[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

  Summer  
 2006 


corporate sponsor
 

Letter From the President

 

Dear MSFA Members,

Summer is here, and it is good to see a few days of sun between the bouts of rainfall!

I hope you are enjoying the season and the beautiful flowers that have benefited from all the moisture.

This issue of Food for Thought is filled with news and opportunities to market your products and help grow your companies.  Of special note is our "Green Plate Special",

"Chips after Beer", an MSFA seminar on Oct. 18, in collaboration with Nuestra Culinary Ventures and Boston Beer Company.  We are pleased to have Stacy Madison, one of our outstanding stars in MSFA, speak about her exiting career at Stacy's Pita Chips and Erica Eurkus of Accion, USA share her experience as a micro business lender to many culinary entrepreneurs.  A special bonus will be tours of NCV and Boston Beer as well as some great refreshments!

Also, please note under "Member Participation" the announcement and registration form for Massachusetts Marketplace (August 12, 2025).  The MSFA will be providing the complimentary breakfast for vendors again this year, which also includes foods for snacking throughout the day.  If you are interested in donating some of your products for this event, please send them by August 9 to: Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Attn: Jen Courtney, 900 Washington St., Wellesely, MA  02482.

We welcome a new contributor to our FYI section:  MSFA member Silvia Glick, Attorney at Law, will share her thoughts on food and the law with us under her column,

"Legally Speaking by Silvia P. Glick, Attorney at Law".

Finally, please note the Networking Event on Sept. 6, 2006, at Debra's Natural Gourmet

in West Concord, MA.  Debra Stark is hosting this event at her award winning natural foods store (one of the top 100 natural foods stores nationwide).  Don't miss it!

See "The Food Network - Networking Events" section of this issue of Food For Thought for details and RSVP information.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue, and best wishes for a safe

and happy Summer!

With warm regards,
Carol Coutrier, President

MSFA

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Green Plate Special

Chips After Beer

Massachusetts Specialty Food Association presents an exciting event with Stacy Madison of Stacy's Pita Chips as our honored guest speaker. Stacy will speak about her exciting career as a food entrepreneur! We will also present Erica Eurkus, Director of Accion, USA, a micro business lender who has worked with many culinary entrepreneurs. And to start our evening off, we have two facility tours: the NCV incubator kitchen and the brewery where Sam Adams beer is made.

Date: Wednesday, October 18th

Place: Sam Adams Boston Brewery Company: 30 Germania Street, Jamaica Plain, MA
and NCV kitchen: 31 Germania Street, Jamaica Plain, MA

Reservations: registration and event fee: $25 for MSFA members, $35 for guests
We are limited to 75 people. Please let us know your interest in this event by sending your registration and payment by Oct 9th to:

LeAnn Lewis
Dimesworth
170 Gore Street
Suite 103
Cambridge, MA 02141

If you have Adobe Acrobat, please download this registration form.
If you don't have Acrobat, simply send your check with a note giving us the name of the attendee(s).

Event timetable:
4:30-6:00 networking and tours:
4:30-5:00 tour of NCV incubator kitchen, 31 Germania Street
4:30-5:30 tour Sam Adams Boston Brewery, 30 Germania Street
6:00-8:00 speaker series:

Speakers: Stacy Madison, Stacy's Pita Chips
Erica Eurkus, Director of Accion, micro business lender

Food: light offering


Directions and Parking

Parking: available parking in lot


Directions By Car

From South of Boston

- 93 North to Exit 18 (Mass Ave and Roxbury exit). Go straight down Melnea Cass Boulevard until almost to the end.

- Take a left on Tremont Street (Landmark: Ruggles MBTA Station and Northeastern University will be on your right when you turn onto Tremont Street). Follow Tremont Street through several lights. Tremont Street becomes Columbus Avenue.

- Take a right on Amory Street (Landmark: - directly after Centre St.)

- Follow Amory Street through 2 lights. After the 2nd light, take a left onto Porter Street. (Landmark: Directly after Boylston Street).

- Go to the end of Porter Street and the Brewery is on the right.

From North of Boston

- 93 South to Exit 18 (Mass Ave and Roxbury exit).

- Follow above directions

From West of Boston

- Mass Pike to Prudential Center, Boston

- exit on to Huntington Avenue

- follow Huntington Avenue to Mass Ave and take left on Mass Ave

- follow Mass Ave to Tremont and take right on Tremont Street

- Follow above directions

Directions By MBTA Subway

Stonybrook T stop on the Orange Line

- Orange line outbound toward Forest Hills. Get off at Stony Brook stop.

- Above ground, take a left onto Boylston Street then a right onto Amory Street.

