~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Food For Thought]
is published quarterly by the Massachusetts Specialty Foods Association
(800) 813-5862
www.msfa.net
July 2004
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
in this issue....
-- Letter From the President
-- A Foodie - Member Profile
-- Green Plate Special: Salute to New England Specialty=
Foods at The Big E
-- On the Menu - MSFA Calendar of Events
-- The Food Network: Networking Events
-- Just Desserts! Members in the Spotlight
-- Member Participation
-- Member FYI
-- New Product Announcements
-- The Salt of the Earth - New Members, Renewals and Up=
coming Renewals
-- Contact Information
Letter From the President
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Standing left to right: Ardi Dadgar, Sandy Wright, Bob Grella,
Anowsh Dadgar, Chris Hennessy and Darren Pagliuca.
Seated: Helen Dadgar, Linda Leyko, and Marion Haskell
Dear MSFA Members,
The MSFA warmly welcomes Dadgar Insurance Agency, Inc. as Corporate Sponsor. It has been a pleasure to meet with Anowsh Dadgar and Bob Grella over the past couple of months and to work with them on this Corporate Sponsorship. Dadgar Insurance Agency's insurance programs are designed to meet the needs of individual companies, and they will be offering special packages to our members so that we may enjoy discounts on our insurance. Dadgar Insurance Agency has been involved in restaurant and real estate insurance and now also is focusing on the insurance needs of specialty foods companies.
I invite you to review the following article and to consider this fine company for your insurance needs.
With warm regards,
Carol Coutrier, President
MSFA
Background and Qualifications
Obtaining reliable and cost effective insurance packages does not need to be a frustrating search. We represent a great number of insurance companies through which we can tailor-make a product to fit our clients' particular needs and demands. Our experience, reputation, and scope of markets are determinant factors when examining client insurance requirements.
Providing quality service to clients is our primary objective. It is our responsibility to efficiently manage their accounts so all requirements are met. We keep close contact with the rapidly changing marketplace thereby allowing us to make appropriate recommendations and changes while supporting our clients' growth. We have developed a review procedure and communication for our staff to ensure the highest standard of performance which yields great client satisfaction.
We are a member of Massachusetts Association of Independent Agents, Better Business Bureau, Massachusetts Restaurant Association, Small Property Owners Association, and Korean Dry Cleaning Association. We have been endorsed by SPOA (2,000+ Mass. landlords) and KDA (500 Mass. Korean Dry Cleaners). Please visit our website at www.dadgarinsurance.com.
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A Foodie - Member Profile
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Associate Member Profile
BEST OF THE BAY STATE
Best of the Bay State had been a dream for many years as I continually came into contact with the wonderful products and people involved in the specialty food industry in Massachusetts. Honoring and offering these fine foods to the public, in a beautiful gift box, seemed only fitting. Hence, in February of 2003 I grabbed the domain name www.bestofthebaystate.com.
My thought was to align myself with a gourmet shop that could carry the chosen products year round. Duck Soup was the natural choice as I was acquainted with and respected Richard Ressler and Pierre Weiss, the owners. I knew they could and would guide me in getting this venture off the ground. Another important aspect of the company was the share a portion of our profits with the Greater Boston Food Bank(GBFB) and the MSFA. GBFB buys only food produced within the state and MSFA is a wonderful resource for specialty food producers as I can attest to when I owned Sudbury Soup.
This year we have amended the boxes to incorporate new products we consider special and others we could not part with. We have tried to include products that are either from award winning companies, socially conscious companies, or are just so delicious we had to include them.
While only in business 4 short months last year, we believe we created a nice buzz, and hope to enlarge on that by growing and evolving into an important company that celebrates and supports locally produced fine food products and the specialty food industry.
Green Plate Special: Salute to New England Specialty
Foods at The Big E
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On the Menu - MSFA Calendar of Events
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2004 MSFA
CALENDAR
JULY
15
MSFA Newsletter, "Food for Thought".
16 - 17
Northeast Fresh Foods Alliance - World Trade Center in
Boston www.neffa.com.
24
MASSACHUSETTS MARKETPLACE - 10 AM-4 PM at Elm
Bank Horticulture Center, Dover, MA, Contact Michelle
Ross at 617-933-4982 or mross@masshort.org
to reserve space.
Morning Tea and Coffee sponsored by MSFA, and
MDAR, 8 - 9:45 AM - Contact Bonita Oehlke,
Bonita.Oehlke
@state.ma.us to donate product for 75-100
people.
