NCDA&CS food business specialist Annette Dunlap offers resources that agribusiness owners and food entrepreneurs can use to grow and manage their business. Annette is available for free one-on-one consultations and can assist business owners with financial and market planning through the agribusiness development section. She can be reached at annette.dunlap@ncagr.gov.
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There is no denying consumer demand for local products, but how can you make sure that your product is a true North Carolina product from ingredients to the store shelf? We have three resources available for you on the department’s website.
The North Carolina Grower/Shipper Directory gives you a listing of local growers who have the capacity to ship large quantities of agricultural products to your processing facility. For smaller quantities of produce, you can turn to www.ncfarmfresh.com for a directory of statewide roadside stands and farmers markets. There’s also the North Carolina General Store, which has a listing of fresh products as well as processed ingredients for your food product.
In addition to these directories, the department also offers information on locating shared-use kitchens, establishing your own certified home-based kitchen, or becoming a certified meat processing facility.
Grocery stores in the state understand demand for local products, which presents a great opportunity for your food business. For more information on how to get your product into North Carolina stores, contact one of our retail marketing specialists.
Yours to success!