2023 NJ / NY Benchmarking Survey Results

A special thank you to co-panelists Nolan Lewin, Executive Director of the Rutgers University Food Innovation Center, and Colin Turner, Chief Strategy Officer of F&S Fresh Foods, and the Grassi team of Robert Grote, Jeffrey Cohen, CPA, James McIntosh, CPA, MST or Chris Fifis who led the discussion of findings from the 2023 industry report at Friday's conference. 

Download your copy and learn what your regional peers are saying about the challenges they are facing. Disagree? Have follow-up questions? Join us for breakfast May 2 with the Southern New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. Find out what's working and what's not in automation, inventory management, staffing, cybersecurity, and more.   

Challenges and Solutions For Your Processing Facility Construction

The Food and Beverage business in NJ is booming. NJMEP's 2023 NJ Manufacturing Industry Report lists Food and Beverage Manufacturing as the second-largest manufacturing sector across all of New Jersey. The facilities needed for our industry are VERY different than an empty box warehouse.

Breakout Session on Fallacies & Fairytales: The Truth Behind Business Valuations

Determining the true value of your business is important for every company: mature, growing, and startup (think shark tank valuations!) But many market-based "Rules of Thumb" are not worth much when valuing a business. Join NJFPA Member Expert Fred Kaplan of Stony Hill Advisors as he dispels the most common myths that catch businesses unprepared. 

Breakout Session on Food Safety Culture and Regulatory Compliance

FDA-recognized Food Safety Expert and long-time lecturer from Rutgers University Food Innovation Center, Donna F. Schaffner, will be sharing her insights into how ‘Food Safety Culture’ is being measured by FDA Inspectors in order to meet regulatory expectations.

Conference Schedule as of February 24

Register | Schedule | Exhibitors | Sponsorship | Accommodations | 2022 Recap 

THURSDAY, MARCH 16TH, 5 PM - 7 PM

Casual Kick Off Cocktail Reception
Visit Exhibitors and Networking

Harrah's Conference Center, Wildwood Ballroom

FRIDAY, MARCH 17TH, 7 AM - 2:30 PM

7:00 AM    Breakfast / Visit Exhibitors / Networking
8:00 AM    Welcome and Remarks by Sam Pipitone, III, NJFPA President
8:05 AM    Keynote Address by Arlin Wasserman, Changing Tastes

8:45 AM    Food Manufacturing Survey by NJFPA and Grassi
9:30 AM    Visitors Exhibitors / Networking
10:20 AM  Breakout Sessions I
11:10 AM  Breakout Sessions II
12:00 PM  Visitors Exhibitors / Networking
12:45 PM  Lunch and Awards
1:30 PM    Dessert and Closing Presentation by Jill Weber, Sojourn Philly Restaurant Group

We Love Our Sponsors!

Thank you to all our sponsors who have already stepped forward with their support for our upcoming NJFPA annual conference on March 17th! Sponsorship of the NJFPA Annual Conference represents an opportunity for creative engagement with both food processors and the partners that support the industry. Through sponsorship, your organization can be associated with leaders in our community. Read more about the Sponsorship Details and Reserve your sponsorship today!

Schedule | Exhibitors | Sponsorship | Accommodations | 2022 Recap 

New Member Spotlight: Beneficial Bakery

Beneficial Bakery heard about NJFPA from yet another fabulous NJ resource: Choose NJ. Knowing the value of connections and relationships, they dove into their first OTR, toured the Rutgers FIC, and are crisscrossing the state looking for new connections.

 "Beneficial Bakery was founded in May 2021 by Dr. Diane Melano in EHT, NJ. We ferment vegetables from over 60 qualified farms in NJ into a pantry of ingredients that are used to create the most delicious baked goods. Our products contain prebiotic microbiome-accessible carbohydrates (MACs) and a variety of probiotic live bacteria that promote improved gut health. As we grow our supply chain we are hoping to meet potential partners who have (i) food prep space available for lease, and/or (ii) capacity to wash vegetables."

The Financial Fitness Corner with Maryann and Bill

Longtime members Bill Cornelius of M&T Bank and Maryann Lewis of Citizens Bank both focus their work specifically in the food industry. They have teamed up to regularly highlight the issues crucial to our members. Disagree? Have a follow-up question? Maryann and Bill are regular attendees at our On The Road events or email [email protected]. Get financial information you can trust from people you actually know.

Now that you are warmed up, Bill shares tips to keep your company growing: 

1. Hire the right people – harder said than done but this is integral.

2. Focus on established revenue sources – focus on existing core customers. Create strategies based on previous buying behaviors which could encourage repeat business, i.e. loyalty programs.