AUGUST
12-15
2005, NOFA 30th annual summer conference www.nofa.org.
12-15
Summer Organic Conference sponsored by the
Northeast Organic Farming Association, at Hampshire
College, Amherst. Contact Julie Rawson at 978-355-
2853,
nofa@nofamass.org
or visit
www.nofamass.org
18
MSFA Networking Event, W. MA Food Processing
Center, Greenfield, MA.
Contact
Herb Heller, 413-774-7204, Ext 108 or herbh@fccdc.org,
to register. Open to members and non-members.
Please cc to Ellen Callaway, MSFA Networking
Coordinator, at
ellen@callawayphoto.com.
31
Deadline for submissions for 2005 MA Ag Calendar Photo
Contest. Contact Rick LeBlanc,
MDAR, 617-626-1759 or
Richard.LeBlanc@state.ma.us
SEPTEMBER
15
MSFA Networking Event, Barrett Distribution Centers,
Franklin, MA.
Contact Mark Sotir,
508-553-8800, Ext. 924 or
msotir@barrettdistribution.com to register. Open
to members and non-members.
Please cc to Ellen Callaway, MSFA Networking
Coordinator at
ellen@callawayphoto.com.
21
MSFA Board Meeting
OCTOBER
01
Salute to New England Specialty Foods at the Big E,
Springfield, MA,
Bonita.Oehlke@state.ma.us
01
Deadline for submissions for "Food for Thought". Please
email submissions to
ccoutrier@aol.com.
02
Best Taste Showcase, noon-7 PM at Lowell Memorial
Auditorium, Lowell, MA, Contact Amy at
978-454-7174 or
info@besttasteshowcase.com. or see
www.besttasteshowcase.com for more
information.
15
MSFA Newsletter, "Food for Thought".
14 , 17
Natural Products Expo East, Washington
DC
www.expoeast.com.
25
Made in Massachusetts At Old Sturbridge Village,
Sturbridge, MA, 508-347-3362
26-27
Kosherfest - Jacob K. Javits Center, NY, NY. To
reserve space in the MSFA Pavilion, contact Hilary
Manning at 207-842-5563 or email
hmanning@divcom.com.
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The Food Network: Networking Events
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Networking Event at Western MA Food Processing
Center
Wednesday, August 18, 2004, 1-4 PM
In November 2001 the Franklin County Community
Development Corporation opened the doors to the
Western Mass Food Processing Center. Since then, the
Food Center program has launched and assisted over 40
specialty food businesses. With over 30 current
members making everything from ice cream to
horseradish to chili, something good is always cooking
at the Food Center.
On Wednesday, August 18, come join other MSFA, Food
Center, and community members for a tasty networking
event. Tour the Food Center, meet with
fellow "foodies," and sample some of the specialty
products made with pride in Massachusetts. The event
starts at 1PM and includes a tour, refreshments, and
plenty of time for sampling and introductions. For more
information and/or to register, contact Herb Heller,
Program Manager at herbh@fccdc.org.
Please cc your registration to Ellen Callaway, MSFA
networking coordinator, at
ellen@callawayphoto.com.
Directions:
From I-91:
I-91 NORTH TO EXIT 26 (2
West/2A/Mohawk Trail) and follow directions below
I-91 Southbound use Exit 27 (2 East/Routes. 5&10) and follow directions below:
From I-91 Exit 26 / from route 2 east
follow route 2a OFF ROTARY TO
GREENFIELD CENTER;
STRAIGHT THROUGH the LIGHT AT DUNKIN DONUTS ;
UP the HILL TO the CENTER OF TOWN, LOOK FOR BROOKS PHARMACY ON the RIGHT;
TAKE the NEXT LEFT ONTO WELLS ST.;
ABOUT 1 MILE to the FLASHING RED LIGHT, proceed straight through;
just over =BC MILE ON the LEFT LOOK FOR 324 WELLS, BEFORE RAY'S CYCLE shop;
you will see A SIGN FOR THE FOOD PROCESSING CENTER on your left. PARKING LOT is to the right past the food processing center.
From I-91 Southbound / from route 2 west:
Exit to Routes 5 & 10, turn south toward
Greenfield center;
At the first light (intersection of Federal & Silver Streets) turn right onto Silver St.
just over 1 mile, you will see a self-serve car wash on the right. Wells St. is the next left.
Turn left onto Wells St.
about 200 yards on wells On the right side is Ray's Cycle shop. 324 Wells St. is the driveway immediately after Ray's Cycle shop.
you will see A SIGN FOR THE FOOD PROCESSING CENTER on your left. PARKING LOT is to the right past the food processing center.
