News Releases

Oregon State University’s Food Innovation Center (FIC) to Exhibit at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2024 in New York City in the Incubator Village in Debut District.

New York, NY – June 14, 2024 – Oregon State University’s Food Innovation Center, is thrilled to announce its participation in the Summer Fancy Food Show 2024. The event will take place from June 23 to June 25 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, where OSU/FIC will be showcasing 9 unique start up food companies at Booth(s) IV 23 - 32. 

The Summer Fancy Food Show is North America’s largest specialty food and beverage event, drawing thousands of industry professionals, buyers, and food enthusiasts from around the globe. Tora Chai is excited to be part of this prestigious event, offering attendees a unique opportunity to experience the rich, aromatic flavors of traditional Chai. 

“Hi, It’s Sarah Masoni from Oregon State University’s Food Innovation Center. You may know me as the ‘The Woman with the Million Dollar Palate’ from the NYTimes. You may also know Portland as an epicenter of creative food and talented foodies. I’m taking BOTH to the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show and I want you to have a chance to meet with some of these rising stars. A full list of companies is below. Please let me know if you’d like to set up some time to meet with any of these entrepreneurs and learn more about their food and the stories behind their creations.”   

FIC is excited to welcome the following companies to the Incubator Village Pavilion at the Javitz Center, June 23rd thru 25th, 2024.  Companies that will be featured have worked closely with our development team to create food products that are diverse, and fill niche categories of interest. Find us in Hall D in Debut District under the Incubator Village Banner.

FIC Cohort Summer 2024:

  • Cuatro Mamas, What do four mom’s from Mexico, the Philippines, Guatemala and Mississippi who met at their children's school nestled in the hills of Mount Washington have in common? The LOVE for all things spicy, delicious food, entertaining (and tequila) That’s why we created Cuatro Mamás. After vacationing in Sayulita, Mexico with our kids the summer of 2021 we soon figured out how much we all loved spice. After returning home we spent many nights of research and development in our kitchens cooking and drinking tequila. We came up with our own unique version of Red Chili Oil. A true labor of love, mixed with ingredients from all our cultures.

Entrepreneur; Lauren Sample www.cautromamas.com  

Instagram @cuatromamas                                                                              IV24

 

  • Portland Bitters Project, Our bitters are thoughtfully made better. They’re more concentrated so you can get dozens of cocktails from each bottle. Try that with your common mixer. While we’re on the subject, that bottle of whiskey you just bought will make you maybe one dozen cocktails. Your new favorite bitters will be around a lot longer than that! They’re made from better stuff than the big brands, and most of the small brands, too. All organic ingredients, all meticulous traditional process. We’ve been shipping out the best bitters for nine tasty years, and we’re not stopping anytime soon! 

Entrepreneur; Cindy Capelli www.pdxbittersproject.com

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  • Aga Smor Since my youth, culinary intrigue has been with me. But such goes life, it never came to fruition. Fast forward a couple decades and now I am a full-time real estate appraiser, a part-time basketball coach and a mother, the culinary dream once again reared its head. This time it was up to me to listen. Butter has so many applications, so many uses, from spreads to finishers. Can flavor butter only enhance this already amazing culinary staple? So the process began…I have spent the last year trying out a number of different flavors and recipes and enlisting the palates of my family and friends. Now, artisan butter is part of our regular cooking. The chili butter is amazing with an egg. The savory butters can be used as a finisher on shrimp, chicken, steak, veggies, or pretty much anything. Without needing to have all the herbs and spices to enhance a given meal, the artisan butter does the job, with a plethora of variety for your tastebuds. Put a variety pack together and let your palate enjoy! Life is better with butter!

Entrepreneur; Anika Amon  www.agasmor.com   

Instagram @agasmor                                                                                      IV31

 

  • Sao Noi  Our sauces are Thai and Lao inspired recipes. We offer a variety of chili oils available in three flavors: original, lemongrass, and ginger. It is great for dips, salads, and even ice cream! Established in 2015, Sao Noi is a Portland-based company producing savory Southeast Asian-inspired sauces. Our products are all-natural, gluten-free, and vegan. Born in the heart of the Columbia Gorge, Sao Noi quickly became a household name. Literally translating to “little girl” in Laotian, our founder, and mom, Marnie is the youngest of her eight siblings. Mom began making her sauces* from her little, cozy restaurant kitchen in Hood River. The exotic flavors in Sao Noi‘s sauces reflect our Southeast-Asian roots, evoking a nostalgia for our family’s traditional Lao and Thai comfort recipes. Today our sauces are still handcrafted in small batches in the Pacific Northwest to ensure that a whole ‘lotta love goes into every jar! Here at Sao Noi, we say “sauce out,” an embodiment of our good flavors and vibes! As an homage to our late dad, Tom, we are carrying on his peanut sauce recipe and sharing it with you and your family—peanut sauce aficionados, unite!

