Goosefoot to Bring 2-Day Food Business Workshop from OSU to Whidbey

The non-profit economic and community development organization Goosefoot is bringing Sarah Masoni, Product Development Manager for the Food Innovation Center in Portland, OR to South Whidbey on June 13 and 14 for an intensive workshop for those interested in starting up a food business. This is in addition to food business workshops that the organization has been leading itself.

Food Entrepreneurship: A to Z will provide an overview of all facets of starting and operating one’s own food business, including:

  • Overview of Market Niches (Industrial, Food Service, Retail, Consumer-Direct)
  • Processing options (commercial kitchen, shared use kitchen, co-packer)
  • Converting recipes from small to large amounts
  • Pricing – How to price products to be sustainable & profitable
  • Packaging & labeling
  • Regulations & Laws
  • Shelf-life/food safety
  • Marketing strategies –  (market research, PR, social media).

Workshops are for those wishing to produce and sell baked goods; jams/jellies, sauces; dry cereal, spice, nut, or flour mixes; or other packaged/canned food products. Goosefoot is offering food business workshops as part of their continuing exploration into the viability of a full-service shared commercial kitchen on South Whidbey. For further information about this project and additional workshops being offered, visit http://www.whidbeykitchen.org

Affiliated with OSU Extension in Portland, The Food Innovation Center (FIC) is a resource for client based product and process development, packaging engineering and shelf life studies, and consumer sensory testing. Sarah Masoni regularly works with food entrepreneurs to help them determine their next steps for success. She is a Senior Faculty Research Assistant and Food Product Development Team Manager at the FIC.

Food Entrepreneurship: A to Z takes place Monday, June 13, 1 – 5 pm and Tuesday, June 14, 8:30 am – 1 pm at the historic Sears House, 2812 Meinhold Road Langley, WA (located on South Whidbey Island, 7 minutes from the Clinton ferry terminal).

Registration is required. $45; includes lunch on Tuesday. Register by May 23 and pay only $35. Make checks payable to Goosefoot and mail to PO Box 114, Langley, WA  98260.  Please call or email Marian Myszkowski with questions at 360-321-4145 or marian@goosefoot.org

Goosefoot is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the rural character of Whidbey Island through projects that support the local economy and promote learning and community.