[Food For Thought]
is published quarterly by
the Massachusetts Specialty Foods Association
c/o Carol Coutrier P.O. Box 34, Groton, MA 01450
(800) 813-5862
www.msfa.net
please support our sponsors 
is published quarterly by
the Massachusetts Specialty Foods Association
c/o Carol Coutrier P.O. Box 34, Groton, MA 01450
(800) 813-5862
www.msfa.net
please support our sponsors
Dear MSFA Members,
Happy New Year, 2006 to all! We begin 2006 with an exciting event, MSFA ANNUAL MEETING, 2006! Details will be found throughout this issue of "Food for Thought" (see "Green Plate Special", "The Food Network- Networking Events" and "On the Menu-MSFA Calendar of Events").
We can look forward to another fabulous evening at The Lanam Club in Andover. A special treat this year will be our keynote speaker- Tim Sperry, Director of Grocery,Whole Foods, North Atlantic Region. Please note that this year we are offering the opportunity for members to reserve space for company displays during the Networking Hour from 5-7. Set up for the displays is from 4-5 PM, and reservations for display space will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis (there are about 20 spaces available.) Be sure to send in your reservation as soon as possible in order to reserve a space for your company's display. The deadline for all reservations is Feb. 20. You will be receiving a formal invitation in the mail as well.
Please note also the opportunity to contribute your products for the special gift basket for Tim Sperry (See "Green Plate Special"). Please send non-perishable products between Feb.1-15 and perishable products (but not refrigerated products-you may want to include a gift certificate for refrigerated products) by Feb 15 to Alison Chateauneuf, Coutts Specialty Foods, 1190 Liberty Square Road, Boxborough, MA 01719.
Pemberton Farms (MSFA member) has offered to assemble the basket for us. Thank you, Alison and Pemberton Farms!
See you all at Annual Meeting on Feb. 27!
With warm regards,
Carol Coutrier, President
MSFA
MSFA Annual Meeting, 2006
Features Tim Sperry, Director of Grocery, Whole Foods, North Atlantic Region.
MSFA ANNUAL MEETING, 2006
Mon., Feb. 27, 2006, 5-9 PM
THE LANAM CLUB IN ANDOVER, MA
The MSFA is pleased to welcome Tim Sperry, Director of Grocery, Whole Foods, North Atlantic Region, as our keynote speaker at the MSFA Annual Meeting, 2006. MSFA members and their guests are cordially invited to attend our Annual Meeting on Monday, Feb. 27, 2006, 5- 9PM, at the Lanam Club in Andover, MA, and to meet and hear our honored guest and keynote speaker.
The Lanam Club has been described as " a unique and splendorous meeting place for business and professional persons and their guests." The house, originally called " Orlando," was built in 1916, and its beautifully elegant interiors and lovely gardens and terraces have been carefully maintained and preserved. MSFA members will have use of the entire house for the evening.
Several additional special treats are in store for Annual Meeting attendees this year. In addition to enjoying the elegant setting, we will experience the culinary delights of Lanam Club Chef Soren Christiansen. Soren has been a supporter of Massachusetts Specialty Foods for several years and will prepare delicious dishes using our MSFA members' products in the recipes. MSFA Members will have the opportunity to set up company displays that may be viewed by Annual Meeting attendees during the Cocktails and Networking hour from 5-7 PM.
Reservations for display space will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please send in your registration as soon as possible in order to reserve a space for your company's display.
MSFA Annual Meeting, 2006, Schedule of Events:
4-5 PM - Set up of Company Displays
5-7 PM - Cocktails, Appetizers, Networking, Members' Displays
7-8 PM - Dinner by Lanam Club Chef, Soren Christiansen, featuring MSFA Members' Products.
8-9 PM - Annual Meeting, Speakers, Special Guests, and Recognition Ceremony:
Please send in your check for $50.00 per person along with the RSVP Registration form by February 20, 2006.
MSFA ANNUAL MEETING, 2006
Monday, Feb. 27, 2006, 5-9 PM
(Set up for company displays, 4-5 PM)
The Lanam Club, Andover, MA
$50.00 per person. Please make check out to MSFA and mail check and form by Feb. 20, 2006, to:
Carol Coutrier/MSFA, P.O. Box 34, Groton, MA 01450
COMPANY NAME_____________________________________________________
ATTENDEES__________________________________________________________
PHONE_______________________________EMAIL___________________________
PLEASE RESERVE A HALF TABLE SPACE FOR A DISPLAY FOR MY COMPANY.____________(set up: 4-5 PM)
Click here for a downloadable PDF of the reservation form.