RFIC Spring Food Safety Class Schedule AND Expanded Consulting Services

The Rutgers Food Innovation Center's reputation for food safety training is well known, did you know they also have consulting services? They can do FSMA, GMP or SQF Gap audits to help you prepare for the FDA, USDA or 3rd Party audits. They can review your Food Safety Plans and give recommendations on how to meet regulatory requirements. 

Learn more on the RFIC training and consulting page and remember NJFPA members are eligible for discounts on many RFIC services and training. 

1. ServSafe Food Safety Manager Course – For anyone under the Cottage Food Law, operating in a commercial kitchen and leaders in serving food to the public (restaurants, schools, nursing homes, fast food, etc…)
1. Jan 17-18, 2023 in person!
   https://foodinnovation.rutgers.edu/what-fic-does/learn/training-services/servsafe-manager/
2. HACCP – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points – Both are virtual, through WEBEX
1. March 7-9, 2023
2. May 16-18, 2023
   https://foodinnovation.rutgers.edu/what-fic-does/learn/training-services/haccp/
3. PCHF – Preventive Controls for Human Food
1. March 21-23, 2023 - Virtual
2. May 23-25, 2023 - In Person!
   https://foodinnovation.rutgers.edu/what-fic-does/learn/training-services/pcqi/
4. SQF Practitioner
1. May 4th -5, 2023 Virtual
   https://foodinnovation.rutgers.edu/what-fic-does/learn/training-services/sqf-safe-quality-foods/
5. RFIC can also come to you if you have 5-10 (or more) employees that need any of the training above and:
1. FSVP (if you import ingredients)
2. IAVA (Food Defense)
3. GMPs
4. Food Safety Culture

2023 NJ / NY Food and Beverage Manufacturing Benchmarking Survey

We need your insight! If your company is a food or beverage manufacturer or distributor doing business in NJ / NY, please take a few minutes to complete this survey and share it with your network. Tell us how shifting consumer demands, supply chain disruptions, and volatility in ingredient pricing and other trends have impacted your business operations and outlook. Your responses will be used to compile a comprehensive industry benchmarking report specific to our region that will help companies like yours measure their progress and plan for the road ahead.

The food and beverage manufacturing and distribution industry evolves every year. What is changing and what is still to come? Those are the questions we are looking to answer in our 2023 survey of New York and New Jersey food manufacturers. The NJFPA is conducting this survey in partnership with Grassi CPAs, and facilitated by the research team at Crain's New York Business.

Learn More About MAFTO's Community Care Package Program

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

Bill: Tell us about your day job: 

New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program (NJMVP) grant

The NJEDA’s pre-qualification application for the NJMVP program is closing soon. If you are looking to purchase new equipment in 2023, you might be eligible to offset the cost by up to 50%! https://bit.ly/3jnKAbr.

Want more information? NJFPA member John McDaris of Garton's Rigging attended the NJEDA webinar and is happy to share what he learned. Garton's is also offering NJFPA members introductory discounts for the installation of equipment.

Reach out to John today!

Need to Upgrade Your Equipment?

Did you miss EDA webinar on the new New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program (NJMVP) grant? Grants range between $7,500 and $250,000 and funding can be used to purchase equipment needed to improve operations. The NJMVP is designed to increase manufacturing production in New Jersey.

NJFPA member John McDaris of Garton's Rigging attended the NJEDA webinar and had these insights to share: 

"There is free money out there you just have to qualify for it and it does not sound too hard. They have a 1000-dollar application fee. The link for this is https://www.njeda.com/event/njeda-manufacturing-voucher-program

Professional and Executive Education at Rutgers (PEER)

NJFPA has established a partnership with Professional and Executive Education at Rutgers (PEER) where member organizations will receive a 15% discount on many of the certificate and program offerings in their catalog. 

Programs range from Continuous Process Improvement/Lean Six Sigma to Project Management to Professional Sales Skills, to name a few. In addition to the traditional in-person and online delivery model of continuing education, PEER has introduced their Personal Learning Coach hybrid delivery. This model is based on that of a Personal Trainer who evaluates their clients’ current program and goals, provides motivation, pushes their clients harder, and facilitates behavioral changes that clients can embrace to sustain a healthy, active lifestyle.

RFIC Breaking News!

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

Congratulations from the NJFPA to the inaugural first class:

Share Some Good News!

The theme of our next OTR is philanthropy and the food industry is one that has always one that has led the way. From the way food brings people together and nourishes both body and soul to food banks and the support of our essential workers, it is important to recognize the role that each one of us can play in impacting the community around us. For the next month or two we will be highlighting our members and their work on our social media channels. Let us know what you are up to at [email protected].

