rutgers Food Innovation Center North - Fall 2022 Update

While Rutgers University made a fiscal decision to no longer rent job Rutgers-owned buildings during the COVID era, they did want to continue the presence of RFIC North. We received approval from the SEBS executive leadership team and the Chair of the Food Science Department to take up residency in a lab on the 4th floor of the Food Science building. This smaller space is designed to allow start up’s and clients from the northern part of the state and New York Metro area to meet with the FIC team without needing to drive to the Bridgeton site for initial conversations and testing of prototypes.

While this new space in New Brunswick will not allow for manufacturing as Piscataway had, it is still an opportunity for potential clients to begin the process of working with RFIC. The biggest advantage comes from the opportunity for the professors and student body to engage much easier with the RFIC team who will be in the New Brunswick lab and office a few times a month. FIC will offer food safety and training courses, both virtually and in person. Work with the sensory labs will grow and the marketing team will have access to a remarkably diverse group to work with on competing analyses. All in all, entering the next phase of FIC in New Brunswick promises to afford new and exciting horizons for everyone. 

- Nolan Lewin 
Rutgers Food Innovation Center

Remember NJFPA members always get a 10% discount on FIC training courses!

One Day Food Business Basics Course

Looking to jump-start or level up a new food business? The one-day session will include business and technical experts, including an attorney, food scientists, a packaging expert, trend and marketing experts and so much more.  (You know, like an NJFPA event!)

Date: November 3, 2022 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
Location:  Rutgers Eco Center 1200 Florence Columbus Road, Bordentown, NJ 08505.
Registration: https://foodinnovation.rutgers.edu/what-fic-does/learn/food-business-basics/

NJFPA Member Benefits on Rutgers Training

Back-to-school season is not just for kids. NJFPA members get a 10% discount on training from Rutgers. Remember that everyone in an NJFPA member company is eligible for NJFPA benefits! Contact Rutgers about customized training for your whole staff. 

Updated course listings have been posted Food Science and Food Safety Courses – Rutgers NJAES Office of Continuing Professional Education Broaden and update your team's food skills with Food Safety training courses and Food Science courses offered by Rutgers, including HACCP training, food microbiology, sensory evaluation, and more. - cpe.rutgers.edu

Featured Course: Sensory Evaluation
Course Code: LF0606CA23 Date: Sept 28 & 29, 2022 - 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Cook Student Center, 59 Biel Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 
Registration: $1,150 per person Early Bird Discount Fee: $1,050 per person (expires September 7, 2022)

NJFPA Member Feedback

Thank you to everyone who contributed their feedback on our organization.  The board had a full day of reflection on the last few years and planning for the next. Our last board retreat was in 2019 and needless to say, a lot has changed since then. We will be sharing some of our conversations over the coming weeks. 

NJFPAs history, our roots, are founded in the personal relationships among our members. A group of processors and allies that respected each other and wanted to support each other to encourage industry growth in the garden state. 

NJFPA 2022 Golf Outing Recap

See the full 2022 Golf Photo Album

On Tuesday, June 28th our return to Running Deer Golf Club continued our annual tradition of hitting the links with friends and colleagues. The golf outing remains one of the most enjoyable days for our members and future members alike.

Golf Sponsorship and Marketing Opportunities

Many of our golf sponsors come back year after year because they know this is one of NJFPAs best-attended events. Reserve your sponsorship opportunity now to make sure your business is front and center in this prestigious group.

Thank You for an Amazing Day!

Full Program & Speakers | Exhibitor List | Sponsors List | Photo Album

Going from not being sure that the event would even happen to one of our biggest turnouts yet has been an exciting few months. This truly is a member-driven organization and the conference could not have been accomplished without the leadership, advice, and direction of our Board of Directors, Education Committee, and all the members who stepped up as speakers, exhibitors, and event staff.

Check out some of the event pictures posted on LinkedIn and our Facebook album.

Make sure you have your calendar marked for our upcoming May 10th On The Road event, June 28th Golf Outing, and are subscribed to our newsletter for updates.