About the Massachusetts
Specialty Foods Association

The non-profit Massachusetts Specialty Foods Association assists its members in obtaining marketing, promotional, management, technical, scientific and financial assistance. MSFA also promotes and preserves the rich heritage of food production in Massachusetts. We strive to increase public awareness and support of the Massachusetts specialty food industry and the wide variety of foods produced by its members.

The MSFA has provided seminars, conferences, networking and marketing opportunities to its members since 1987, through the volunteer efforts of its Board of Directors and its vibrant and friendy member community. Membership now stands at over 100 companies.

Associate members provide a range of advice, services, products and networking geared to the specialty food industry in such diverse areas as legal, insurance, publishing, labeling, advertising and promotion, and start-up consulting.

Highly successful collaborative participation in many trade shows has led to the creation of a unified catalog of products and a unified display at UMass Amherst bookstore. The association has also created a successful collaborative gift basket product line that promotes products from members across the state.

Regional and specialty food items are in great demand today. There is a growing trend to produce specialty foods for local, regional, and international markets. The food industry in Massachusetts, including farm-processing plants, restaurants, and supermarkets accounts for at least a $16 billion dollar share of the commonwealths revenues. The sector of food processing alone is valued at over $8 billion a year, and involves some 900 Massachusetts firms. Many specialty food producers also rely upon local agricultural products wherever and whenever possible for their recipes.

The MSFA serves to support and strengthen this special sector of resource-based industries that enhances the economy of Massachusetts. We thank you for your support of LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION and look forward to working with you!