Herb Heller, Program Manager
Western Mass Food Processing Center
324 Wells St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
413-774-7204 x108
www.fccdc.org
Networking Event at Barrett Distribution Centers
Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2004, 1-4 PM
Barrett Distribution Centers is an ISO Registered, third party distribution company with operations throughout Massachusetts. Under the same family ownership since 1941, Barrett's management team is focused on delivering superior warehousing services to both our customers and their consignees. We are dedicated to the New England market, but manage business for our clients on a national and international basis. With over 600,000 square feet of food grade, temperature controlled space under management, we are large enough to handle our customer's needs, but still small enough to care about each and every client we serve. We also provide transportation service to truly control the supply chain for our valued customers.
Our commitment to customer satisfaction goes beyond internal measurement and training. We measure our customer satisfaction levels with annual surveys, and use this feedback to improve our performance. We will be continuously measuring our level of satisfaction and using this process as a tool to identify and make changes that are required in our processes. Our only product is our service, which we are committed to each and every day.
Please contact Mark Sotir, Director of Customer Relations @508-553-8800 (ext. 924) or email Mark at msotir@barrettdistribution.com to register and cc to Ellen Callaway, MSFA Networking coordinator, at ellen@callawayphoto.com.
Directions to Franklin Warehouse
15 Freedom Way
Franklin, MA 02038
From Route 1 South or
Route 95 South
Go to Route 495 North take
Exit 16 turn off and bear left onto King St.
Turn left onto Union St.
Turn right onto Constitution Way
Turn left onto Freedom Way
Just Desserts! Members in the Spotlight
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Creative Labels of Vermont has been cited in
the feature editorial of Package Printing magazine's
June 2004 issue as being one of the top tag and label
converters in North America. Creative Labels of
Vermont specializes in printing for the Specialty Food
Market.
Print Solutions magazine, in it's April 2004 issue,
honored Creative Labels of Vermont as one of the top
100 manufacturers in the printing industry.
Governor James Douglas gave the "2004 Child Care
Counts Honor Roll for Vermont Employers" award to
Creative Labels of Vermont "for your leadership as an
employer in affirming the importance of high quality
child care to Vermont's children, working parents and
businesses".
MSFA Companies Participating in the Greater Boston Food Bank's Good Food Gala fundraiser included:
Carolyn's Gourmet, Coutts Specialty Foods, Deborah's Kitchen, Inc., EsssenSmart Cookies, Mondi Enterprises, Inc., Nottinghall, the Place for Tea, Stacy's Pita Chip Company and Theme Candy, Inc.
Many thanks to all for your generous donations!
Regenie's All Natural Snacks was featured in "The First Course" in the spring issue of Intermezzo Magazine. The article was entitled "A Healthier Crunch".
Ever So Humble Pie Co.
Ever So Humble Pie Co was featured in the June 18th issue of the Country Gazette as being a major participant in the town of Franklin's Strawberry Festival which was held on June 11th. The festival was held in conjunction with the kick-off for the new Franklin Farmer's Market, which Ever So Humble Pie Co is also participating in. We baked, and donated, 600 shortcake biscuits to the town for their strawberry shortcake booth and they sold out before the end of the festival! We offered samples of our Strawberry Rhubarb pie which we had intended to sell by the slice, but, once they tasted it, our customers wanted to take home the whole pie! As a result, we sold out of all our pies early in the day and needed to restock midway through the festival. Our Strawberry Rhubarb Pies are made with locally grown rhubarb from Foppema's Farm in Northbridge and Oakdale Farm in Rehoboth.
Ever So Humble was featured again in the Patriot Ledger on June 26th as being a participant in, and major draw for the Milton Farmer's Market. One customer who was interviewed stated that our pies are the reason she comes to the market every week.
Our new "Frequent Pie-er" cards were also mentioned. With these new cards customer's receive a heart shaped stamp for each ten dollar purchase. When ten stamps have been accumulated the card is turned in for ten dollars worth of free products. This is our way of saying "thank you" to our many repeat customers. So far it has been a big hit!
Carol Coutrier, MSFA President, was interviewed for an article on "Specialty Foods in Massachusetts" for the July issue of Fancy Food magazine.
