MSU Product Center

🌱 Want to get your product into more retail locations? Start with farm stops! 🌱

Michigan food entrepreneurs—join the MSU Product Center for a FREE webinar, "Selling at Farm Stops: Getting In and Growing Sales," and learn how farm stops can help expand your customer reach and grow your business. Hear practical insights on becoming retail-ready, avoiding common pitfalls, and standing out to buyers. Featured speaker Kathy Sample of Argus Farm Stop will share firsthand experience on what it takes to succeed in this unique retail channel.

📅 August 12, 2026
⏰ 2:00–3:00 p.m. (ET)
💻 Online Zoom Webinar - Free to attend

Whether you're launching a new food product or looking for additional sales channels, this webinar will provide valuable tips and strategies to help you grow your business.

👉 Register today: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/selling-at-farm-stops-getting-in-and-growing-sales

📊 What’s shaping the future of packaged food and beverage products?

Consumer expectations continue to evolve—and staying ahead of the trends is key for food entrepreneurs and growing brands. A new article from the MSU Product Center highlights the top drivers influencing today’s CPG landscape, including:

✅ Increased focus on value and price sensitivity
✅ Continued demand for health, wellness, and functional foods
✅ Growing expectations around clean labels and transparency
✅ Rising importance of sustainability and packaging

These shifts are changing how products are developed, marketed, and positioned on the shelf—and creating new opportunities for innovation.

👉 Read the full article: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-s-trending-in-packaged-food-and-beverages

Online Course for Food & Beverage Entrepreneurs

Looking to better understand food safety requirements and regulatory expectations for your business? MSU Extension’s Regulatory and Food Safety Overview course is designed to help you build a strong foundation.

This self-paced, online course covers essential topics such as:

✅ Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations
✅ Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles
✅ Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
✅ Preventive controls and recall procedures
✅ Food defense and sanitary transportation practices

Whether you’re launching a new product or scaling your operation, this course can help strengthen your compliance knowledge and improve your food safety systems.

💻 Learn at your own pace
💲 Affordable training ($52)
🎯 Designed for food businesses and processors

👉 Register today: https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/regulatory-and-food-safety-overview

🚚 Thinking about starting a food truck business?

Michigan State University Extension offers a free, self-paced online course to help you turn your idea into a reality!

The course, How to Start a Food Truck Business, is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and covers key topics like:

- Developing your concept
- Understanding licensing requirements
- Planning your menu and operations
- Building a solid business foundation

Learn online at your own pace and gain practical guidance. There is no cost to participate.

👉 Get started today: Explore the MSU Food Truck Course
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/how-to-start-a-food-truck-business