- Take your first left onto Porter Street and look for a gate with red brick buildings on your right.

Our grateful thanks to our guest speakers and the neighborly generosity of our tour sponsors:

Stacy Madison
Stacy's Pita Chip Company, Inc.
663 North Street
Randolph MA 02368
Toll Free: 1-888-33-CHIPS
Phone: 1-781-961-2800

Accion USA
Erika Eurkis
56 Roland Street
Somerville, MA 02129
617 625-7080

Alex Holsheimer
Nuestra Culinary Ventures
31 Germania Street
Building J
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Jim Koch and Brian Lane
Samuel Adams Boston Brewery
30 Germania Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

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A Foodie-Member Profiles


Notting Hall - The Place for Tea

For 15 years, Maureen Ryan owned and operated a very successful day spa.  During that time, Maureen learned that providing a place where clients could go for "a brief respite in this 'hurry-up and go' world" was as important as the quality of the spa's services.  "Clients would come in just to sit with a cup of tea and relax", states Maureen.  Was it the atmosphere, the friendships that were made, or was it the tea?  After selling the business, Maureen decided to explore the mystique surrounding this 'the most popular beverage in the world'. 


The exploration began in China, where tea originated more than 5,000 years ago.  After traveling through many tea-growing nations and learning about tea, its production, traditions and health benefits, Maureen created Notting Hall, the Place for Tea, an importer, blender and purveyor of specialty loose leaf teas and accoutrements. 

Now a successful online and mail order business selling specialty loose leaf teas, teapots and accoutrements, Notting Hall also wholesales its high-quality, specialty loose leaf teas to tearooms, hotels, restaurants and cafes around the country.  Notting Hall recently added the Westin Hotel group to its impressive client base and credits the MSFA with providing the additional exposure a start-up company needs.  In addition to retailing, wholesaling, and integrating Afternoon Tea programs into hotels and restaurants, Maureen provides lectures and tea tastings to groups, clubs and companies looking for a fun, entertaining and informational event.  Recent presentations have been to MassBay Community College, World Trade Center, and many Red Hat chapters.  "I love sharing my passion about the world of tea", states Maureen.

If you are interested in learning more about "the most popular beverage in the world", please contact Maureen Ryan at Notting Hall, the Place for Tea. 

Notting Hall, the Place for Tea

PO Box 343, Boston, MA 02137

Website - http://www.nottinghall.com/

Phone - 781.340.3388 or toll free 866.361.TEAS

Steam rises from a cup of tea
and we are wrapped in history,
inhaling ancient times and lands,
the comfort of ages in our hands.

- Faith Greenbowl

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On the Menu - MSFA Calendar of Events

Remember to visit the MSFA web site for calendar updates every month.

MSFA Calendar of Events

JULY

July 8, 2006  International buyers to the Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center.  15 buyers from 9 countries want one-on-one appointments.  Contact Bonita Oehlke bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us  617-626-1753

July 9 - 11, 2006 New York Fancy Food Show, Jacob K. Javits Center, New York City, http://www.fancyfoodshows.com/

July 15, 2025 - MSFA Newsletter, "Food for Thought".

July 27, 2025 Second Annual Celebration of Women in Agriculture - Cheryl Rogowski, owner of W. Rogowski Farm in Pine Island, NY and MacArthur Foundation Genius Award recipient will speak. 6 pm.  Dinner provided. Location: Whatley Town Hall. Registration preferred by July 24.

 

AUGUST

August 10-13, 2006 NOFA 30th annual summer conference, Amherst  http://www.nofa.org/

August 12, 2006  Massachusetts Marketplace at Elm Bank  contact: Jen Courtney 617-933-4982  jcourtney@masshort.org

August 22, 2025 - MSFA Board Meeting

 

SEPTEMBER

September 6 - MSFA Networking Event, 3-5 PM, at Debra's Natural Gourmet, 98 Commonwealth Ave., West Concord, MA  01742, 3-5 PM.  MSFA members and non-members are invited.  Please RSVP your attendance to MSFA networking coordinator, Ellen Callaway, at ellen@callawayphoto.com.

September 29, 2025 Salute to New England Specialty Foods at the Big E, Springfield, MA  bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us

September 30-Oct. 1 Old Sturbridge Village New England Fall Festival.

Contact Deb Friedman at dfriedman@osv.org.

 

OCTOBER

October 4-7 Natural Products Expo East, Baltimore http://www.expoeast.com/

October 15 MSFA Newsletter, "Food for Thought"

October 18 - MSFA Seminar "Chips After Beer", 6-8 PM with Stacy Madison of Stacy's Pita Chips and Accion.  Networking and Tours of NCV and Boston Beer, 4:30-6:00 PM.  Boston Beer Co., 30 Germania St., Jamaica Plain, MA.  Delicious refreshments served.  Registration $25. for MSFA members, $35, for non-members.  Contact Deborah Taylor, 617-216-9908 for more information or see article in this newsletter with registration form.