MSFA Gift Basket for Annual Meeting Keynote Speaker, Tim Sperry
Dear MSFA Members,
We would like to present a special gift basket made up of MSFA members' products to our keynote speaker at Annual Meeting, Tim Sperry, Director of Grocery, Whole Foods Market, North Atlantic Region.
If you would like to include your products in the basket, please send non perishable products by Feb. 1-15, 2006 to:
Alison Chateauneuf
Coutts Specialty Foods
1190 Liberty Square Road
Boxborough, MA 01719
Perishable products (non refrigerated) may be sent to Alison by Feb. 15, 2006. A gift certificate may be sent for refrigerated items. Pemberton Farms (MSFA member) has graciously offered to assemble the basket for us.
Thank you! See you at Annual Meeting on Feb. 27, 2006 at the Lanam Club in Andover, MA!
Yours truly,
Carol Coutrier, President
MSFA
DIRECTIONS TO THE LANAM CLUB
From Boston: Rt. 93 North to Rt. 495 North. Take the first exit, 41A, Route 28, Andover. Go 1⁄2 mile to traffic light, straight through lights another 1⁄2 mile to 260 North Main Street on right. Look for Lanam Club sign.
From the West: Mass. Pike East to Rt. 495 North. Take Exit 41A, Route 28, Andover. Follow above directions.
From the North: Rt. 93 South to Rt. 495 North. Take Exit 41A, Route 28, Andover. Follow above directions.
From the South: Rt. 495 North. Take Exit 41A, Route 28, Andover. Follow above directions.
"The Martin Family Children at Expo East in Washington, DC, September,2005".
We are a family run business, offering a tasty variety of oatmeal cereals and treats.
A few years ago, we began looking for foods that would build our bodies. We couldn't find an organic, whole-grain, sugar-free cereal that tasted good, so we began to experiment. Silveira Cereal is the result. It's so yummy, we had some friends try it, and the idea of a business was born.
We had cut all sugar out of our diets, but began to miss having treats to celebrate holidays and family milestones. We wanted the option of desserts that were organic and whole-grain, free of artificial ingredients and preservatives, and again, couldn't find what we wanted in the stores. So we added the convenience of delicious, ready-made organic cookies to our line of products.
For those of you who want treats without processed sugars, we also have fabulous-tasting " Go-rounds," made from a combination of dates, almonds, cashews and coconut.
We hope you enjoy these cereals and treats in good health!
If you would like a free sample, send your name and address to email@martinorganics.com, with " free sample" as the subject.
Martin Organics
37 Langsford Street,
Gloucester, MA 01930
Contact: Heidi Martin
Tel/Fax: 978-281-0417
Email: email@martinorganics.com
http://www.martinorganics.com/
Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, NEBC is a strategic advisory firm specializing in mergers & acquisitions, capital raising, strategic consulting and recapitalizations to companies across the United States.
Established in 1984, NEBC has earned a strong reputation for their years of service assisting business owners and entrepreneurs at achieving their personal and financial goals.
NEBC operates across a broad market spectrum, targeting profitable businesses in a variety of industries with revenues ranging from $3 million to $200 million.
Among a host of professionals, MSFA member Richard Cocca leads NEBC's efforts in the food service related markets. Richard is a former Group VP of Finance for a Fortune 500 company and an entrepreneur himself. He has spent the last eight years with NEBC working side by side with business owners on an array of transactions to help them maximize their financial objectives. Assisting Richard with these efforts is MSFA member Karen Collier. Karen is also an entrepreneur and works to develop client relations and business development for NEBC.
If you are like most business owners, you have dedicated much of your time and energy to building your business. Amid the constant demands of operating a successful company, few take the time to step back and consider an exit strategy or how they will harvest their investment. If you are considering divestiture or would like to learn how to maximize your personal wealth and liquidity, NEBC can help. Call or email Richard Cocca at 401-454-2700 rcocca@nebc.com.
January 10-12, 17-18
The 5th Annual NOFA Course in Organic Land Care, Doyle Conservation Center at 464 Abbott Street in Leominster. 5-day intensive course trains and accredits professionals to practice organic land care. Contact: Kathy Litchfield, (978) 724-0108, kathylitch29@yahoo.com
January 14
Massachusetts Maple Producers Association annual meeting, Buckland, MA
January 15
MSFA Winter Newsletter, "Food for Thought"
January 17
MSFA Board Meeting, Worcester, MA
January 20
Northeast Buyer's Mission, Boston, MA.