Cape Cod Cranberry Candy Flying High on Song Airline
Pocasset, MA (4/20/04) - Cape Cod Cranberry Candy is being offered on Song airline as part of a new menu that started April 15. It falls under the "All Day Indulgences" section of the menu and is featured as "Caf=E9 Express", which consists of Cape Cod Cranberry Candy Milk Chocolate Covered Cranberries, two biscotti and creamers for coffee or tea.
"We are thrilled that Song airline is featuring Cape Cod Cranberry Candy on its flights" comments Sue Faria, founder and President of Cape Cod Provisions LLC. "When we tell prospective retailers that our products fly off the shelves, we can thank Song for giving this a whole new meaning." Cape Cod Cranberry Candy, a brand of Cape Cod Provisions LLC, Pocasset, Massachusetts, is available in specialty stores nationwide and online at www.capecodprovisions.com.
Sean Hurley of Hurley's Boston Soda Breads represented the MSFA as an auctioneer at the recent WGBH auction. According to Sean,"I was at the WGBH studios on Wednesday, June 9, 2025 and was "on-the-air" from 3:30 - 4:00. It was a great experience from beginning to end! The folks at 'GBH were a pleasure to work with. I also brought in some soda breads for the "green room" for the guest auctioneers to enjoy along with the other snack items. The whole experience lasted about 20 minutes and was very enjoyable. I'd be happy to do it again next year."
Visit the new Hurley's Boston Soda Breads website where you can order the breads on line at www.bostonsodabreads.com.
Sampsons was featured in an article by Rachel Travers titled "With That Simple Salad, Dare to Branch Out a Bit" in the Life At Home Section of The Boston Globe, April 29, 2004.
Lee Busch of Goodbaker was featured in an article titled "Micro-lending Spawns Goodbaker.com" in The Somerville News on June 2, 2004. The MSFA was mentioned twice in the article:
"When he realized the commercial potential of his recipes, Busch sought out and took advantage of a variety of resources. 'The Mass. Specialty Foods Association provided peer-to-peer advising and a support network. I feel very lucky that I found the Massachusetts Specialty Food Association."
Hot Mama's Hummus is USDA Certified Organic was the title of an article in the June, 2004, issue of Yankee Food Service.
MSFA Companies providing products for display and sampling at the Green Hotels Seminar at the Lenox Hotel in Boston on May 27, 2004, included: Cape Cod Provisions, Cabot's Cape Cod Candy, Deborah's Spreadable Fruit, New England Cranberry Company, Notting Hall, The Place for Tea, Tre Noci, Goodbaker, Carlson Orchards, Sampsons, Myrons Fine Foods, Goddess Granola, Carolyn's Gourmet, Cape Cod Specialty Foods, Inc., Coutts Specialty Foods, Reseska Apiaries, The Warren Farm, and Coastal Classics. Many thanks to all who contributed product and helped to launch the expansion of our MSFA Gourmet Products Program, coordinated by Mark Sampson.
Member Participation
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The organizers of the New England Foodservice
& Lodging Exposition (NEFS) want to
introduce MSFA members to another key
marketing opportunity - Kosherfest 2004!
If you are a manufacturer of certified kosher food
products, you are no doubt interested in taking
advantage of the many new opportunities for kosher.
MSFA members are exactly what Kosherfest buyers are
looking for!
Exhibitors at Kosherfest have a unique opportunity to
meet thousands of trade buyers from 45 states and 29
countries, including retailers from more than 100 chains,
restaurants, caterers, hotels, institutions (such as
hospitals and universities), distributors, wholesalers and
brokers. Kosherfest has a distinguished history as the
world's most important trade event for the kosher food
industry. There is no better way to profile your kosher
products to thousands of kosher food buyers than at
Kosherfest. Millions of dollars of business are written at
Kosherfest each year.
Location: Jacob K. Javits Center - New York, NY
Dates: October 26-27, 2004
There are a limited number of choice booths left. Be
sure to mark your calendar for this important event.
Contact Hilary Manning, (207 842-5563 or
hmanning@divcom.com to reserve space in the
MSFA pavilion now.
2005 Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar Photo Contest
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom, Inc. are pleased to announce the 2005 Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar Photo Contest. Massachusetts residents are invited to submit photographs depicting Massachusetts agriculture and horticulture.
Twelve photos will be selected (one for each month) and published in the calendar. Photos will be selected that depict the diversity of agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources on the commonwealth's farms throughout the year. Last year's winners can be viewed at www.Mass.gov/Massgrown.
Winning photographers will be credited in the calendar, will be invited to attend a winner's ceremony at the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) in West Springfield in September and will receive tickets to the fair and copies of the calendar.