October 23-24 - CT Restaurant Show, Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford, CT, Contact Jeff Reszetylo, 203-925-6888.

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The Food Network - Networking Events

Networking Event September 6, 2006, 3-5 PM at Debra's Natural Gourmet in West Concord

Network with MSFA members in the middle of a crowded community store located in West Concord.  Debra's Natural Gourmet is one of the top 100 natural food stores nationwide (according to trade magazines), and is also the home of Stark Sisters Granola, the coffee and doughnuts of intellectuals, and, in other words, Stark ‘Raving Delicious!

Debra's Natural Gourmet does indeed carry products made by many MSFA members.  In addition, you'll want to check out Debra's cookbooks and the websites.  The newsletter is terrific and features articles by Adam Stark on everything from Bird Flu to Autoimmune Disorders.  http://www.debrasnaturalgourmet.com/; http://www.starksisters.com/. 

Stark Sisters Granola has four t-shirts.  Come to this meeting, and let Debra treat you to a t-shirt to wear proudly!

We are located at 98 Commonwealth Avenue, West Concord, MA  01742. 

978-371-7573. 

Please RSVP your attendance to MSFA Networking Coordinator, Ellen Callaway at ellen@callawayphoto.com by Mon., Sept. 4, 2006.

Directions from the Boston/Cambridge area:  Route 2 West into Concord.  At the bottom of the hill where Route 2 bears left at the light, follow that road!  Do not go straight into Concord Center.  You'll pass the intersection for Walden Pond and two more lights.  You'll come to Emerson Hospital on your left.  Not at that intersection, but at the next one, take a left off Route 2 onto Main Street or Route 62 in West Concord.  Go about 1/2 mile.  You'll pass Concord Greene on your right and then a White Hen shopping center, also on your right.  At the 99 Restaurant and a fork in the road, bear right.  That puts you on Commonwealth Avenue.  Cross the railroad tracks.  Park anywhere on the street or take a right on Beharrell and park behind the store.  We're on the right hand side of Commonwealth Avenue and across from Phillips Wallpaper and Paint.  West Concord is considered, however, the wrong side of the railroad tracks! 

From Route 2 East:  As you enter Concord, you'll come to the rotary near the prison.  Enter the rotary and exit it almost at once at the 2:00 position, which takes you down the side of the prison.  Take that road to the end (there's a car dealer, a gas station), turn left.  Debra's Natural Gourmet will be on the left side of the road up a couple of long blocks.  See above for parking.  Remember if you misbehave when you come, you're awfully close to that prison...

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Just Desserts! Members in the Spotlight

MSFA Invited to Exhibit at Whole Foods Expo

Whole Foods invited the MSFA to exhibit at their Whole Foods Expo in Groton, Ct on July 12-13.  The MSFA compiled a list of "MSFA Members Who are Whole Foods Approved" to be passed out to Whole Foods buyers so that they will have a list of local specialty foods companies with contact information for easy reference.  Samples of MSFA members' products will also be on display at the exhibit, coordinated by MSFA Board member, Lee Busch.  MSFA members on the list include the following:

SMH Fine Foods, Inc., Goodbaker, Inc., Stark Sisters Granola, Morning Glory Farm, A Touch of Provence, Deborah's Kitchen, Inc., Hot Mama's Foods, Legere Nutritional Foods, LLC, Luvli Juices, Inc., Simple Food, Inc., Dancing Deer, Carlson Orchards, Inc., The Country Hen, Mountain Herbal Foods, LLC, Cherrybrook Kitchen, Spasso Foods, Hedgie's Hot Stuff, Inc., Wild Blue Yonder Foods, Mondi Enterprises, Inc., Aisha's, and Asian Creations by Linh & Loann, Inc.  Congratulations to all!

Callaway Photo

has completed its first cookbook. It was done in conjunction with Emma Roberts from Capers Catering. It will be printed this summer and launched in the fall. The book is called " Sassy Cocktails with Summin' on the Side".


Andrea Taber of Ever So Humble Pie

will graduate in the class of 2006 from InnerCity Entrepreneurs on October 25, 2006, 8-10 AM at Roxbury Center for Arts, Hibernian Hall, 182-186 Dudley St., Roxbury, MA  02119.  Congratulations, Andrea!

Bohoy Design

just designed and produced a 12 month Parents Calendar for Southern New Hampshire University, as well as a series of institutional advancement brochures for their annual giving campaigns. They also recently designed a logo for ES Research Group a web based sales effectiveness research company.