20 International buyers will meet with suppliers in a variety of categories.
bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us
January 22-24
Winter Fancy Food Show*
Moscone Center, San Francisco
http://www.fancyfoodshows.com/
January 25
Northeast Buyer's Mission, Boston.
International buyers will meet with suppliers in a variety of categories.
bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us
February, 2006
MSFA Annual Meeting. New Time! Date and location to be announced.
February 26 - March 1, 2026
Canadian Specialty Foods Trade Mission
Toronto, Canada
Flyer: Canadian Specialty Foods Trade Mission Flyer 5.pdf
Participation Agreement: coming soon.
This is an opportunity to meet directly with motivated buyers who are interested in specialty foods from the U.S. Only 12 spots are available so have your companies register as soon as possible.
*first time exhibitors at major US trade shows are eligible to have 50% of expenses reimbursed through the federally funded Branded Program. Contact bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us
February 27
MSFA Annual Meeting, 2006, Lanam Club, Andover, MA. Company displays/sampling, Networking, Dinner. Keynote speaker: Tim Sperry, Northeast buyer for Whole Foods.
To register : Please use registration form contained in this "Food for Thought" (see "Green Plate Special")..Contact ccoutrier@aol.com for additional information. Click here for a downloadable PDF of the reservation form.
March 14
MSFA Board Meeting
March 20
Deadline for submissions for Spring MSFA Newslettter.
Send your submissions to ccoutrier@aol.com. Product photos welcome.
photo by Callaway photo
Monday, Feb. 27, 2006, 5-7 PM
Set-up for Company Displays- 4-5 PM
The Lanam Club, Andover, MA
A special Networking Event will be held as part of MSFA Annual Meeting, 2006, at the Lanam Club in Andover, MA, onMonday, February 27, 2006. Cocktails and delicious appetizers prepared by Lanam Club Chef Soren Christensen will be served.
MSFA members are invited to set up company displays/sampling for Networking from 5-7 PM. (Set up for displays <ETH> 4-5 PM)
MSFA members and special guests, including keynote speaker Tim Sperry, Northeast Grocery Buyer for Whole Foods, will have an opportunity to view the displays during the networking period. Don't miss this premier once a year networking opportunity. MSFA members may reserve a space for a company display by sending in their registration form as soon as possible. (See " Green Plate Special" in this issue of " Food for Thought" for registration form and directions) Display space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Click here for a downloadable PDF of the reservation form.
Berkshire Berries is featured in the new magazine "Everyday with Rachael Ray", November/December issue on page 47, and should be available at Barnes and Noble or Borders. Berkshire Berries' honey mustard is in Whoopi Goldberg's refrigerator. We are very excited!
Hurley's Raise a Lot of "Bread" for Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
Hurley's meets Elizabeth Hurley! Actress Elizabeth Hurley accepts a gift tin of Hurley's Boston Irish Breads from Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino.
Boston, MA Oct 24, 2025 - Sometimes two Hurley's are better than one! Actress Elizabeth Hurley, host spokesperson for recent Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign event in Boston, is shown receiving gift packages of Hurley's Boston Irish Breads and Boston Irish Crisps from Boston's Mayor Thomas M. Menino on behalf of Sean Hurley, President of Hurley's Boston Irish Breads, Hyde Park, MA (shown in photo with Ms. Hurley).
Needless to say, the event raised a lot of "bread" for this important cause.
Regenie's Crunchy Pitas is featured in the December/January issue of The Source, a membership magazine that goes out to the 5 million members of Sam's Club.
Stacy's Pita Chip Co.
PepsiCo Inc. agreed to acquire Stacy's Pita Chip Co. as it seeks to broaden its participation in the $90 billion macrosnack category. Stacy's, with sales approaching $60 million this year, will operate as a separate unit of Frito-Lay North America.
Congratulations, Stacy's!
Cape Cod Provisions' Harvest Sweets Fruit Truffles were featured in Family Circle magazine's holiday issue under "The Best Holiday Desserts Ever!"
