Market Ready training – Food producers register now for August 30 workshop

CONWAY, SC – August 13, 2012 – Food producers interested in learning how to sell products directly to restaurant chefs and retail managers are invited to attend a South Carolina Market Ready training workshop on Thursday August 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Clemson Extension Johnny M. Shelley Agriculture Facility, 1949 Industrial Park Rd., Conway, S.C. 

Clemson Cooperative Extension Service and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture have partnered to offer the program which teaches participants the most effective ways to build relationships with restaurants, grocers, wholesalers and food service buyers. Information regarding proper packaging and labeling, marketing strategies, pricing structures, regulatory concerns and current food policy legislation will also be provided.
 
“Growing interest in locally grown has fueled demand by restaurant chefs and foodservice managers for local products,” said Hugh Weathers, Commissioner of Agriculture. “This increase in demand for local has created a great opportunity for food producers looking for new markets.”  The Market Ready workshop is an ideal training ground for food producers of fruits and vegetables, meats, seafood, dairy, poultry, and specialty food products to learn how to capture some of the restaurant and foodservice market.
 
Pre-registration is required to ensure there will be sufficient lunch and materials. Cost for participation in the program is $60 per person. The workshop includes refreshments, lunch, training workbooks and reference materials. For more information, contact Blake Lanford, Horry County Extension Service, 843-365-6715, ext. 115.