Trish Karter of Dancing Deer

was the keynote speaker for the graduation ceremonies of the Massachusetts Entrepreneurial Training Program at the State House in Boston on May 25, 2006.

Myron's Fine Foods, Inc.,

in Millers Falls, MA, manufacturers of the Chef Myron's brand of Asian marinades and sauces is excited to announce that two of Chef Myron's items; Szechuan Stir Fry and Ponzu Dipping sauce, have placed in the top fifteen of the most frequently ordered items out of the 900 item Sysco National Chef Ex catalog.

The Sysco Chef Ex program is a national direct ship, on line specialty foods catalog of products deemed by the Sysco National Corporate Chefs to meet culinary quality criteria and to be of value to the millions of Sysco food service customers throughout the US.
The Sysco ChefEx catalog may be viewed at http://www.sysco.com/products/chefex/chef_ex_suppliers.asp

Shootflying Hill Sauce Company, Inc.

was featured in the May 31 - June 13, 2025 issue of The Improper Bostonian: "SUPER SAUCE - Anyone who spends her life looking for ways to make dessert taste better deserves special recognition in these pages. This issue's props go to gourmet dessert-sauce creator Cory Clarke, a Brookline native who's been serving up her Shootflying Hill sauces since late 2003. In recent months she's become more visible on the local scene with her Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Lover's Sauces, which are now available at places like South End Formaggio, Savenor's and Lionette's Market on Tremont Street. And this summer looks to be an active one for Clarke, as she anticipates the release of new caramel and Mexican sauces, plus a line of peach bourbon sauces, all of which should be available at her growing list of purveyors like Pemberton Farms in Cambridge and Foodies Urban Market in Boston. www.dessertsauce.com."-RL




Regenie's Crunchy Pita Chips

Regina Ragonese and Tom Newman of Regenie's Crunchy Pita Chips
appeared on WRKO's " Taste of Boston Tonight" hosted by Todd Feinberg.


Her Mitts

(Thurs, June 22, 06 edition of Plymouth Bulletin.)

Under the regular column called Plymouth Dish (by Casey Meserve), titled Fresh From The Market (about our local Plymouth's Farmer's Market)

.....On opening day, the place was packed with shoppers looking for that homegrown flavor, and vendors selling fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers, honey, cookies, cakes, jams, jellies and bread under bright white canopies. One of the biggest sellers was local baker Jill Brooks.

" I can't remember not baking," said Brooks, who apprently grew up in a kitchen. As a child she got a miniature baking kit from her serviceman father. " I made miniature everything with it," said Brooks.

Now grown, Brooks bakes a little cookie with a big taste. She makes Her Mitts hermit cookies in her commercially licensed kitchen here in Plymouth. By the time I got to her booth, few of the delicious cookies were left.

Brooks makes four varieties of hermits: regular, peanut butter, ginger and my favorite, crnberry. In her spare time, she makes cakes for Sweet Elist Treats, an online cake company in Manomet; and she's developing scones for Kiskadee Coffee on Court Street. " I'm working on a biscotti version of my hermits right now, but they're not ready for market," said Brooks. I can't wait until they are.

 

Luvli Juices

was featured in the front page of The Boston Globe's "Sidekick" section on Monday, May 22, 2006.  "Isn't it Luvli?" was the title of the article featuring Luvli Juices' "Smashing Tomato", "Spicy Tomato" and "Zingy Carrot".

Jean Terranova of Aunt Jeannies and Carol Coutrier of The Launching Pad & Co. were presenters at a seminar for personal chefs at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts on April 10, 2006.

Pemberton Farms

hosted a Networking Event on June 14 attended by MSFA members Tom Saidnawey (gracious host), Larry Berk, Carol Coutrier, Constance Yeung, Bob Burke, Deborah Taylor, Fred Follandsbee of Inner City Entrepreneurs (guest), Linda Guttman, and Silvia Glick.  A tour of Pemberton Farms and wonderful refreshments accompanied great networking.

Carol Coutrier of The Launching Pad & Co.

presented a workshop titled "Becoming an Entrepreneur:  A Story and Learnings" for a class of business students at Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, MA, June 5, 2006.

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Member Participation
exclusive content for members only

Specialty Food Pavilion at the 2007 New England Foodservice & Lodging Exposition -

The MSFA will continue to have a special rate at the New England Foodservice & Lodging Exposition.  In 2007, the show is organizing a " Specialty Food Pavilion" and MSFA members that sign up for space will be able to exhibit in this new pavilion.  5' x 10' booths are available, so companies will no longer have to share a 10' X 10' booth.  If you are interested in exhibiting, please contact Beth Schultz (see my contact info below).  Please note, space is limited in this new pavilion, so sign up soon.