Shootflying Hill Sauce Company, Inc. was featured in The Boston Globe on October 5, 2005:
"Tasteful topping Squeezeable bottles of "chocolate-flavored" sauces crowd grocery shelves, but the actual chocolate is often hidden deep down on the ingredient list-or isn't there at all. For a really deep-tasting topping, Shootflying Hill Sauce Co.'s Milk Chocolate Lover's Dessert Sauce ($8 to $9.98 for a 10.25 ounce jar) boasts milk and semisweet chocolates, cocoa, and even a kick of espresso to wake up your taste buds. The unusual name, says founder Cory Clarke, comes from trips to her favorite ice cream shop on the Cape. "You take Shootflying Hill Road to get to the ice cream." Made in Greenfield, this treat can be warmed in the microwave and drizzled on ice cream, a wedge of pie, or fresh berries, or used as a mini fondue pot for dipping. Available at Duck Soup, 365 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, 978-443-3825, and Five Crows, 8 Court St., Natick, 508-653-2526."-EMILY SCHWAB
Mizzannye's Gourmet Bar B Que Sauce
"Mrs. Annye C. Anderson of Mizzannye's Gourmet Bar B Que Sauce and Governor Mitt Romney at The Big E on Sept. 30, 2005"
Mizzannye demonstrated her Gourmet Bar B Que sauce in front of the Massachusetts building at The Big E on Sept. 20, 2005.
Mizzannye also demonstrated her sauce in the Vallentine Dinng Hall at Amherst College, Amherst, MA on Jan. 12, 2006. This event was sponsored by the Amherst Chamber of Commerce and co-sponsored by the Southbridge Bank and Amherst College. The sauce was available to purchase from 5-7 PM.
Mizzannye has acquired 2 more new accounts: Fosters Market and Greenfield Market, greenfield, MA. She will demonstrate her sauce this month at McCusters Market, Shelburne, MA.
BOHOY DESIGN designed a logo/seal for new food producer Jill Brook's HerMitts, maker of traditional New England hermit cookies.
BOHOY DESIGN also just completed a catalog for Nantucket Chocolatier. The design of the catalog uses photographs that incorporate the real chocolates with illustrations by Johanna Bohoy which emphasizes the handmade, artisanal quality of the product.
Spasso Foods
The New Products section of Jan./Feb. issue of Specialty Food Magazine featured Spasso Foods Gelato with photo and description as a New Hot Item.
Member Participation The New England Foodservice & Lodging Exposition (NEFS) will be held again at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center April 9-11, 2005. NEFS is sure to attract even more buyers in 2006! Special events will be held on the show floor, our Cyber Cafes will continue to draw attention and we're excited to announce the Massachusetts Lodging Association will have a substantial pavilion at NEFS. This will draw even more hoteliers than ever before!
NEFS and the MSFA have worked closely together for several years to bring Specialty Food Manufacturers together with qualified foodservice buyers from restaurants, hotels & institutions and retail establishments. NEFS continues to offer MSFA members a substantial discount on exhibit space within the MSFA pavilion. We'd enjoy speaking with you about the many opportunities NEFS provides MSFA members. Please give Beth Schultz a call at 207-443-3083 to ask about exhibiting, and keep your eyes open for further updates about NEFS 2006! http://www.nefs-expo.com/
New England Foodservice buyers need not go far to meet their foodservice and lodging business needs. The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center will once again host the 2006 edition of the annual New England Foodservice & Lodging Exposition & Conference on April 9-11.
Sponsored by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, it's the most comprehensive arrangement of food, foodservice and lodging resources in the region. The show organizers and the MRA have worked together in recent years to increase the value trade industry buyers receive from the show, bringing it more in line with national shows of its kind. The past few years have seen the enhancement of new product and new exhibitor features, targeted educational sessions following industry trends, professional production of chef competitions and demonstrations, no-cost internet cafe's, and more recently, the addition of a beer and spirits section featuring more than twenty beer, alcohol and wine vendors on the show floor.
Registration for the 2006 event will be available mid-January. Register online at http://www.nefs-expo.com/ before April 5 and save half off the onsite registration fee. New England state association members receive a special pre-registration discount rate of $12, and non-members receive a rate of $16. To reserve booth space, please contact Beth Schultz at (207) 443-3083.
Karyn Gilbert
Marketing
Tel: 207. 842.5556
Fax: 207.842.5505
Enterprise Rent-a-Car is happy to offer the MSFA members discounted rates.
Use the Enterprise Rent a Car association discount code:
Massachusetts Specialty Food: #10ER111
Type this code in on the web site or use it when you call the 800 number:
800-RENT-A-CAR (800-736-8222)
I am writing to let you know that you can now register online (http://www.snhu.edu/1758.asp) or via mail (to the address below) for the next Stonyfield Farm Entrepreneurship Institute scheduled for March 30th and 31st, 2006. The Institutes' web page will be updated as we get closer to the event. Please feel free to forward the link to those who you know would be interested to attend.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Veronica Kamerman
Stonyfield Farm Entrepreneurship Institute Coordinator
P.S. If you are registering via mail, please print out the registration form and mail it to me with the registration fee.