Click here for rules and application form.
Goody Bags for "Chefs' Harvest Dinners:
A Benefit for the Boston Public Market"
Plans are being made for a year-round Boston Public Market, and the MSFA has representation on the Board of the Boston Public Market Association.
A fundraiser, "Chefs' Harvest Dinners: A Benefit for the Boston Public Market" will be held on Sept. 21, 2004, at 30 or so restaurants around the Boston area. Area chefs will prepare a "Chef's Choice" menu for 10 guests at each restaurant and the proceeds will benefit the Pubic Market initiative.. MSFA has been asked if we can donate specialty foods products from our members for the "goody bags" (sample or small size is requested.)
It will mean exposure for your products in top Boston area restaurants as well as exposure to their clientele. - Restaurants currently being contacted include The Four Seasons, The Blue Room, Davios, Figs, The Ritz Carlton, Hammersley's Bistro, Oleana, Tremont 647, Grill 23, etc.
If you would like to contribute product for the goody bags, please contact Carol Coutrier at ccoutrier@aol.com by August 15, 2004.
MSFA GOURMET PRODUCTS PROGRAM
MSFA members' products are featured and sold to accounts throughout Massachusetts through our MSFA Gourmet Products Program.
Mark Sampson of Sampsons and MSFA Board Member is coordinator of the program.
If you would like to participate in the program, please email MARK SAMPSON at marksampson@comcast.net (USE THE TITLE "MSFA GOURMET PRODUCTS PROGRAM") in order to receive an order sheet in EXCEL so that you may list your products, specs and wholesale pricing for both retail and foodservice sales. Br> He will then set up the program for you. Mark would also like to receive 15 sell sheets on your products so that he can present them to buyers. Please mail the sell sheets to:
Mark Sampson
Sampsons
101 Palfrey St.
Watertown, MA 02472
(617) 821-6252
An ORDER column allows for easy ordering by store managers. When the manager completes the order, it is emailed to Mark Sampson, and he then sends it out to all the vendors who have orders.
The vendors fulfill the orders, invoice them and ship them to the stores. This program offers ease of ordering with access to all of the products in one place as well as the opportunity to support Massachusetts Specialty Foods Companies!
MSFA members whose products are sold through this program are required to pay a 10% commission on all sales, (MSFA, P.O. Box 551, Sudbury, MA 01776) due at the time of receipt of your payment. This program benefits MSFA members by selling their products, and it helps the MSFA become a more sustainable organization.
Best Taste Showcase
Picture this: it's October in New England - the air is crisp and the brilliant foliage colors burst against a bright blue sky. Then, picture this: your company showcased in an historic building in downtown Lowell Massachusetts, before an audience that's clamoring to taste new experiences, witness innovative products and equipment and gaze at their dream kitchen.
This is what you will enjoy at the Best Taste Showcase - The Premier Culinary Event in the Merrimack Valley. We expect thousands of potential customers that you will reach directly to sample your tastes, demonstrate your exciting products while you network and gain exposure in several mediums leading up to and at the event. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Merrimack Valley Food Bank in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Visit our website at www.besttasteshowcase.com for more information about the event and a list of participating merchants. Your booth entrance fee is a tax-deductible contribution.
Massachusetts Marketplace
Massachusetts Marketplace will be held Saturday, July 24, 10 am to 4 pm at Elm Bank Horticulture Center, home of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. The event showcases the finest products from Massachusetts' fields, farms, gardens and kitchens as well as crafts, gardening activities, live animals and entertainment. Vendor space for sampling and sales is available by calling Michelle Ross at 617-933-4982 or emailing to mross@masshort.org. An application and further details are available at www.masshort.org.
Massachusetts Marketplace Exhibitor's Refreshment Lounge
8:00 - 4:00 pm, on Saturday, July 24th.
The Exhibitor's Refreshment Lounge provides a great opportunity for product exposure among your colleagues, as well as a bit of refreshment for all exhibitors! Companies that make a commitment by July 9 will be listed in the Massachusetts Marketplace literature.
You can ship products in advance or arrange delivery during the Massachusetts Marketplace set-up. You might send or or deliver coffee/tea/juice/beverages/breads/fruits/snacks - please be creative!
Please email, call or FAX: Bonita Oehlke bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us 617-626-1753, FAX: 617-626-1850 with questions or the following information. Thank you very much!