Andy Morfopoulos is CEO at ignite2X, Inc. Equally important, Andy is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Food Trade Organization's (MAFTO) Board of Directors and is passionate about not just talking the talk about giving back. Andy wanted to highlight two significant upcoming MAFTO programs:

• Christmas For All Kids 2022 – Monte Carlo Night - December 2
  An evening with food, gambling, prizes, and most of all great satisfaction! Yes, the satisfaction you will receive knowing that the profits and toys collected will be going to needy children in our area to help make their Christmas a little more joyful. Have a fun-filled evening with your friends, bring an unwrapped toy, and help provide a little Christmas Spirit to many area youngsters.
  
  NEW! - If you will miss your chance to drop off toys at MAFTO's Christmas for all Kids event, bring them to the Thursday, December 8th On The Road!
  
  
• Community Care Package Corporate Fundraiser programs
  Donate Product: MAFTO is seeking donations from its member regional food, beverage, and consumer packaged goods brands to supply 1,000 to 2,000 units of a variety of non-perishable products, free goods coupons or gift cards to support the program.
  
  Be A Sponsor: Over the last two years MAFTO, its community, and sponsors have driven $140,000 in donations to Philabundance, Small Things, and food pantries throughout our region. MAFTO has also distributed 5,000 Care Packages to food pantries, school programs, and charities throughout the Mid-Atlantic, creating special events with our generous donor sponsors. 

2023 Conference Exhibitor and Sponsorships

We couldn't have our signature annual conference without the support of our exhibitors and sponsors. In 2022, the exhibit hall was energetic. We heard how wonderful and productive the conversations were throughout the day. More than 40 companies are expected to participate, displaying products and services and interacting with top-level executives from organizations throughout the state. 

Advance reservations by mail are now available for exhibitors and sponsors. Online forms to follow!

2023 NJFPA Annual Conference 

Overwhelmingly you have said that one of the biggest challenges you are facing is workforce. From hiring and retention of your own employees to driver shortages and port personnel logistics affecting your processes and profits. How can NJ businesses stay ready for anything?

As many of you know, the NJFPA Annual Conference is planned by members, for members. The education committee is building on some of our most popular topics from last year. For instance, bringing in students to talk about apprenticeships and hiring practices. 

The Financial Fitness Corner with Maryann and Bill

"Because you want a partner that believes in you and the business, right? I think, unfortunately, banks have become a little bit more commoditized now. As long as this box and this box and this box is checked we'll loan you the money. That's not really a partner, you need to align yourself in a way with whatever the services are, right? Accountants, attorneys, banking, where they see the vision, they can understand where you're headed."

- Dan Kilcoyne, Mini Melts of America
S2E2 Food Forum Podcast

Food processors need to have a true partnership with their banks. Longtime members Bill Cornelius of M&T Bank and Maryann Lewis of Investors Bank both focus their work specifically in the food industry. They have teamed up to regularly highlight the issues crucial to our members. Disagree? Have a follow-up question? Maryann and Bill are regular attendees at our On The Road events or email [email protected]. Get financial information you can trust from people you actually know.

To start, Bill shares a couple of tips on the foundations to make your business Financially Fit! 

1. Set a goal - When you set a financial goal for your business, make sure it’s something you actually can and want to achieve. Consider your current financial situation, what’s possible within your available resources and restrictions, and what opportunities exist to take you one step closer to your goal.
   
   
2. Have a plan - By creating a plan that outlines daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual actions, it will help you move in the right direction to achieve your goals.
   
   
3. Monitor your progress – Monitor your progress versus your goals. This will give you the opportunity to assess and re-assess and make tweaks along the way.
   
   
4. Outsource to experts when things get complicated – There may be a time in your journey when results begin to plateau. Self-motivation is a plus but you may be able to get there faster with experts. Similar to a personal trainer, they provide guidelines and mentorship and most importantly a view through a different objective lens. All of these could be very helpful.
   
   
5. Prepare for the off-season – “Summer bodies are made in the winter”. For businesses, the winter period includes the Holidays and Jan/Feb can be quiet. So take this time to perhaps set a savings goal through this time period. As well use this time to revisit your plan, change what isn’t working and get ready for the upcoming season.

Celebrating NJFPA Members Giving Back!

Each On The Road event offers a perfect combination of networking and industry discussion in a social setting. This winter member Bill Cornelius has generously invited us to gather together at M&T Bank in Cherry Hill, NJ for dinner and drinks, and celebrate our community.

The theme of this OTR is philanthropy and the food industry is one that has always one that has led the way. From the way food brings people together and nourishes both body and soul to food banks and the support of our essential workers, it is important to recognize the role that each one of us can play in impacting the community around us. 

Our featured speaker is Andy Morfopoulos, CEO at ignite2X, Inc. Equally important, Andy is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Food Trade Organization's (MAFTO) Board of Directors and committee chair Community Care Package Corporate Fundraiser programs. MAFTO's mission is to improve the quality of lives through Charity, Education, Scholarships, Social Events, and Networking to advance and promote our Food Marketing Industry and culture.

REGISTER TODAY