Veronica Kamerman
Assistant to the Dean
School of Community Economic Development
Southern New Hampshire University
2500 North River Road
Manchester, NH 03106
Phone: 603/644-3101 Fax: 603/644-3130
Email: v.kamerman@snhu.edu
January 31st at 6pm
Marketing For Food Businesses: Stories of Success
Hear from successful small business people, food marketers, and brokers. What worked for them might work for you. Come for inspiration, community and ideas! Panel includes Bob's Southern Bistro, A Catered Affair, Dancing Deer Bakery and City Fresh. Co Sponsored by the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation. Call (617) 522-7900 for a reservation. $20 fee Seminar will be held at 31 Germania Street, Jamaica Plain. Free Parking, 2 Blocks from the Orange Line Stonybrook T Stop. http://www.ncvkitchen.org/
Gallo Family Vineyards, announced the formation of the first annual Gallo Family Vineyards Gold Medal Awards. The program, honoring the highest caliber of artisanal food producers, will recognize excellence across a variety of food categories and will include a signature "Never Stop Growing Award" for the family-owned business that serves as an inspiration for other food industry professionals.
The Gallo Family Vineyards Gold Medal Awards is designed to recognize and promote artisanal food producers who have been in business at least three years, and demonstrate excellence in preserving and supporting traditional ways of growing and producing food products.
Entries, which are being accepted through January 31, 2006, will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry judges, representing various disciplines within the culinary world.
Applications and additional information can be found on Gallo's website at http://www.gallofamily.com/
A product award from a well-known organization with nationally known and respected judges can bring consumer and trade attention to your product to increase sales.
The Rural Business Cooperative Service has posted two new templates for applicants to use in filling out their applications for the Value- Added Producer Grants. There is a template for planning and feasibility grants and one for working capital grants. You can find the templates at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/templates.htm.
The 2006 Notice of Solicitation of Funds (NOFA) for the VAPG is at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/VAPG%202006%20NOSA.pdf
More info about theValue-Added Producer Grant Program here: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications.
SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) announces the availability of approximately $19.475 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year (FY) 2006 to help independent agricultural producers enter into value-added activities. Of this amount, $1.5 million is set aside for applicants requesting $25,000 or less. Awards may be made for planning activities or for working capital expenses, but not for both. The maximum grant amount for a planning grant is $100,000 and the maximum grant amount for a working capital grant is $300,000.
DATES: You may submit completed applications for grants on paper or electronically according to the following deadlines:
Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than March 31, 2006, to be eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding.
Electronic copies must be received by March 31, 2026 to be eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding.
ADDRESSES: You may obtain application guides and materials for a VAPG at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html& log=linklog& to=http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm or by contacting your
USDA Rural Development State Office. You can reach your State Office by calling (202) 720-4323 and pressing "1".
Submit completed paper applications for a grant to Cooperative Programs, Attn: VAPG Program, Mail Stop 3250,
[[Page 75781]] Room 4016-South, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-3250. The phone number that should be used for FedEx packages is (202) 720-7558.
Submit electronic grant applications at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html& log=linklog& to=http://www.grants.gov, following the instructions found on this Web site.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Visit the program Web site at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html& log=linklog& to=http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm, which contains application guidance, including Frequently Asked Questions and an Application Guide. Or you may contact your USDA Rural Development State Office. You can reach your State Office by calling (202) 720-4323 and pressing ``1'', or by selecting the State Contacts link at the above Web site. Applicants are encouraged to contact their State Offices well in advance of the deadline to discuss their projects and ask any questions about the application process.
photo by Callaway photo
Join other business leaders in an exciting workshop to explore how to effectively grow your business.
Learn from a Real World Business Experience
Carol Coutrier of The Launching Pad & Co. and former president of The Hommus Factory, Inc., the first company to sell hommus in New England supermarkets and the first company to add flavors to hommus, will share her story from start-up in her kitchen to final sale to an international company, highlighting the lessons learned along the way.
Focus on Your Business
Exercises will focus on your individual business to learn how to network more effectively and the importance of building lasting, quality relationships.
Time:5:30-7:30 PM
Location:
MART
R 1427 Water Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420
The workshop is free of charge. To register, contact Frederick Mayanja, Small Business Developer, Twin Cities CDC, 978-342-9561, Ext. 25
*The CDC provides the POSITIVE atmosphere each new business will require in order to be a success. Our small business workshops Will teach you the basics of what you need to know to achieve your goal as a proprietorship.
