Newsroom

PORTLAND, Ore. - Local food entrepreneurs will show off their unique creations to the public at a free farmers market-like event at the Food Innovation Center in Portland on June 24.

The inaugural Time To Market Trade Show, which will take place from 4-7 p.m., offers a delicious array of free samples, including crème brûlée, gelato, pickles, peppers, cocktails and health foods. Gluten-free, diabetic-friendly and vegan options will be available. Consumers can buy the products, too.

"This is the public's first chance to get a taste of what we've cooked up with our students," said Sarah Masoni, the center's product development manager. "This event is a perfect way for us to reach out to businesses we've helped over the years and treat the taste buds of Oregon."

The Food Innovation Center is a collaborative effort between Oregon State University and the Oregon Department of Agriculture. It is located at 1207 N.W. Naito Parkway in Portland. For more information, call 503-872-6680.

The vendors are graduates of the Getting Your Recipe to Market class, which OSU faculty help teach. Students learn how to turn their recipes into commercial-ready products by developing business and marketing plans, crafting elevator pitches, solving packaging and food safety issues, and meeting one-on-one with retail buyers.

In the hours preceding the trade show, each exhibitor will meet privately with interested investors, distributors and local retail buyers - a valuable networking opportunity, Masoni said. These food industry partners are able to place products in stores, restaurants, hospitals, college campuses and large companies, such as Intel and Nike.

The center plans to host similar showcases each month this summer, recruiting from among its 200-plus alumni. The June 24 event will also feature a sign-up sheet for potential participants.

"We'd love to see our whole parking lot filled with booths of graduated students," said Masoni, who is also a food products specialist with the OSU Extension Service.

Getting Your Recipe to Market is a collaborative effort between OSU, Portland Community College's Small Business Development Center and New Seasons Market, a regional grocer. Now in its sixth year, the class runs 14 weeks at PCC and is also offered online as a series of four courses offered through OSU's Professional and Continuing Education unit.