Massachusetts Marketplace Exhibitor's Brunch
___ I will provide (please describe items)
___ I will deliver the product during Massachusetts Marketplace set-up. (There will be staff to provide assistance).
___ I will ship product to arrive July 19 - 23:
Attention: Carolyn Weston - Exhibitor's Brunch, MA Horticultural Society, Elm Bank, 4 Turtle Lane, Dover, 02030-0604
Name:
Company Name:
Street, City, State, Zip:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
Background: The popular summertime favorite, Massachusetts Marketplace, is returning to Elm Bank this summer! Celebrating the quality and abundance of local agriculture, floriculture, specialty foods and crafts, the festival features the finest from Massachusetts' fields, farms, gardens and kitchens. Families flock to Elm Bank to enjoy a full day of sampling, activities and horticultural information for gardeners and gourmets. The event is produced by the Massachusetts Horticulture Society, with in-kind support from the Mass. Department of Agricultural Resources and the Mass. Specialty Food Association at MHS headquarters, the Elm Bank Horticulture Center, on Route 16 in Wellesley, MA. The event is held rain or shine.
Bonita Oehlke
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02202
617-626-1753 FAX: 617-626-1850
www.mass.gov.dfa
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Member FYI
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NUTRITION in the NEWS
July 2004,
Volume
1/1
Nutrition is in the news everywhere.
This column is brought to you by Foodlogics
Consulting.
MSFA readers can relish nutrition newsbytes, including,
but not limited to UPDATES ON GOVERNMENT
ACTION AFFECTING FOOD LABELS.
The Alcohol, Tobacco, Tax and Trade Bureau
Sets Interim Standard on Low Carb Labeling-
Ahead of FDA Regulations. TTB
recently set an "interim standard" for "low
carbohydrate"
or "low carb" label claims. Alcoholic beverages
containing 7g or less carbs per serving may now be
labeled as "low carb".
Truthful "Net Carb" Statements on Food Labels
are Allowed. NET CARBS reflect the
amount of carbohydrate a product contains that will
impact blood glucose levels.
NET CARBS =3D total carbohydrates - dietary fiber -
sugar
alcohols
Labelers can use a "net carb" statement as long as the
statement is "truthful and not misleading", i.e., the
amounts of each component must be derived by FDA-
allowed methods. FDA has not issued a ruling to date
and "low carb" type claims are not permitted. Grocery
Manufacturers of America has petitioned FDA to
establish regulations for carbohydrate claims. Center for
Science in the Public Interest has called on FDA to
provide tighter regulations for carb claims.
FDA Regulations Require Trans Fat to be
listed on Nutrition Labels by January 1, 2006.
We are now counting down to meet the
challenge! The intent of this 'phase-in period' is to
minimize the need for multiple labeling changes, allow
small business to use current label inventories, provide
economic savings. Labelers may also need to consider
possible formulation changes and package design
modifications.
Hydrogenated oils are the main source of trans
fat in the diet. Small amounts of inherent trans
fat occur in nature in animal-based foods such as meat,
butter, and cheese. Each product must be analyzed for
trans fat content.
Hanna Strowman, President of Foodlogics
Consulting, is a full service outsource provider of FDA
and USDA regulation compliant food labels. Visit our
website at www.foodlogics.com
or contact Hanna at
foodlabels@comcast.net.
Berkshire Grown Hires Interim Director
Berkshire Grown announces the hiring of Danielle Mullen as the Interim Director. Ms. Mullen will be working to ensure that the Berkshire Grown mission, to support and promote locally based agriculture as a vital part of a healthy Berkshire economy, is fulfilled throughout the areas busiest agricultural season.
Berkshire Grown supports local farms, facilitates partnerships with Berkshire farmers and local restaurants, markets, and other professional food buyers; and promotes the community's use of locally grown and produced food, flowers and other agricultural products.
We are thrilled to welcome Danielle aboard, said Laurily Epstein, President of the Berkshire Grown Board of Directors. She is a devout Berkshire preservationist- committed to protecting the unique Berkshire landscape through community support of agricultural programs.
Ms. Mullen, who previously served as an aide to State Senator Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr., looks forward to her new role with Berkshire Grown. I feel especially fortunate to be here and continuing the important work of Berkshire Grown: helping our farmers succeed and our community access our regional bounty, said Mullen.
Branded Program Funds to Offset Costs at U.S. Trade Shows and Other Promotional Opportunities - Program Increases Exporting Opportunities for Small Food and Agriculture Companies
In Massachusetts, small food and agriculture companies can rely on the Food Export USA-Northeast Branded Program to offset costs for first time exhibitors at major U.S. trade shows and many other promotional activities. Many foreign buyers attend U.S. trade shows. The mission of the program is to promote American-made products overseas and to support small companies to begin export sales.