Beth Schultz

Account Executive

New England Foodservice & Lodging Expo - Boston

p 207-443-3083

f. 207-442-9939

http://www.kosherfest.com/New England Foodservice & Lodging Expo

April 1-3, 2007 http://www.nefs-expo.com/

Massachusetts Marketplace Festival

Saturday, August 12, 2006, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Elm Bank Horticulture Center

900 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482 / Phone: 617-933-4900 / Fax: 617-933-4901

April 2006

Greetings!

We warmly invite you to participate as an exhibitor in the tenth annual Massachusetts Marketplace Festival scheduled for Saturday, August 12, 2025 (Rain Date, Sunday, August 13)  at MHS's Elm Bank Horticulture Center in Wellesley.

Celebrating the quality and abundance of local agriculture, floriculture, specialty foods and crafts, the annual festival includes vendor and information booths, demonstrations, and the Children's Petting Zoo. We expect attendance to be similar to the previous years' crowds of over 2,500 guests.

Exhibitors are allowed to provide samples, as well as to sell product.  This is a great chance to test market or spread the word about new products to a sophisticated audience.  Last year, the event featured vendors from all over the Commonwealth who showcased everything from organic produce to handmade clothing and accessories to cooking sauces, dips and desserts.

Space is limited, so we ask you to please return your registration form as soon as possible.

The application deadline is July 15th, but MSFA members have been granted a deadline extension.  Please apply immediately if you are interested. Early response allows both you and our staff to plan for and promote your attendance.  Please take some time to review the exhibitor information and call the contacts listed on the exhibitor brochure if you have any questions. We hope you will join with MHS, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and the Massachusetts Specialty Food Association in making this year's Marketplace a successful partnership to promote the many agricultural efforts across the Commonwealth.

Sincerely,                                                              

Thomas Herrera-Mishler
Executive Director
Massachusetts Horticultural Society

Douglas P. Gillespie  
Commissioner
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

Download the application

It's time to Launch into a New Branded Program Year!

The Branded Program, the USDA Foreign Agriculture's cost share funding program, can reimburse up to 50% of your eligible international marketing expenses. It is a great way to break into new export markets, or continue developing established international channels. Funds can be used at US domestic trade shows where international buyers are in attendance. The branded program year, runs from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2007. Companies are encouraged to get their applications in early to secure funding. Log on to http://www.brandedprogram.org/ to see if you qualify for the program and apply today! For more information, contact Bonita Oehlke 617-626-1753 bonita.oehlke@state.ma.us

AltWheels

AltWheels is the largest alternative transportation festival in New England and in September 2006 we will be on Boston City Hall Plaza where our theme will be " The Energy Freedom Trail" and we think we could get up to 16,000 people over two days.

I am writing to you because we would like to add a sustainable food component to introduce people to the taste and experience of sustainable food and the importance of making the right food choices. If you are interested in participating or know of others who would be please let me know. All food vendors on Boston City Hall Plaza need to be licensed by the City to sell food there. We would like to have a sustainability event on the plaza that does not just serve hotdogs and cotton candy. Our festival dates are September 22-23, 2006.

Warm wishes,

Alison

http://www.altwheels.org/
617-868-1582

           

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FOOD-TECHNOLOGY-SUPPLIES-SPIRITS-EQUIPMENT-DECOR

Monday, October 23, and Tuesday, October 24, 2025

     Connecticut Convention Center

100 Columbus Blvd. Hartford, CT

www.ctrestaurantshow.com 

 

This  is the  premier marketplace focused

exclusively on the business, product and marketing needs of

the hospitality industry.

                Research Provided By:   

Don't miss the opportunity this year to reach serious buyers,

 build brand awareness, and launch new products!

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Contact: Jeff Reszetylo

203-925-6888 or jeffr@ctrshow.com

CT Restaurant Show information form

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Member FYI
exclusive content for members only

Legally Speaking

By Silvia P. Glick, Attorney at Law

Name of Supplier Is Not a Trade Secret

            A recent case involving two salad dressing manufacturers may be of interest to MSFA members.  The case was brought by Custom Blends, Inc. against Pearlco of Boston, Inc., Pearlco's president, and a former employee of Custom Blends. 

            Custom Blends manufactures Raspberry Nectar Vinaigrette and sells it to J. King Food Services, Inc., which asked Pearlco to produce a " knock-off" of the vinaigrette to sell under J. King's private label.  Pearlco's president obtained the vinaigrette and asked a food technologist to reproduce it.  The " knock-off" was not great.  Pearlco's president called a Custom Blends employee, and found out who supplied the raspberry juice concentrate used in the vinaigrette.  Pearlco then produced a raspberry vinaigrette which was acceptable to J. King.