Member FYI The Franklin County CDC and its Western Mass Food Processing Center program are proud to announce the award of a $300,000 grant to expand its business development programs throughout the North Quabbin and Franklin County area. The funds are the product of tireless efforts by US Representative John Olver and the CDC to secure funding to promote entrepreneurial development and expand capabilities at the CDC.
This Economic Gardening Program will foster economic development by offering specialized value-added services to established entrepreneurs and firms with strong growth potential, addressing geographic service gaps, and expanding outreach to build awareness of services and trusting relationships with targeted enterprises.
This project will provide new information technology services, customized business research assistance and a network of industry experts. The market development services will assess and assist firms in identifying and reaching new markets to take advantage of promising growth opportunities. Special attention will be given to food-based enterprises using the resources and expertise of the Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center. The development of new and flexible financing options for entrepreneurs will expand the local supply of flexible capital, which is often needed for growth. The FCCDC will collaborate with many organizations in the area including: the MA Small Business Development Center Network, SCORE, Western MA Enterprise Fund, Young Entrepreneur Society, Greenfield Community College, Franklin County and North Quabbin Chambers of Commerce, North Quabbin Community Coalition.
The most immediate benefit to the Food Center is the ability to create a channel for new food companies to receive targeted consultation to aid in the creation of business and marketing plans. This will become the entry point into the Food Center program. “The resources of this grant will help to fund the staff and consulting services that will benefit our members with intensive planning assistance as the first step to using the Food Center. We will now have the funds to make that planning an integral part of our program.” Said Herb Heller, Food Center Program Manager. “We look forward to taking what has been a collection of advisory steps in business planning to the next level with a complete program to aid new businesses in completing a business plan. Our thanks to Congressman Olver, and the many other regional economic development and business consulting groups in our network that lent their support to our grant application." Heller said.
Network with colleagues starting out and other small food entrepreneurs at events, a newsletter and a group email: https://www.msfa.net/
The Department of Agricultural Resources Massachusetts Food Processors Resource Manual, A practical guide for specialty food and start-up food processors” is available on the www.mass.gov/agr/ website:
http://www.mass.gov/agr/markets/specfood/food_processor_resource_manual.htm
The Department promotes a collaboratively developed site promoting web-based resources for starting out: http://www.umass.edu/nefe/ as well as working with other regional institutions for information for new food businesses: http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/necfe/
Info on aspects of food safety, training and education from the MA Partnership for Food Safety http://www.umass.edu/umext/nutrition/programs/food_safety/resources/index.html
-2273 www.nasaes.cornell.edu/necfe
Contacts and assistance regarding Ingredients, technical information on production, food scientists, suppliers: Northeast Institute of Food Technology: http://www.eventswithattitude.com/
Book: From Kitchen to Market, 3rd Edition by Stephen F. Hall- check the library or it is available on-line: www.wbthub.com/From-Kitchen-to-Market-3E-1574101382
MA Small Business Development Centers http://msbdc.som.umass.edu/
Mass. Assn of CDC's www.macdc.org/docs/membership_list.html
FDA Label Regulations: www.cfsan.fda.gov/label.html
Bonita Oehlke
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway St. Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114
617-626-1753
photo by Callaway photo
WASHINGTON D.C.:In response to the new food allergen regulations that went into effect Jan. 1, The Food Marketing Institute here created online tools to help retailers identify the eight major food allergens and understand the new labeling requirements.
Read more: http://www.gourmetnews.com/index.php?p=article& id=gn2006012v9Vqo
Extensions Available on Transfat Labels
WASHINGTON:The Food and Drug Administration here issued guidance in December on how food manufacturers can request an extension beyond the Jan. 1 deadline to comply with the mandatory transfat labeling.
Read more: http://www.gourmetnews.com/index.php?p=article& id=gn200512R3Mtih
Gourmet e-News
October 28, 2025
Vol. 5, Issue 41
Congress Restores Organic Standards
WASHINGTON-Congress restored provisions of the national organic standards Oct. 26 allowing non-organic ingredients such as baking powder, pectin and carbon dioxide?in foods that bear the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Organic seal.
Read more
Consumers with Allergies Will Benefit From Improved Food Labels
Effective January 1, 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is
requiring food labels to clearly state if food products contain any
ingredients that contain protein derived from the eight major allergenic
foods. As a result of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer
Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA), manufacturers are required to identify in plain
English the presence of ingredients that contain protein derived from
milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or
soybeans in the list of ingredients or to say " contains" followed by name of the
sourceof the food allergen after or adjacent to the list of ingredients.
