Your ingredient to success
Innovation in the food industry can mean new or updated products, process adjustments, facility or line expansion and updating regulatory compliance. Expertise and specialized are needed to achieve optimum results, both of which may not exist in a company's infrastructure. From an individual with a bright idea to an established company looking to stay ahead of the curve, outside resources are often needed on challenges.
The Food Innovation Accelerator, or FIA, at K-State Olathe is an outgrowth of, and collaboration with, the Kansas Value Added Foods Lab, and is housed in the kitchens of K-State Olathe. It is a blend of facilities and expertise designed to provide support for the food product and ingredient industry — especially those companies starting new product lines or scaling up existing processes.
Capabilities and workspace
Our facilities consist of multiple work areas in five kitchens that match space and equipment to the variable needs of specialty food product producers. Zones in the facility are based on equipment and cooking needs, with some reconfiguration possible. Equipment includes food processors, fryers, slicers and assorted ovens. Kitchens have direct access to a loading dock.
Our services include quality, nutritional and microbial testing (through the Kansas Value Added Foods Lab), product consulting and help with regulatory and food safety issues.
- Product development consulting
- Scale-up assistance
- Facility rentals
- Food safety and food handler training
- Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, or HACCP, consulting
- Nutritional labeling
- Product analysis testing
— pH and water activity
- Product testing through the Kansas Value Added Food Lab
— Color, brix and shelf life
— Fat/protein
— Microbial testing
> Total plate count
> Aerobic plate count
> Yeast and mold
> Pathogens
- Hoganville Family Farms — scaling up sauerkraut production
- Soy-Zen-Zay — edamame spread production
- Becky's Bakery — scaling up her business
- Three Bears Bakery — scaling up their business
- The pet food industry for the Petfood Innovation Workshop
- Olathe Public Schools for K-12 programming
- K-State Research and Extension Master Food Volunteer Program
- Multiple private partners
There are many aspects to starting and growing a business. Your recipe or formula is just the beginning.
Getting your business started
- The Kansas Small Business Development Center is a recommended resource when it comes to assistance with organizing a business startup. The center can provide guidance on writing a business plan, choosing a legal structure and developing financial projections.
- KCSourceLink is a resource navigator that provides a directory of business assistance service providers for start-ups and second stage enterprises.
- The Food Safety and Lodging program is responsible for food safety inspections of food establishments, food processors and lodging establishments. Food establishments are operations that provide food directly to the end consumer, with or without charge.
State and federal resources for information and policies
Starting a food business also involves working with state and federal regulatory agencies. These agencies are in a place to insure a safe food supply. Including them from the beginning of any project will help keep you on track and in compliance.
Testimonials
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"It's the best. I'm glad I found K-State Olathe to do my work."
— Forrest Bruce, owner of Family Food LLC
Manufacturers spicy sweet pickles at the Food Innovation Accelerator.
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"Bryan could not have made our transition into the mobile catering industry more seamless. The willingness to work with our schedules and answer all our questions went above and beyond our expectations."
— Jodi and Amanda, Grounded Mobile Coffee
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