Recipe to Reality seminar

Woman choosing a food product

Purpose

The Recipe to Reality Seminar is the first phase of the National Food Entrepreneur Program.  For complete information regarding the program please click here National Food Entrepreneur Program Information Page

Recipe to Reality provides a general overview of the many issues involved in developing a food manufacturing business. Seminar topics address important questions that every entrepreneur should consider.  The seminar is available In Person or also as an On Demand format.

By attending Recipe to Reality, entrepreneurs gain in one day information that could take months to research on their own. They will acquire valuable knowledge on the basics of starting a food business. The seminar helps attendees understand the challenges of starting a food business and allows them to make an informed decision as to whether developing a business and allows them to make an informed decision as to whether developing a business is the right choice for them.

Intended Audience

Participants include individuals interested in marketing a family recipe, individuals with a product idea or concept, producers considering adding value to an agricultural product, and restaurateurs or chefs exploring the manufacturing of a house specialty.

Topic Sections

  • Market research and selection - What are your target market options? What is market research and how do you use it?
  • Product and process development - How do you commercialize your recipe? What are your processing facility options?
  • Food regulatory issues and agencies - What agencies govern the food industry? How do the food regulations affect your business?
  • Packaging and labeling - What are the required elements of a food label? What claims are allowed on food labels?
  • Pricing and cost analysis - How do you determine a competitive price for your product? What other business costs do I need to consider?
  • Product introduction and sales - How do you introduce your product to the marketplace? How do you create sales?
  • Promotional material package - How do you create your promotional message? What should your promotional package include?
  • Food safety and sanitation - What are the basics of food safety? What are the microbiology concerns for food products?
  • Business structure - How should you structure your business? How should you protect your business?

Presenters

Edel Summers
Product Development Manager – The Food Processing Center University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Bethany Jackson
Product Development Manager – The Food Processing Center University of Nebraska-Lincoln

In Person Format

Dates & Location

  • Friday – April 19, 2024
  • Saturday – July 27, 2024
  • Friday – October 18, 2024

In Person Format

We highly recommend attending in-person if your schedule permits. Our in-person format allows attendees to meet our in-house experts, network with other attendees, and have questions answered real-time as we work through the material. We also conduct brainstorming sessions so you will leave with new ideas generated by the group specific to your product ideas.

Attendees are responsible for their own hotel reservations.

The Nebraska Innovation Campus features the Scarlet Hotel, which is located across the street from the Food Innovation Center.  The hotel features several restaurant options and a coffee shop along with many other amenities. 

Scarlet Hotel
2101 Transformation Drive
Lincoln, NE  68508
531-300-6300

www.scarlethotelnebraska.com

A limited number of rooms have been reserved at a discounted price of $143 + tax per night. This special pricing will be available until the seminar registration deadline or until the room block is full. To obtain the discounted pricing please reference the “University of Nebraska Recipe to Reality Seminar”.


In addition, the Scarlet Hotel offers free shuttle service to and from the Lincoln airport. Attendees can also make arrangements with the hotel for free shuttle service to and from the Lincoln Haymarket area each evening for dining and shopping.  The location and services provided by this hotel will allow you to visit Lincoln without needing to rent a car or utilize a taxi.


Currently Accepting Registrations For:

April 19, 2024

The workshop will be conducted at the Food Innovation Center on the University of Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln Nebraska.

Register

Fee

Fee
The fee for this 1-day seminar (8AM – 5PM), which includes lunch and break refreshments, is $250 per person and $125 for each additional person on the same registration.

  • Registration Deadline – April 09, 2024
  • Space is limited - early registration is encouraged.
  • All participants must pre-register. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated!
  • Refunds will not be offered for canceled registrations.



On Demand Format

For more information contact:

Edel Summers
Product Development Manager
The Food Processing Center
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
1901 North 21 ST
Lincoln, NE 68588-6206
 

Phone: 402-472-0753
Email: edel.summers@unl.edu



The On Demand Format is available anytime and intended for those that can’t make the in-person sessions. Registration is always open. Seminar will be delivered in a Power Point presentation.  Attendees must view on a laptop or desktop computer.  Attendees will be provided a password protected link (view only) of presentation for a period of 30 days.

Register

Fee

The fee for this On Demand seminar, which includes a seminar binder, is $250 per person and $125 for each additional person on the same registration.

All participants must pre-register.

Refunds will not be offered for canceled registrations.

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