" I applaud Congress for the passage of FALCPA," said Andrew C. von
Eschenbach, M.D., Acting FDA Commissioner. " Chairman Joe Barton and
Ranking Member John D. Dingell in the House, Energy and Commerce Committee were
instrumental in moving this bipartisan legislation forward.
Representative Nita Lowey was the original sponsor of the legislation. FDA also
applauds the dedication and leadership of the legislation's sponsors in the
Senate, which include Senators Judd Gregg and Edward Kennedy."
This labeling will be especially helpful to children who must learn to
recognize the presence of substances they must avoid. For example, if a
product contains the milk-derived protein, casein, the product's label
will have to use the term " milk" in addition to the term " casein" so that
those with milk allergies can clearly understand the presence of the allergen
they need to avoid.
It is estimated that 2 percent of adults and about 5 percent of infants
and young children in the United States suffer from food allergies.
Approximately 30,000 consumers require emergency room treatment and 150
Americans die each year because of allergic reactions to food.
" The eight major food allergens account for 90 percent of all documented
food allergic reactions, and some reactions may be severe or
life-threatening," said Robert E. Brackett, PhD, Director of FDA's
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. " Consumers will benefit from
improved food labels for products that contain food allergens."
FALCPA does not require food manufacturers or retailers to relabel or
remove from grocery or supermarket shelves products that do not reflect the
additional allergen labeling as long as the products were labeled
before the effective date. As a result, FDA cautions consumers that there will be
a transition period of undetermined length during which it is likely that
consumers will see packaged food on store shelves and in consumers'
homes without the revised allergen labeling.
For more information about FALCPA, visit FDA's food allergy page.
Compliance Dates for New FDA Rule for Small Businesses on Establishment and Maintenance of Records
Thanks to Thurman Pava of Rosa's Candies for researching and finding the following website for small business compliance dates regarding the new FDA Rule for Establishment and Maintenance of Records to Enhance the Security of the U.S. Bioterrorism Act:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsbtact.html#records
The winning photos from this year's Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar Photo Contest have been selected and published in the 2006 Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar. The calendar, published by Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom, Inc., in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, features a winning photograph each month, plus several honorable mention winners in selected places.
The winning photos portray local farms and products throughout the seasons. The calendar also includes Massachusetts agriculture facts, conservation facts, agriculture and horticulture related events and websites, and a chart showing when local crops are in season.
Calendars may be purchased for $10 each ($5 wholesale for 10 or more. We encourage farmstands and farmers markets to sell them).
Proceeds benefit Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom, a non-profit organization that works with teachers throughout the state in developing classroom materials. Send a check payable to Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom with your name and address to: Calendar, Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom, c/o Debi Hogan, PO Box 345, Seekonk, MA 02771.
" This calendar will educate consumers about the rich diversity of agriculture in the Bay State," said Douglas P. Gillespie, Massachusetts Commissioner of Agricultural Resources. " I'm sure folks will enjoy viewing these attractive pictures throughout the year while learning about farming in Commonwealth."
Call 978-664-5974 for Exclusive Rates to Members of the Massachusetts Specialty Foods Association. www.freightsaversne.com
You can also access this information from the MSFA.net home page or Member Benefits page — you will need the following passwords: Username: "MSFA", Password: "member" (it is case sensitive).
Use the Enterprise Rent a Car association discount code:
Massachusetts Specialty Food: #10ER111
Type this code in on the web site or use it when you call the 800 number:
800-RENT-A-CAR (800-736-8222) http://www.enterprise.com/
You can contact Rob Oster at Staples Business Advantage for more information on the program:
1-800-617-1712x 266
Robert.oster@staples.com
Or use the sign-up form on the Member Benefits page — you will need the following passwords: Username: "MSFA", Password: "member" (it is case sensitive).
After two years of development, we are pleased to announce the launch of our new Dark Chocolate Lover's Dessert Sauce! It has a toasty flavor followed by a strong chocolate kick. Because it is made with a combination of bittersweet and semi-sweet Belgian chocolates, it is smooth and chocolatey-not sugary.
This year we've introduced two new family favorites-Hot Mama Cocoa and Papa Rum Cake. Both have been instant hits, and are proving to be as popular as they have been in the family. Of course, we've put our personalized touches on how we carefully wrap and package all of our goodies, making them perfect for you to give as a special gift.
Our newest product is Regenie's Multi Grain Plus Pita Chips, a chip that's loaded with smart carbs, oats, Omega-3's, flaxseeds, protein, and fiber.
announces new packaging across our line of gourmet unrefined baking mixes, as well as the official launch of our delicious Wheat-free Pancake and Waffle mix, and our eagerly anticipated Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix. This brings our total number of mixes to 9.