            Custom Blends learned what happened, and brought several unsuccessful claims against Pearlco.  Of particular interest is Custom Blends' claim that the identity of the raspberry juice concentrate supplier was a trade secret and Pearlco misappropriated it.  The court found that the supplier's identity was not a trade secret because it was not confidential information.  These are some of the factors that the court considered:  1) Pearlco made no effort to keep secret the supplier's identity; 2) the Custom Blends' employee was not required to sign a confidentiality agreement;  3) names of raspberry juice concentrate suppliers were known to people in the salad dressing business; and 4) within the industry, it is common for manufacturers to reverse-engineer or " knock-off" other salad dressings.

This is not legal advice.  For guidance concerning your specific situation, please contact an attorney.

 

Silvia P. Glick, Attorney at Law

617-876-6826

"Covering Your Butt"

By Bob Burke, Natural Products Consulting

            This little section of tradecraft is not intended to conjure up the "CYA" mentality that pervades bureaucracies the world over, but rather refers to good, basic business practices that can save you innumerable headaches down the road. The backbone of this is "clear, concise, written communication."

Think of Robert Frost: "Good fences make good neighbors."

Chances are, if you are in sales, started a company, or have climbed over your co-workers' backs to rise in a large company, you are no shrinking violet. You likely have good presentation skills, are good in "close quarters" and have good verbal skills. This confidence may lead you to believe that when you ask someone to do something and they smile and nod in agreement, they clearly understand you and will execute according to plan...maybe...sometimes

Paper trail on key issues

While understood by many, putting offers, agreements, decisions, directives, probations, and key issues in writing, and copying the appropriate parties - and saving a copy to the file - will go a long way towards solving disputes, clearing up amnesia, and nipping misunderstandings in the bud. After all, many of these issues may involve large sums of money, reputations, and careers.

Example, for illustration only, not intended to malign hard-working sales folk everywhere:

1.          You are the national sales manager. You agree to do a hip pocket deal with your over- worked regional manager to help launch a new item. You agree to give 5% on 10 cases or more. Your regional manager has way too much going on that day and mis-communicates the deal to the broker reps, whereby they think it is 10% on 5 cases. Your bill-backs are going through the roof! Good grief! Thankfully, you can pull the memo out of the file, explain the misunderstanding and, if you are feeling righteous, deduct the excessive bill-backs from the poor fellow’s bonus.

2.          Anything to do with pricing, deals, intro allowances, policies around demos, slotting, new store openings, etc., should always be communicated in writing to your sales people, brokers, distributors and customers - so that everyone has it in black and white.

The key thing that you learn is that there are appropriate times for face-to-face communication, e-mail communication, and memos or letters. When an issue requires documentation, always follow up with a memo or e-mail so that the issues and your intent are clear, concise and in writing.

Basic filing and organization skills

Keep file folders by customer and by broker. Save all written correspondence and faxes. At the end of the year, "archive" in storage boxes for a year or two. Also, trade publications such as Natural Food Merchandiser, Natural Food Network, Specialty Food News, assorted grocery publicationsand others are a wealth of information and you may find yourself referring to articles and incorporating facts and data into your presentations. It is worth setting up a small library and keeping back issues for a year or two.

Backing up files and email

Another basic, but worth noting – make it a regular practice to back up key electronic files on an external hard drive, your company network, or burn onto a CD or DVD. With viruses, network problems, hard drive crashes, lost, and stolen or dropped laptops, this is too simple a precaution to not take.

Communicating bad news

From the immortal advice given by Henry Kissinger to Richard Nixon during the darkest days of Watergate: "Any bad news that will come out eventually should come out right now."

This is good advice whether in dealing with customers, employees, your boss, investors, etc. Putting off bad news always compounds the problem.

In the even more immortal words of Homer Simpson giving advice to his son, Bart:

"I want to share something with you - the three sentences that will get you through life. Number one, 'cover for me.' Number two, 'oh, good idea, boss.' Number three, 'it was like that when I got here.'"

The above piece "Covering Your Butt" was excerpted from the Natural Products Field Manual, Third Edition. Please feel free to call or email with any questions.

Prepared by Bob Burke, Natural Products Consulting, 978-975-9902,

BBurke@NPCInstitue.com,  http://www.npcinstitute.com/,  http://www.naturalconsulting.com/

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New Service at Western Mass. Food Center

We have recently added new capabilities to support dry mix-and-fill at the Western Mass Food Center. We welcome inquires on this service for those of you with dry products that need a copacker. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to learn more.