Once a company pre-qualifies for this cost-share funding program, they can receive up to 50% reimbursement for a range of eligible international marketing and promotional activities such as:
-
Domestic and Foreign Tradeshows.
Demonstrations and Merchandising.
Package and label modifications to meet foreign importing requirements.
Public relations, advertising and other media activities.
And more!
To become a part of the Branded Program, a company must pre-qualify to show that their product has ingredients that are at least 50% of U.S. origin. A marketing plan must also be approved. Both Food Export USA Northeast and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources can provide assistance with the process. The Branded Program is funded through the Market Access Program (MAP) from the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Questions about the program or application process can be directed to Bonita Oehlke at bonita.oehlke @state.ma.us or 617-626-1753 or Suzanne Milshaw at 215/829-9111. Additional information on Food Export USA-Northeast Branded Program and the pre- qualification worksheet is available at www.brandedprogram.org.
Food Export USA-Northeast is a private non-profit association composed of member state agricultural promotion agencies including Massachusetts that offers services to help U.S. food and agricultural companies promote their products in foreign markets.
Bonita Oehlke
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02202
617-626-1753 FAX: 617-626-1850
www.mass.gov/dfa
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New Product Announcements
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
New Product Line!
Smoothie Formulas
Thoreau Foods introduces a new Smoothie
Power Formula line. These highly concentrated
nutritional power formulas are great to mix into a
smoothie or can be used as a topping on yogurt,
cereal,
dessert, salads or whatever! We use the most
concentrated whole food ingredients in our cereal
products, without the whole grains, nuts and fruit, to
make these nutritional powerhouse formulas that give a
real boost to your diet.
The Omega 3 Smoothie Formula contains 100%
of the daily recommended allowance of Omega 3
essential fatty acids in only 2 tablespoons. It is a
great
way to get your Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3 and 6)
(1) See our article on Chia Seed and Omega 3's in our
January Newsletter.
The Antioxidant Smoothie Formula, with 2.8
grams of ground organic milk thistle seed in each
serving, along with other immune boosting ingredients,
provides nutritional support to the liver, an overworked
organ that detoxifies blood and performs numerous vital
functions. See our article on Milk Thistle in this
newsletter.
Finally, who among us would not be interested in a little
extra brain power. Our Brain Power and
Cholesterol Killer products provide 61% of the
RDA for choline which is found in every cell of the body.
Lecithin is a precursor of choline which is also needed
to
make acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is essential
for normal brain function. Additionally, lecithin acts as
an emulsifier, helping to dissolve fats and cholesterol.
In the bloodstream, lecithin helps prevent cholesterol
and other fats from accumulating on the walls of your
arteries and may actually help dissolve away
accumulated deposits. It also helps regulate the
processing of fats in the digestive process.
(1)The November 19 issue of Circulation, the journal
of
the American Heart Association, summarizes the
evidence relating to omega-3 and the risk of heart
disease. It concluded that people with established
heart disease should try to get at least 1g of omega-3
daily. They admit that this amount may not be feasible
>from diet alone and accept that supplements may be
needed. The Statement further points out that
management of high triglyceride levels might be
achieved by omega-3 therapy and suggest that intakes
of 2-4g per day will be needed for this. See the full
paper on
www.circulationaha.org
(2) Sakai M, Yamatoya H, Kudo S. Pharmacological
effects of phosphatidylserine enzymatically synthesized
>from soybean lecithin on brain functions in rodents. J
NutrSci Viaminol, 42;1:47-54 1996
(3). Polichetti E, et al. Cholesterol-lowering effect of
soyabean lecithin in normolipidaemic rats by stimulation
of biliary lipid secretion. British J Nutrition, 75;3:471-
478
1996.
Click here to read the entire Thoreau Foods
Newsletter.
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The Salt of the Earth - New Members, Renewals and Up=
coming Renewals
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The MSFA Welcomes the
Following New
Members:
Chrissi's Ipswich Shellfish Co., Inc.
8 Hayward Street, Ipswich, MA 01938
Contact: Ruthie Scott-Robson
Tel: 978-356-6941
Fax: 978-356-8842
ruthie@ipswichshellfish.com
www.ipswichfishmarket.com
Dressings, marinades and seasonings.
