CIFT

We are excited to spotlight our teammate, Matt Inniger, Program Manager – Advanced Food Technology, for his publication in Food Safety Tech. Matt’s article, “Work Smarter, Not Harder: Data Collection and Analysis Strategies for Small and Midsize Food Manufacturers,” dives into the essential role of process data in maximizing efficiency, quality, and profitability for food manufacturers” earlier in the year. In his piece, Matt addresses the challenges faced by small and midsize food and beverage manufacturers in generating, collecting, and utilizing process data. He provides practical strategies and introduces tools that make data collection and utilization more accessible and effective. Excerpt from the article: "Generating, collecting, and utilizing process data is essential for maximizing the efficiency, quality, and profitability of any manufacturing operation. However, this is a daunting task for most small and midsize food and beverage manufacturers who may not know where to begin with such an initiative or feel as though they don’t have the resources or expertise to use process data effectively. Here we will explore some of the challenges associated with data collection and analysis, what makes the undertaking worthwhile — specifically for small food and beverage manufacturers — and introduce some tools that make collection and utilization of data easier than you might imagine." For those interested in learning more about data collection and analysis strategies for small and midsize food manufacturers or more about Matt's work check out: https://lnkd.in/g_44dcvK #foodThursday #FoodSafety #FoodTechnology #DataAnalysis #Innovation #FoodManufacturing #CIFT

Yesterday we were excited to host campers from Sherrod Brown’s Summer Manufacturing Camps 2024 at our Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen (NOCK) facility. The visit offered a valuable opportunity for these young students to gain real-world insights into food safety and entrepreneurship, helping their understanding of how these things drive economic growth in Ohio. During their time at NOCK, the campers participated in a range of educational and interactive activities. They learned about the critical aspects of food safety, experienced a sensory experiment highlighting how smell and sight influence taste, and engaged in a hands-on Boba creation activity. We are proud to support initiatives that inspire the next generation of food entrepreneurs! #CIFT #SummerManufacturingCamps #FoodSafety #FoodEntrepreneurship #EventsWednesday #OhioManufacturing #YouthEducation

Discover how DiSC assessments are transforming communication and teamwork in manufacturing! In our latest Success Story, we showcase how Napoleon Machine, a leading provider in the manufacturing sector, leveraged the power of DiSC assessments to tackle challenges in employee communication and retention. By understanding individual and team behaviors, Napoleon Machine enhanced collaboration, boosted productivity, and fostered a more harmonious work environment. At CIFT, we are committed to helping Northwest Ohio manufacturers grow and remain competitive. Read the full Success Story to learn how DiSC assessments can benefit your organization and propel your team to new heights. Read More - https://lnkd.in/gZJhrNKQ #ManufacturingTuesday #Teamwork #Productivity #DiSCAssessments #CIFT #Innovation

It’s another Monday and we are thrilled to highlight The Chef's Garden, Inc., a pioneering member of our CIFT Member Consortium. Located in Huron, Ohio, The Chef's Garden has been at the forefront of regenerative farming for over thirty years, under the guidance of "Farmer" Lee Jones and Bob Jones, Jr. The Chef's Garden is famous for their innovative approach to agriculture, combining traditional farming methods with cutting-edge technology. This family-owned farm delivers nutrient-dense vegetables, herbs, microgreens, and edible flowers to home cooks and some of the world’s most well known and cutting edge chefs. Their commitment to sustainable practices ensures that their produce is not only flavorful and nutritious but also grown in sustainable and natural ways. Farmer Lee Jones and Bob Jones, Jr. are both passionate about regenerative farming. Their leadership has transformed The Chef's Garden into a hub of innovation and excellence in the industry. Farmer Lee Jones, known for his trademark overalls and red bowtie, emphasizes the importance of growing for maximum flavor, which research has shown to enhance nutritional value. Bob Jones, Jr., as co-owner and CEO, focuses on enhancing the farm’s regenerative practices and pioneering efforts in food safety and quality. We are particularly proud to have The Chef's Garden host our annual Member Appreciation Event at their Culinary Vegetable Institute. This exceptional facility fosters collaboration between chefs and farmers, offering a unique venue for team-building and innovative culinary experiences. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and work with The Chefs Garden working together to help drive a sustainable and innovative future in the food and agriculture industry. #CIFTMemberMonday #SustainableFarming #Innovation #Leadership #Agriculture