Martin Organics
37 Langsford Street,
Gloucester, MA 01930
Contact: Heidi Martin
Tel/Fax: 978-281-0417
Email: email@martinorganics.com
http://www.martinorganics.com/
Organic cereal & cookies
MatKat Creations, Inc.
9 Green Street,
Holliston, MA 01746
Contact: Robert M. Toyota
Tel: 508-429-1884
Fax: 508-429-0029
Email: rmtoyota@matkatcreations.com
http://www.matkatcreations.com/
Manufacturers of a family recipe called Uncle Rob's Sesame Senbei
This is a flour-based cracker that is deep-fried and baked with an oriental sesame seasoning.
Hygrade Business Group
3 Mercury Drive,
Worcester, MA 01605
Contact: Barry Bilzerian
Tel: 508-792-9463
Fax: 508-791-0948
Email: bbilzerian@hygradebusiness.com
http://www.hygradebusiness.com/
Specialty Labels, Promotional Products Printing.
To Die For, LLC
P.O. Box 215,
Concord, MA 01742
Contact: Margaret Hammill
Tel: 978-369-1811
Email: trytdf@aol.com
Delicious dips and spreads.
JoJo's Hot Italian Peppers
11 Riverside Ave, U 101,
Danvers, MA 01923
Contact: Josephine Bianchi
Tel: 978-739-4888
Email: jojo@josephineshotpeppers.com
http://www.josephineshotpeppers.com/
Hot Italian Peppers in a tasty blend. A perfect topping.
Morning Glory
228 Chase Road,
Dartmouth, MA 02747
Contact: David Sylvia
Tel: 508-991-3262
Email: dsmorningg@comcast.net
http://www.morningglorysyrup.com/
Old Fashioned Coffee Syrup;Regular and Decaffeinated.
photo by Callaway photo
Mothers, Inc.-To 10/06
Silvia P. Glick, Attorney at Law-To 11/06
Legere Nutritional Foods, LLC-To 9/06
Coutts Specialty Foods, Inc.-To 11/06
Shootflying Hill Sauce Co., Inc.-To 11/06
Cabots Candy-To 11/06
Creative Labels of VT-To 12/06
New England Cranberry Co.-To 6/06
Macaran Printed Products-To 11/06
Her Mitts-To 11/06
Cape Cod Provisions, LLC-To 1/07
Fancypants Bakery-To 1/07
The Humble Baker-To 1/07
Hot Mama's-To 1/07
Myron's Fine Foods-To 1/07
My Grandma's of New England-To 12/06
Rebecca's Nut-Free-To 1/07
Indigo Coffee Roasters-To 1/07
Please make your renewal check out to MSFA and mail to MSFA, C/O Carol Coutrier, P.O. Box 34, Groton, MA 01450.
Producer Members, $150.00, Associate Members, $250.00.
Barrett Distribution Centers
Bernadete Baking Corp.
Bohoy Design
Callaway Photo
Carlson Orchards
Carolyn's Gourmet
Cayman Islands Dept. of Tourism
Dole & Bailey
Foodlogics
Goodbaker
Great Hill Dairy
JKL Specialty Foods, Inc.
John Accardi & Sons, Inc.
Notting Hall
Pemberton Farms
Regenie's Crunchy Pitas
Reseska Apiaries
Sampson Industries
Spasso Foods
Spice Genie
Best Friends Cocoa
Eastern Bank
Nana's Candy
A Touch of Provence
Berkshire Berries
Chicopee Provision Co., Inc.
Sassy River Sauces
Stacy's Pita Chip Co.
Massachusetts Specialty Foods Association
C/o Carol Coutrier
P.O. Box 34
Groton, MA 01450
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: Ed Suleski, Rogers - Suleski & Associates, LLC
CLERK: Myron Becker, Myron's Fine Foods
SECRETARY: Ellen Callaway, Callaway Photo
~ Larry Berk, Bohoy Design~ Lee Busch, Goodbaker Inc.
~ Alison Chateauneuf, Coutts Specialty Foods ~
~ Bonita Oehlke, MA Dept. of Food and Agriculture ~ Mark Sampson, Sampson's Nuts ~
Deborah Taylor, Deborah's Kitchen ~
email: ccoutrier@aol.com
phone: 800-813-5862
web: https://www.msfa.net
Massachusetts Specialty Food Association | c/o Carol Coutrier P.O. Box 34 | Groton | MA | 01450
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