What FICs Offer
The full spectrum of R&D, food science, and commercialization services available across the Food Innovation Center network — from bench science to retail readiness.
Breakthrough ideation and systematic product concept development driven by culinary science, consumer trend data, and market insight. FICs help entrepreneurs translate consumer needs into technical product specifications.
Access to credentialed food scientists, registered dietitians, regulatory affairs specialists, food engineers, and seasoned industry veterans with decades of CPG experience.
Comprehensive food safety program development including HACCP plan creation, GMP compliance review, allergen management protocols, and preparation for third-party audits (SQF, BRC, AIB).
Applied food engineering for complex formulation challenges — emulsification, texture modification, heat treatment optimization, and process parameter development for industrial scale-up.
Systematic evaluation of functional ingredients — testing stability, bioavailability, interaction effects, and performance under various processing conditions at bench scale before committing to production.
Access to sub-commercial production equipment (50–500 lb batches) for process validation and scale-up trials before committing to a co-packer. Some FICs have pilot plant capabilities; others partner with dedicated pilot facilities.
Supplier identification, qualification, and cost-optimization for specialty, functional, and commodity ingredients. FICs maintain supplier relationships that give entrepreneurs access to quality ingredients at appropriate quantities.
Packaging material selection for compatibility, barrier properties, and shelf-life optimization. Testing for seal integrity, oxygen transmission, moisture vapor transmission, and retail compliance.
Navigation of FDA 21 CFR requirements, USDA FSIS regulations, state licensing, label claim substantiation, and new dietary ingredient notifications. FICs help entrepreneurs avoid the regulatory pitfalls that derail emerging brands.
Go-to-market strategy development, cost modeling, margin analysis, and scaling pathway planning. Bridges the gap between food science and business viability — helping entrepreneurs build financially sustainable brands.
Structured research and development programs from bench science through prototype validation. Systematic documentation of formulas, processes, and test results — creating the technical foundation for commercial manufacturing.
Health department-licensed, fully equipped commercial kitchen facilities for early production runs, recipe testing, photo shoots, and small-batch manufacturing. Many FICs offer licensed kitchen access alongside their R&D labs.
Full-cycle product development programs from concept through formula lock and production-ready documentation. Managed R&D projects with milestones, deliverables, and clear pathways to commercialization.
Accelerated stability studies using controlled temperature/humidity chambers to predict shelf life in weeks rather than months. Real-time studies for definitive shelf life validation. Microbial, chemical, and sensory degradation tracking.
Trained descriptive panels for flavor profiling, texture evaluation, and product optimization. Consumer acceptance testing to validate product-market fit before investment in commercial production.
Connections to vetted co-packers and contract manufacturers for brands that have completed the FIC phase. The CMA network provides warm introductions and RFQ support for FIC-graduated brands ready for commercial-scale production.
FICs host industry workshops, food entrepreneur pitch events, demo days, product showcases, and educational seminars. A platform for the food innovation community to convene, learn, and connect.
Curated connections to the broader food industry ecosystem — ingredient suppliers, packaging vendors, retail buyers, food service distributors, investors, and manufacturing partners.
Consumer trend analysis, competitive landscape assessment, category-specific market data, and target consumer research. Context for product development decisions grounded in real market dynamics.
Structured technical and commercial feasibility assessments to evaluate product viability before significant R&D investment. Covers ingredient availability, regulatory pathway, technical challenges, and preliminary economics.
Ecosystem Resources
For specialized formulation challenges, the CMA innovation ecosystem offers focused tools alongside the FIC network.
ChemLab
For specialized formulation work involving ingredient chemistry, stability modeling, and interaction analysis at the molecular level.
Explore ChemLabRecipeTool
Convert proven recipes into manufacturing-ready specifications with scaled ingredient ratios, process parameters, and batch documentation.
Explore RecipeToolBevLab
Dedicated R&D tools for beverage formulation — carbonation, pH balancing, flavor stability, and shelf-life optimization for liquid products.
Explore BevLabNot every FIC offers all 20 capabilities. Tell us what you need and we'll connect you with the right facility.