Introducing The Food Innovation Center With Nolan Lewin
Are you a startup in the food and beverage space struggling to dominate the market? Where can you get the support you need to beat the competition?
According to Nolan Lewin, there are all kinds of tech incubators and tech innovation centers, but people don't know they also exist in the food and beverage space. These focus on helping entrepreneurs who want to commercialize a brand or create and bring new or upgraded products to market. He shares his journey of running a food business incubator and accelerator to help early-stage food entrepreneurs from concept to commercialization.
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney and Arnelle Mitchell talk with Nolan Lewin, Executive Director of Rutgers Food Innovation Center (FIC), about the importance of food business incubators and accelerators. Nolan talks about the mission of FIC, the recommendations for people starting and wanting to have a CPG product, the trends in the food and beverage space, and FIC’s customer success stories and how it helps clients choose their ingredients.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Nolan Lewin talks about Rutgers Food Innovation Center (FIC) and its mission
How FIC stays innovative
Nolan’s recommendations for people starting out and wanting to have a successful CPG product
The trends in the food and beverage space
Nolan speaks about the food truck business he ran with his wife
FIC’s customer success stories and how it helps clients choose their ingredients
Tips for work-life balance
The value of marketing for a startup food brand
About Nolan Lewin
Nolan Lewin is the Executive Director of Rutgers Food Innovation Center (FIC), a unique food business incubator and accelerator unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. The Center supports established early-stage entrepreneurs and existing food companies from concept to commercialization. Nolan worked as a Plant Manager for numerous food and beverage brands, including LiDestri Food, Beverage and Spirits, Stay Fresh Foods, and Spring Glen Fresh Foods. He has a BA in communication and computer science from Rutgers University.