TOLEDO — Think your recipe has what it takes to win the fifth annual Food Product Development Contest?
The Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT) is sponsoring the contest, which showcases local food products ready for actual product development.
This friendly competition helps encourage and foster additional business within the region by way of the food industry.
“Consumer interest in local food products is at a peak right now,” said Rebecca A. Singer, vice president and director of agricultural programs, CIFT. “The Food Product Development Contest is perfectly timed to show the depth of many new, innovative food products from the region.”
About the contest
Contestants will submit a form outlining the basic details of their recipe, and food industry experts will judge each based on the viability of the product, commercialization potential, business strategy, marketability and overall appeal to the marketplace.
Later, finalists will be invited to the CIFT office to present their business concept and food product to a panel of judges.
Production roll-out
The contest winner will receive technical and business development assistance essential for the advancement of a product into the marketplace, as well as production of product to be used for consumer feedback.
Following this education, product production will take place at the Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen (NOCK), located at the Agricultural Incubator Foundation in Bowling Green, Ohio.
The NOCK is a nonprofit commercial facility that educates and advises new and growing businesses, provides access to a commercially-licensed kitchen, networking opportunities with other similar entities, and technical assistance.
To apply
Deadline to submit the completed application is May 25 (only one product per applicant).
Contact Paula Ray, small business coordinator, CIFT, at 419-535-6000, ext. 117 for more information, or obtain an application form along with rules/regulations at www.ciftinnovation.org.