Laria Foods
29 Germania Street, BLG. H, Jamaica Plain, MA
02130
Contact: Amir Sedhom
Tel: 617-983-3691
Fax: 617-983-3175
lariacorp@msn.com
Homus-Tabouli-Falafel-Couscous
Also Amir's Caterer's Catering Service.
Cherrybrook Kitchen
41 Juniper Road, Weston, MA 02493
Contact: Patsy Rosenberg
Tel: 781-891-6006
Fax: 781-891-7009
patsy@bilapartners.com
www.cherrybrookkitchen.com
Delicious all natural vegan cake, cookie, brownie
and frosting mixes. They contain no dairy,
egg, or peanuts.
The Warren Farm & Sugarhouse
31 Warren St., N. Brookfield, MA 01535
Contact: Janice & Dale Wentworth
Tel: 508-867-0174
Fax: 508-867-8599
warrenfarm@aol.com
www.thewarrenfarm.com
Pure maple syrup and maple confections,
gourmet maple products, jams, pickles, dipping
oils, salsas, herbed & fruited vinegars, mustards &
sauces, maple dog cookies, maple baked goods,
catered maple dinners. Wholesale & retail.
* CORPORATE SPONSOR
Dadgar Insurance Agency, Inc.
400 W. Cummings Park, Suite 6725, Woburn, MA
01801
Contact: Bob Grella
Tel: 781-933-2626
Fax: 781-932-6341
bob@dadgarinsurance.com
www.dadgarinsurance.com
Multiple Line Insurance Agency.
Baraka Inc. Caf=E9
80 1/2 Pearl St. Cambridge, MA 02139
Contact: Karim Dahim & Alia Rejeis
Tel: 617-868-3951
barakacafe@yahoo.com
www.barakacafe.com
Lemonade (Cherbat)
MSFA Members Who Have
Renewed
Berkshire Berries
To 4/05
Stacy's Pita Chip Co.
To 4/05
Sampsons
To 2/05
Bohoy Design
To 2/05
Rosa's Candies, Inc.
To 5/05
Cape Cod Chowder Co.
To 5/05
Chicopee Provision Co., Inc.
To 4/05
Natural Products Consulting Institute
To 5/05
Ever So Humble Pie Co.
To 5/05
When Pigs Fly, Inc.
To 6/05
Deborah's Kitchen
To 6/05
Thoreau Foods
To 6/05
The Launching Pad & Co.
To 6/05
Ann's Boston Brownie Co., Inc.
To 6/05
Upcoming Renewals
JULY
Tre Noci
AUGUST
Aunt Sue Sue's
Classic Cakes By Diane
Duck Soup
FNI Group
Wicked Walnuts
SEPTEMBER
Orleans Packing Co.
Mondi Enterprises, Inc.
Legere Nutritional Foods
Kellie's Candies
Decas Cranberry Products
Coastal Classics
Aisha's Termis
OCTOBER
Blooming Batches
Mother's Inc.
Okinawa Sushi Catering
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Contact Information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Massachusetts Specialty Foods
Association
P.O. Box 551, Sudbury, MA 01776
Tel: 800-813-5862
www.msfa.net
MISSION STATEMENT OF THE MSFA
The Massachusetts Specialty Foods Association serves
as a resource to and an advocate for the
Massachusetts Specialty food industry, to support the
commitment to excellence and the entrepreneurial spirit
that contributes to the uniqueness and quality of
Massachusetts specialty foods.
The MSFA provides education, networking and peer
support, sales and marketing opportunities, publicity
and
technical assistance for our members and their
customers so that member companies may grow and
flourish, thereby strengthening and improving the long
term viability of the food and farm sector of the
Massachusetts economy.
MSFA Board Members:
PRESIDENT: Carol Coutrier, The Launching Pad &
Co.
VICE PRESIDENT: Bruce Mills, My Grandma's of New
England
TREASURER: Karl Bittenbender
CLERK: Myron Becker, Myron's Fine Foods
SECRETARY: Ellen Callaway, Callaway
Photo
~ Larry Berk,
Bohoy Design ~ Sean Hurley, SMH Foods,
Inc.~
~ Alison Chateauneuf,
Coutts Specialty Foods
~ Matt
Morse, Hot Mama's ~
~ Bonita Oehlke,
MA
Dept. of Food and Agriculture
~Mark Sampson, Sampson's Nuts ~
~Lee Busch, Goodbaker~
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Contact the Editor:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~=
~~~~~~~~~
email: ccoutrier@aol.com
voice: 800-813-5862
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~