MSU Product Center

Do you have no fogging clue?

Join us on Oct. 1 for our upcoming in-person workshop at Deneweth's Garden Center (Macomb, MI) on using Ultra-Low Volume & Biorational applications!

Read more: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/i-have-no-fogging-clue-registration-open

Register here: https://bit.ly/4gZvAM8

Exciting news for Michigan food, beverage, and agricultural entrepreneurs!

🎉 The MSU Product Center is open to new clients in September! 🎉

If you've been waiting to start or grow your business, now is the perfect time to connect with our team. Whether you're developing a new food product, navigating licensing requirements, exploring packaging and labeling, seeking funding resources, or preparing to expand into retail markets, the MSU Product Center is here to help.

Our experienced counselors provide guidance and educational resources designed to help Michigan entrepreneurs move from idea to marketplace with confidence. The Product Center team is preparing updated onboarding materials and resources to support new clients as they begin their journey.

✅ Food & beverage product development
✅ Business planning and growth strategies
✅ Licensing and regulatory guidance
✅ Marketing and retail readiness
✅ Connections to valuable industry resources

We look forward to welcoming a new group of entrepreneurs this September and helping bring more Michigan-made products to market!

The first step is to register and attend one of our required, free new client webinars. Click on the button at the top of our website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/productcenter/

The MSU Product Center is excited to be partnering with Fresh Thyme Market on their first Pitch Thyme event on Friday, Aug. 14, where seven Michigan brands will have the opportunity to showcase their products and compete for a chance to earn a spot on Fresh Thyme’s shelves.

If you're in the Farmington, Michigan area, stop by Fresh Thyme Market between 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to meet us, sample products, and cast your vote for your favorites. We'd love to see you there and appreciate your support!

🚀 Ready to Scale Your Food or Beverage Business?

As demand for your products grows, partnering with a co-packer or co-manufacturer can help you increase production capacity, improve efficiency, and reach new markets. But how do you find the right partner—and build a successful working relationship?

Join the MSU Product Center for a free webinar featuring Matt White, owner of Good Trade Depot in Kalamazoo, Michigan, as he shares practical, real-world strategies for working successfully with co-packers.

✅ Learn how to identify and vet potential co-packers
✅ Understand pricing, communication, and production expectations
✅ Avoid common mistakes that can derail partnerships
✅ Discover tips for building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships

Whether you're exploring co-packing for the first time or preparing to scale your operations, this webinar will provide valuable insights to help you move forward with confidence.
Hosted by Mollie Woods, Director of the MSU Product Center

🔗 Register today: https://pears.io/events/msuext/8278/

🚀 Ready to take your food or beverage brand to the next level?

Thinking about working with KeHE, one of the nation’s leading natural, organic, and specialty food distributors? Join the free MSU Product Center webinar, “Is Your Brand KeHE Ready?” and learn what it takes to successfully prepare for wholesale distribution.

📅 September 10, 2026
🕛 12:00–1:00 p.m. (ET)
💻 Online via Zoom
🎟️ Free, but registration is required

During this webinar, you'll learn:

✅ How to determine if your business is ready for distribution
✅ What KeHE looks for in emerging brands
✅ Best practices for pitching your products
✅ What to expect during the vendor onboarding process
✅ Strategies for long-term success

Whether you're preparing to enter wholesale distribution or looking to strengthen your retail growth strategy, this session will provide practical insights to help position your products for success.
👉 Register today: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/webinar-is-your-brand-kehe-ready

🌱 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

CURRENT MSU PRODUCT CENTER CLIENTS

Have a question about your business? Need help navigating regulations, marketing, funding, or product development?

The MSU Product Center's new Virtual Office Hours, starting August 3, 2026, are designed to give entrepreneurs quick and easy access to expert guidance.

Meet confidentially via Zoom with Product Center team members to discuss your specific challenges and get personalized advice tailored to your business.

✔ Flexible scheduling
✔ Confidential conversations
✔ Multiple sessions available

Sometimes one conversation can help you move from feeling stuck to making progress. We're here to help.

See the email message from your counselor for the links to sign up for a Virtual Office Hour session.

Michigan Food & Beverage Entrepreneurs: Ready to learn what your customers really think about your product?

Join us on August 5 at 10:00 AM for a free 1-hour webinar introducing the fundamentals of sensory and consumer science and how these tools can help you make informed product and business decisions.

Led by Dr. Emily Mayhew and the MSU Sensory Lab, this session will also explain how to apply for the MSU Sensory and Consumer Research Program—a unique opportunity for Michigan food entrepreneurs to receive a student-led, faculty-guided consumer sensory research study for just $160.

✅ Learn the basics of sensory and consumer research
✅ Discover how consumer insights can strengthen your products and business strategy
✅ Understand the application process and selection criteria
✅ Get tips to maximize your chances of being selected for the Fall 2026 program
✅ Participate in a live Q&A to support your application development

Participants selected for the program will be paired with an MSU student team to design and conduct a consumer research study, culminating in a final presentation and detailed report of results.

🎟️ Register today: https://pears.io/events/msuext/8090/

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable customer insights and take your food business to the next level!