Entrepreneur;  Maly Douangphoumy www.sao-noi.com 

Instagram @saonoipdx                                                                                                                             IV23

 

  • EllyPop has created a new line of freezer pops made with herbal teas, real fruit, and balanced electrolytes! Each freezer pop has been crafted to provide relief from a range of ailments. We offer effective and effortless hydration solutions for the whole family.  EllyPop’s three delicious flavors include Mixed Berry to Ease a Worried Mind, Sweet Peach to Ease a Grumbly Tummy, and Wild Cherry to Ease a Scratchy Throat. EllyPop is women-owned and operated by four Naturopathic Doctors who each bring knowledge in herbal medicine and nutrition, and a strong desire to support health and wellness across the lifespan.  We have infused each flavor with common herbs that provide gentle relief, alongside natural fruit juices that supply essential vitamins and minerals, and balanced electrolytes to aid the body in proper hydration. The final product is a flavorful and enjoyable freezer pop for humans of all ages! We are thrilled to share a product line that is revolutionizing hydration.  Entrepreneur; Amanda www.ellypop.com 

Instagram @ellypop_naturals                                                                                 IV26

           

  • FREEKEH HARVEST® Introducing a truly unique product to the American snack-food industry is a rare event. Freekeh (“free-kah”) Harvest® PROTEIN Pita Chips are just that -- completely new. Snacking nutritiously and deliciously was the driver behind the development of Freekeh Harvest® PROTEIN Pita Chips, which deliver a wonderful roasted, smokey taste and nutritional powerhouse in every serving. The chips provide three times more protein and fiber and up to 50% less fat than other pita chips. They are Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan, contain no artificial colors or flavors and have no cholesterol or trans fat.They are the healthiest pita chip on the market and Freekeh Harvest® is the only company in the United States using the freekeh grain in a snack food. Indulge in both Freekeh Harvest® PROTEIN pita chip seasonings- Sea Salt and Everything for the perfect high-protein, delicious snack!  Entrepreneur; Leslie Touma freekehharvest.com

Instagram/FB @ Freekeh Harvest                                                              IV30

 

  • Tongue & Cheek®, Tongue & Cheek®, a company based out of Ridgefield, WA offers consumers an easier way to enjoy the refreshing, cleansing and soothing effects of aloe, will debut their first product ‘Peppy Mint’ Mouth Melts at the 2024 SFFS. Founded by 28-year-old Nicole Phillips, Tongue & Cheek was born from an idea that struck her while she was attending OSU in 2018. ‘Peppy Mint’ Mouth Melts, made with aloe vera and premium peppermint, Mouth Melts are convenient oral dissolving strips that provide exceptional cleansing and refreshment for mouths on-the-go. “We are beyond excited to showcase our ‘Peppy Mint’ Mouth Melts Fancy Food Show. People will really enjoy the way our Mouth Melts combine aloe and peppermint to cleanse and refresh the mouth.”

Entrepreneur; Nicole Phillips  www.tongueandcheek.co 

Instagram @tongueandcheekco                                                                 IV28

 

  • Dry Canyon Salt Company You know wine. You know salt. But do you know Wine Salt?  Dry Canyon Salt Company creates small-batch, hand-crafted, gourmet Wine Salt Blends. We combine wine infused salt with herbs and spices for a unique rich product that enhances the flavor of your food. Simple Ingredients Sophisticated

Entrepreneur; Ahja Kingwww.drycanyonsalt.com         

Instagram @drycanyonsaltIV29

 

  • Hannah's Popcorn All kinds of popcorn for all kinds of people.

It's always been about the people. From our first booth at the Portland Farmer’s Market in 2001 to our storefronts at Bridgeport Village and in Newberg, Oregon, we've always believed that cooking up the world's best popcorn is simply our way of making people feel valued, honored, seen, and loved. That's why we're committed to creating high-quality, small-batch snacks and an experience that makes your day. Whether you love sweet, salty, spicy, or savory, there's something for everyone at Miss Hannah's — and we can't wait for you to find your favorite!

Entrepreneur:  Linda and Hannah Jodoin  www.misshannaspopcorn.com Instagram @misshannahspopcorn                                                                                                                      IV25

June 14, 2024

Event Details: 

  • Event: Summer Fancy Food Show 2024 
  • Dates: June 23 - June 25, 2024 
  • Location: Jacob Javits Center, New York City 
  • Booth: IV 23 – 32

For more information about OSU’s Food Innovation Center and its products, visit http://fic.oregonstate.edu

 

OSU Food Innovation Center…Advancing Foods for the Northwest and Beyond

As one of Oregon State University's Agricultural Experiment Stations we provide technical, creative and educational service to the food industry, entrepreneurs, and Northwest communities, with a focus on product development, quality, safety and sustainability. www.fic.oregonstate.edu

Media Contact:   Sarah Masoni   cell:  503-740-91989

Sarah.masoni@oregonstate.edu

Food Innovation Center: 1207 NW Naito Parkway: Portland, OR 97209