Food System Resources

Analysis and Reports

The Tastemakers Initiative collaborates with industry partners to research emerging trends and apply business development programming to help grow in Maine’s food and beverage economy.

Market Opportunities for Maine Processed Foods

Prepared by Jed Beach,  FarmSmart Business Services.  March 2019. 

In order to succeed, most Maine food processing companies will need to develop unique niches focused on specific customer segments. The four key ingredients of a successful niche food product are health, convenience, flavor, and authenticity. The meanings of all four of these ingredients are changing in the eyes of the consumer in fundamental ways.  Read Jed’s report to learn more about emerging market opportunities for Maine producers.

Maine’s Food Processing and Manufacturing Landscape

Prepared by June Sleeper, Cultivating the New Economy.  January 2019.

This primer provides a useful overview of food processing and manufacturing terminology, regulatory frameworks, and industry seasonality, in addition to case studies from other regions of the U.S. about innovation food cluster development strategies.  Read June’s report here. 

Premium Grain Value Chain Development in Maine

Prepared by Chris Hallweaver and Leah Cook.  August 2018.

Maine grain companies are expanding to meet growing demand from artisanal bakeries, the exploding craft beer industry, and consumers who increasingly crave products that are imbued with a compelling place-based story.  To capture market share among values-forward customers throughout the Northeast, Maine’s malting and milling entrepreneurs are leveraging investment in grain infrastructure with well-resourced marketing and sales efforts.  Read the report to learn more.