Main Content
We asked members of our team for their thoughts on 2024, and what they’re looking forward to in 2025. Here’s what some of them had to say:
Nolan Lewin
Executive Director
I am looking forward to 2025 at the Rutgers Food Innovation Center as we support niche market entrepreneurs through comprehensive strategies by offering our state-of-the-art facilities for product development and scaling, including the use of our FDA- and USDA-certified rooms to serve as short term pilot plants. We will continue to provide tailored product development assistance, helping create unique offerings like high-end ketchups and functional beverages as well as plant-based alternatives including mycelium mushroom root ingredients. Continuing with our expert market analysis to aid in identifying underserved segments and launching new products.
Our business mentoring will continue to focus on crafting unique value propositions and pricing strategies. We are, of course, looking forward to our networking events, such as the New Jersey FoodTech Conference, which connects entrepreneurs with industry professionals. The center’s team will continue to provide specialized knowledge in food safety, regulations, and market trends, enabling entrepreneurs to navigate complex niche markets successfully and foster innovation in the food industry.
Joyce Friedberg
Marketing Specialist
Over the past year, we had the opportunity to work on a number of exciting projects. We supported several early-stage entrepreneurs helping to refine / shape their new concepts and products with upfront category overviews, competitive assessments and sensory evaluations. We met with a few international organizations, from places including Jamaica and the UK, to identify opportunities for innovation and growth, mainly within the health and wellness space. And we mentored a talented team of students in the Rutgers MBS program during the fall semester. Their was very impressive, and it was a rewarding experience.
Looking forward to 2025, I hope to continue to have the opportunity to support our clients, companies / organizations and students and make a positive impact while working with the great team of people at FIC!
Mellonie O’Neill
Senior Manager – QA Compliance and Training
In 2024, a major takeaway was the increasing adoption of digital tools to enhance food safety compliance and training efficiency. From real-time tracking of food safety data to interactive e-learning modules, technology has proven to be a game-changer in ensuring consistency and accuracy.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises even greater advancements, particularly in leveraging AI for predictive analytics in food safety. Training trends are also shifting toward immersive learning experiences, such as virtual reality simulations, to provide hands-on skills in a controlled environment. By embracing these innovations, we can create safer food systems and empower teams with more effective training methods.
Craig Peck
Senior Manager of Business Development
We saw multiple projects this year with the common product attribute of functionality, or beverages and foods which provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Our clients continue to manufacture premium beverages and sauces which solve problems for busy consumers by overdelivering on nutrition. We are also continuing to work on alternative proteins, and hybridized alternative protein products, which are solutions for both environmental and consumer pain points around health, wellness, and convenience.
In 2025, I am looking forward to working with our incredible Food Scientists, Food Manufacturing Team, Food Safety Team, and Marketing colleagues to continue to drive new product creation, innovation and economic development in our communities.