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.

NJFPA Members Contribute to MAFTO's Christmas for All Kids

With less than a week's notice, attendees at our winter OTR brought a huge bag of toys to contribute to MAFTO's Christmas for All Kids program. And even able to join representatives of MAFTO to deliver them. 

Can we start a little friendly rivalry to level up for next year? This year MAFTO brought more toys but NJFPA stayed longer to help unload and sort.

Learn More About MAFTO's Community Care Package Program

This Q&A has been adapted from the conversation between NJFPA Board Member Bill Cornelius of M&T Bank and chatted with Andy Morfopoulos, CEO at ignite2X, Inc and a member of the Mid-Atlantic Food Trade Organization's (MAFTO) Board of Directors at our winter OTR. (minor updates made January 3, 2023)

Bill: Tell us about your day job: 

NJ / NY Food Manufacturers Benchmarking Survey Discussion

Friday, January 20, 2023 | 8:30 - 10:30 AM | Register
The Grove at Centerton, Pittsgrove, NJ

Building on the 2021 report, in 2022, the NJFPA, in partnership with Grassi Advisors & Accountants, conducted a survey and received feedback from 148 NY and NJ food and beverage manufacturing business decision-makers. The survey revealed anticipated growth for 2022 and the latest strategies for success.

Thanks to M&T Bank for the opportunity to discuss this key resource for our community.  Dive deeper into industry insights specific to our region with the NJFPA and Grassi team and obtain information on the upcoming 2023 survey.  Register now at CCSNJ.

NJFPA Winter OTR

"This is by far the best networking event I've been to lately!" - Sanjay Spence, JCI Transportation

"OK Lisa, who should I talk to next!" - The Beneficial Bakery

See the pictures from last night! NJFPA Board member Bill Cornelious welcomed NJFPA to M&T Bank offices and chatted with Andy Morfopoulos, CEO at ignite2X, Inc and a member of the Mid-Atlantic Food Trade Organization's (MAFTO) Board of Directors. Andy shared opportunities to contribute to two significant MAFTO fundraising programs.

It is our members that make it happen! Want to see an OTR near you? Reach out to [email protected] and get started. 

MAFTO's Community Cares Package Program

2023 MAFTO Community Care Packages builds on the relationships we share to raise funds for Philabundance, Small Things, and other MAFTO charities. NJFPA would like to extend our thanks and appreciation for all the brands below that participated in last year's program and encourage our members to consider participating this year. Learn more about this and other MAFTO programs tonight in Cherry Hill!

Read more about participating in the 2023 MAFTO Community Cares Package Program.

RFIC Breaking News!

The Rutgers Food Innovation Center, which has been in operation for over 20 years with extraordinary success, has identified the need to create its first formal Advisory Board to identify new strategic opportunities to better serve the food industry going forward. Each advisory board member is a leader in the food industry and brings a unique and diverse set of perspectives to the Center, and a global depth and breadth of expertise. The advisors will help provide strategic guidance to FIC’s senior leadership team, including Nolan Lewin, FIC’s Executive Director.

Congratulations from the NJFPA to the inaugural first class:

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. 

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!

Inspire the next generation of food and beverage manufacturers!

NJFPA member Melissa Eckstein is the District Career Facilitator of the Gateway 2 Careers program at Gateway Regional High School. She is legendary throughout the state for developing symbiotic relationships between education and the workforce. (Food Forum Podcast S2E7)

Having cultivated partnerships with 150 businesses and counting, she has created career opportunities for students, as well as workforce development prospects for companies. You are invited to participate in their December 2nd career day to speak to Gateway students directly about careers available at your company and learn about the workforce programs at Gateway 2 Careers that are building a pipeline of talent for area businesses.

October 7th - NJ Manufacturing Day Schedule

Stop by the NJFPA booth for your 'Proud NJFPA Member' pin AND a chance to win NJFPA Conference tickets, Eagles and Flyers tickets!

What?!? You still aren't registered yet? Use code SOTS15 for 15% off: https://www.njmep.org/events/manufacturing-day/

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/

FREE Event: Resources for Growth Small Business - NJBAC /NJ State Chamber/Chamber of Commerce So. NJ

Date: Wed, September 21, 2022 - 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT
Location: Rowan College at Burlington County, Mt Laurel, NJ 08054
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/resources-for-growth-small-business-event-tickets-392725952897

At the 2022 NJFPA Conference, we talked about the many resources and advantages to doing business in New Jersey. Come find them in one place! Meet with representatives of the programs involved including:

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)

DFA Call for NJFPA Member Expertise 

Design for America (DFA) is a nationally recognized organization that fosters student creativity and design thinking skills to address complex problems in local communities.

DFA’s Rutgers chapter invites NJFPA members to collaborate with students in addressing the question, "How can we sustainably equip communities to address the obstacles involved with food insecurity?".

Students will work in teams to design solutions to food insecurity with empathy and creativity. Organizations can gain insights and strategies surrounding unmet needs, and students can develop an affinity for community engagement. For more information or to express interest, please email the DFA at Rutgers team at [email protected].  

PICC's Food Tech Conference & Honoring BIMBO Bakery

June 1st 8-10:30 - Register

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.