Our NOCK teammate Kareem Hammuda had an incredible time at the Fancy Food Show in New York City last month! He connected buyers from stores nationwide and had exciting conversations about how small food businesses can connect with their various programs. He also had a great time attending the Specialty Food Association new member party! #SpecialtyFoodAssociation #WhatsHappeningFriday #SmallFoodBusiness #FancyFoodShow #FoodInnovation #NYCAdventures #BusinessGrowth

Join us on the latest episode of Food Stories as we chat with Anna Shields, CEO of Snowville Creamery. Anna shares her incredible journey from a 16-year-old farmhand to leading one of Ohio's most innovative dairy companies. Discover Snowville Creamery's commitment to sustainability, their unique A2A2 dairy products, and the challenges and triumphs of running a premium dairy business. Don't miss this insightful conversation on quality, community, and innovation in the dairy industry. Listen now on Spotify: (Also available on iTunes and Amazon) https://lnkd.in/gQ_aYmEk #FoodStoriesPodcast #FoodIndustry #DairyFarming #Sustainability #Innovation #FoodThursday A special thanks again to our sponsors for making this programming possible – ⁠⁠JobsOhio⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Ohio MEP)

We were thrilled to host students from the Ohio Farm Bureau's ExploreAg STEM camp at our Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen (NOCK) facility in Bowling Green on Tuesday, July 9th. These bright young minds had the opportunity to learn about exciting careers in the food industry and discover how food science plays a crucial role in creating the products we see on store shelves. The students found it eye-opening to learn how all of their senses impact flavor, adding a new dimension to their understanding of food. We're proud to help inspire the next generation of food scientists and industry leaders! #CIFT #ExploreAg #STEMcamps #FoodScience #CareerExploration #eventswednesdays

Our team understands that finding the right sustainability practices can be challenging. Balancing operational efficiency, cost reduction, and regulatory compliance is no small feat. That's why we're here to help manufacturers in Northwest Ohio navigate this complex landscape. Our Sustainability Assessment page is packed with resources to guide you through waste reduction strategies, energy and water optimization, and employee training. Whether you're just beginning your sustainability journey or looking to enhance existing practices, our team offers the expertise and tools you need. Key services include: Waste Stream Mapping: Analyze and develop strategies to reduce waste and improve resource utilization. Waste Characterization Study: Identify opportunities to reduce waste and increase recycling. Material Reuse and Recycling: Repurpose waste materials and reduce disposal expenses. Scrap Reduction: Optimize processes to minimize scrap and enhance efficiency. We know the journey to sustainability isn't easy, but with the right support, it can lead to significant improvements in performance and competitiveness. Let us help you identify and implement the best practices for your manufacturing facility. Click the link to explore our Sustainability page and discover how we can assist you: https://lnkd.in/gRNnNmC6 #manufacturingtuesday #sustainability #manufacturing #innovation #wastereduction #energyoptimization #northwestohio #CIFT

And now it’s Monday so we are proud to highlight another valued member of our Member Consortium! Today it is The Honey Baked Ham Company, LLC! Since 1957, this family-owned business has exemplified innovation and leadership in the food industry. Harry J. Hoenselaar's vision of creating the world's best ham led to the development of a unique curing and cooking process, coupled with a patented spiral-slicing technique. This innovation made Honey Baked Ham a beloved centerpiece for countless celebrations and meals. The Honey Baked Ham Company continues to uphold Harry's commitment to quality, expanding its offerings to include homemade side dishes, roasted turkeys, and delectable desserts. With over 400 retail locations across 40 states, the company remains dedicated to delivering exceptional products and service. Their core values—loving what they do, serving others, doing the right thing, aiming high, and keeping it fun—resonate in every aspect of their business. As they look forward to the next six decades, The Honey Baked Ham Company continues shape the market, introducing new menu innovations and enhancing customer experiences. We are excited to continue working with The Honey Baked Ham Company to drive the food industry forward. #MemberMonday #HoneyBakedHam #Innovation #Leadership #FoodIndustry #CIFT