Regards,

Herb Heller

Program Manager

Western Mass Food Processing Center

Franklin County CDC

324 Wells St.

Greenfield, MA 01301

(413) 774-7204 x108

http://www.fccdc.org/

Zoe Foods

based in Needham, MA, is a young, growing company that creates and sells all-natural cereals and nutrition bars nationally in 3,500+ stores including Whole Foods Market and supermarkets. Zoe Foods is committed to developing products that make a difference in people's lives. Voted one of Fast Company magazine's "Fast 50", Zoe Foods has hit the national media scene with the following press coverage: CNN, NBC's Today Show, Prevention Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and many others.

As the company grows its business, it is also growing its team and has the following positions available:

(1) Sales & Marketing Field Representative

(2) Natural Channel Sales Manager

(3) Bookkeeper (part-time/contractor)

If you are interested in any of the above positions, please go to the following link for a full job description and to apply.

http://www.zoefoods.com/company/employment.htm

Food Packaging Position

Part time position in Arlington Center for person with good manual dexterity who is a team player. We are a small, friendly, growing food business and need to add to our packaging team.

Duties include:

Labeling and sealing bags
Operating our weighing machine
Lifting 50 lb. bags of product
Mixing flavors on our Hobart machine
Packing product into cartons for shipment
Helping us prepare for shows
Maintaining inventory
Daily clean up of work areas

Hours are 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday through Friday.
Compensation is $7-$8 per hour, depending on experience.
Position will begin in August.

Qualified candidates will be enthusiastic, flexible, and enjoy working as part of a team.

Send resume or letter of interest to linda@bestfriendscocoa.com
or call 781-648-0197

From Gourmet News:

"Monthly magazine seeks M or F under 40:
Gourmet News' biennial feature recognizing 20 up and comers in the gourmet industry-under 40 years of age-will be in the October issue of Gourmet News. If you'd like to sing the praises of someone, including yourself, see the form at the bottom of http://www.gourmetnews.com/ . Nominations are due July 15."

"Amazon.com adds groceries to its product mix
SEATTLE-Internet retailer Amazon.com Inc. began selling shelf-stable groceries, including natural and organic products, on its Web site May 25, according to a Reuters article.
Read more:
http://www.gourmetnews.com/index.php?p=article& id=gn200606vIbKVy "

"UNFI pumps new fuel surcharge to customers this summer
DAYVILLE, Conn.-To offset high fuel prices, United Natural Foods Inc. plans to roll out a new fuel surcharge program this summer. The natural foods distributor also has long term plans to open new facilities to help drive down overall fuel usage, according to Michael Funk, president and chief executive officer of UNFI, in a May 25 call with analysts.
Read more:
http://www.gourmetnews.com/index.php?p=article& id=gn200605TmkzaT"

"New flavors, increased availability fuel $34.7 billion specialty food industry
CHICAGO-Consumer interest in new flavors and products as well as easier accessibility is fueling the specialty food market-a $34.7 billion industry-according to a study by Mintel and the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade Inc.
Read more:
http://www.gourmetnews.com/index.php?p=article& id=gn200605jutJ7g

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New Product Announcements

It's Iced Tea Season Again!

Summer is on its way and, unless you live in the South where iced tea is served all year long, it's time to enjoy iced tea again.   If you think only Instant Nestea makes the best iced tea, you haven't tried Notting Hall's fruit flavored blacks, greens and tisanes. Light and refreshing with their subtle, fruity flavors, they
are delicious hot or iced.

 Happy sipping, Maureen

These are just some of the fabulous flavors you can enjoy over ice this summer.  Notting Hall specialty teas are available in triple-insulated, airtight packages in 2 oz., 4 oz., and 8 oz., sizes.  Each tea comes with a brief description and ‘easy to prepare' instructions.  No special equipment needed.  Put the kettle on and enjoy. 


Summer Bouquet - Flavorful tisane with rose hips, rose petals, lavender, naturally-sweet currants and caffeine-free Rooibos.


Suddenly Summer - Sweet and succulent is this Japanese Sencha green with bits of strawberries for a natural sweetness.


Tiki Torch - A tropical paradise in a cup with the sweetness of coconut and pineapple infusing caffeine-free Rooibos.

Cherry Cola - A fun black tea blended with lots of chunky fruit. Wild cherries add the zip and zing to this great brew.


Polynesian Dreams - A tropical paradise in a cup is this exotic papaya and pineapple infused Japanese Sencha. Simply delicious.


Passionate Nights - A romantic blend with green and black leaves, delicate, fragrant rosebuds, sweet peaches and ripe apricots.

