On February 11, 2025, in New York, the Specialty Food Association celebrated the graduation of its first Maker Prep Course cohort at the Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas, held from January 19-21. This event marks an important occasion for food industry enthusiasts.
The Maker Prep Course is a six-month program aimed at helping new specialty food manufacturers. It combines both in-person and online lessons. Participants learn how to effectively launch, market, and distribute their food products. The program includes expert coaching and networking opportunities with peers.
Phil Robinson, the SFA’s SVP of Member Development, shared his enthusiasm: “We are dedicated to helping early-stage makers bring their innovative ideas to life. The Maker Prep Course is an essential part of our mission to provide education that empowers.”
Graduates from the Winter 2025 class:
- Peepal People – Alyzeh Rizvi
- La Gringuita – Caroline McGinley
- Black Girl Tamales – Chef LaToya Larkin
- The Daltas Group LLC – Christian Holslin
- Girls Can Grill – Christie Vanover
- GLOBETROTTER GRANOLA – Dara Rosenfeld
- True Treats LLC – Dawn Truesdell & Olivia Truesdell
- Big Mama’s Foods – Ethan Shapiro
- The Bread Box Bakery – Matlhogonolo Ledwaba
- Indigenous Delights – Mpho Mogodiri
- Beituti – Rawia Abdel Samad
- Soronko Kitchen – Samantha Wontumi
- Southern Caramel – Sarah Smith
- Muria Foods – Shyela Malani
- Bake Your Mark, LLC – Stufona D. Latta
- Hoppy Valley Farm – Ann Bush & Jarred Bush
- Kinship Milk Tea – Caitlin Cash
- Un Chin! Seasoning Co. – Grace Urena
- Mr. Joe Foods LLC – Jean Joseph
- Elgon Nuts – Gladys Sitati & Joseph W Sitati
- Columbia Grain – Karen Matsuoka & Shannon McKinney
- CookIt Media – Laurie Buckle
- Revvl – Lexx + Livv Mills
- Jeepney – Li Joan Baculi
- Personal Culinary Solutions LLC – Lori Vannelli
- Norrico Naturals – Venus Ramos
- Local to Global Foods – Thulani Mlamb
- Lettuce Eatz – Melissa G. Monroe
Course Highlights:
- Online classes from July 2024 to January 2025 featuring digital materials and group chats.
- Opportunities for in-person learning at the Summer Fancy Food Show.
- A one-year basic membership for those who aren’t part of SFA.
- Access to the Winter Fancy Food Show and Summer Fancy Food Show.
The recent show also launched the next Maker Prep Course cohort, starting in summer 2025. If you’re interested in learning more, visit the Specialty Food Association’s website.
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