Partnering with FIC was a critical move for the growth of the company. First Field could now produce pallets of ketchup without compromising on the authenticity of the product. FIC also helped make important connections to resources such as packaging and funding that are important aspects of the scaleup process.
The relationship has been ongoing for several years with FIC supporting the company based on their specific needs whether it be packaging, ingredient sourcing or questions around operations. First Field has since extended their line adding pure strained tomatoes, crushed tomatoes and a line of pasta sauces. First Field products can now be found in 300 locations including Whole Foods, Wegmans, Trader Joes and many restaurant menus. It is a great story that shows the value of true partnership and collaboration!
The Food Innovation Center@ Rutgers University has been making an impact since its inception.
Here are Highlights:
Funding & Grants Awarded to Date
- As of December 2018, the Food Innovation Center at Rutgers University has been awarded 52 grants and contracts, totaling $12.617 Million
Clients Served Since Inception (since 2001)
- Consulted over 1,900 companies and food entrepreneurs on food entrepreneurship
- Generated $220 MM in annualized incremental client revenue
Training & Education
- 4,300+ individuals trained in food safety
- 650+ companies assisted with specialized QA services
- 680+ individuals trained in Food Business Basics
Food Incubator Manufacturing
- 65 companies have manufactured food products at FIC@ RU for retail sale
- 415 new food products commercialized at FIC@ RU
- 140 companies have manufactured or scaled up products at FIC @ RU
Community
- Created 670 new jobs
- 1,700+ hours of student mentoring
- Partnering with Rutgers Honors College, MBS and undergraduate programs to provide industry experience and mentoring for students
- 20 internships to local high school and college students