Serve over ice and garnish with fresh fruit.  Sweeten as desired.  The key to delicious iced tea is " do not skimp on the tea and do not add ice to the pitcher, only to the glass" .  All our loose leaf teas and accoutrements are available by logging onto our website at http://www.nottinghall.com/ or giving us a call. 

Notting Hall, the Place for Tea

PO Box 343, Boston, MA 02137

http://www.nottinghall.com/
sales@NottingHall.com

781.340.3388 or toll free 866.361.TEAS

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The Salt of the Earth

New Members, Renewals and Upcoming Renewals

The MSFA Welcomes the Following New members:

Fior D'Italia Pasta and Cheese
P.O. Box 704
Manchester Center, VT  05255
Contact: Victor Tirrito
Tel: 802-362-5251
Fax: 802-362-5255
Email: the pastaman@adelphia.net
http://www.thepastaman.com/
Full line of fresh pasta and ravioli.

Stark Sisters Granola /Debra's Natural Gourmet
98 Commonwealth Avenue
Concord, MA  01742
Contact: Debra Stark
Tel: 978-371-7573
Fax: 978-371-3279
Email: debra@starksisters.com
http://www.starksisters.com/
Gourmet granolas: Stark Sisters Maple Almond, Nutty Maple
(our accountant's favorite!) and Maple Raspberry Blueberry. 
These are the granolas you'd make yourself at home
if you had the time!

Dimesworth  (MSFA Corporate Sponsor)
170 Gore St., Suite 103, Cambridge, MA  02141-1145
Contact: LeAnn Lewis
Tel/Fax: 617-577-1165
Email: LeAnn@dimesworth.com 
http://www.dimesworth.com/ 
Dimesworth offers a variety of accounting-based services.

The Country Hen
P.O. Box 333, Hubbardston, MA  01452
Contact:  Sheila Taylor
Tel: 978-928-5333
Fax: 978-928-5414
Email: customer.service@countryhen.com
http://www.countryhen.com/
Organic eggs with Omega 3.

Tierra Mia, Inc.
585 Moody Street, Waltham, MA  02453
Contact: Claret M. & Nelson Barcenes
Tel: 781-894-5676
Fax: 781-894-5707
Email: Cladonis@comcast.net, MiTierrarest@yahoo.com
MiTierra Mild, Medium and Hot Sauces.

CY's Creative Foods, Inc.
287 Harvard Street, #77, Cambridge, MA  02139
Contact: Constance Yeung
Tel: 617-576-9611
Email: cyscreativefoods@earthlink.net
Rice/yogurt dip/spread + biscotti/cookies.

Bay State Biscuits
43 Maple Ave., Nahant, MA  01908
Contact: Judy Dumont
Tel: 781-953-0536
Email: judy@baystatebiscuits.com
http://www.baystatebiscuits.com/
All natural gourmet dog treats.

Mondi Enterprises Inc.
P.O. Box 173, Boylston, MA 01505
Contact: Harvey Clark
Tel: 508-864-0055
Fax: 508-864-0111
Email: hclark@americanstarbrand.com
www.americanstarbrand.com
Angus Sauces, Dressings, Candy

Renewals

Carlson Orchards

To 2/07

Callaway Photo

To 2/07

Reseska Apiaries

To 2/07

Best Friends Cocoa, LLC

To 3/07

Cape Cod Chowder Company

To 5/07

New England Baklava Co.

To 6/07

Natural Products Consulting Institute

To 5/07

A Touch of Provence

To 4/07

Rosa's Candies, Inc.

To 5/07

Deborah's Kitchen

To 6/07

Joy of Construction

To 1/07

Boston Baking

To 5/07

Chicopee Provision Company, Inc.

To 4/07

When Pigs Fly

To 6/07

Upcoming Renewals

Please mail your renewal check made out to MSFA to MSFA, C/O Carol Coutrier, P.O. Box 34, Groton, MA  01450  $150. Producer members, $250. Associate Members.  Thank you.

AUGUST

Artisan Fare

Aunt Sue Sue's

Asian Creations

Freight Savers Express

Linabella's Gourmet Garlic Farm, LLC

Mizzannye's Gourmet Specialty Foods

Sea Taste Chile, Inc.


SEPTEMBER

Aisha's

Legere Nutritional Foods

New England Brokerage Corp.

Orleans Packing Co.

October

Martin Organics

MatKat Creations, Inc.

Mother's, Inc.


OCTOBER

Martin Organics

MatKat Creations, Inc.

Mother's, Inc.

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Contact Information

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: LeAnn Lewis, Dimesworth
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 ~ Herb Heller - W. MA Food Processing Center
~ 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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