MADISON – Wisconsin’s specialty meats industry has room to grow, and there is assistance available to make that happen. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) encourages interested individuals to use the services of the Specialty Meat Development Center.
“Wisconsin’s specialty meat products are as equal in quality and uniqueness as Wisconsin’s famous specialty cheeses,” said Jeff Swenson, DATCP’s Livestock and Meat Specialist. “The Specialty Meat Development Center is here to help new and current meat businesses to be viable, innovative and profitable.”
The Specialty Meat Development Center, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to growing specialty meat business in Wisconsin, began in the spring of 2010. Since its inception, its Meat Enterprise Assistance Team has helped entrepreneurs enter the meat business and assisted meat crafters perfect their process with a wide array of consulting services.
Last month, Governor Scott Walker announced that an agreement between DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture now allows qualifying state-inspected meat processors to ship across state lines. The Specialty Meats Development Center can help meat processors as they enter this new market.
Meat businesses can face challenges when trying to expand. Not only are meat processors trying to practice their craft and manage their company, but they are also working to innovate with new ideas.
“Often people do not know where to go to start or expand their business, and it can take some time to find the right connections,” added Swenson. “The Specialty Meat Development Center can be the link from clients to experts out in the field. There are many professionals within the meat industry who want to help.”
When an individual decides he or she would like to start a meat business, the first call can be to the Specialty Meat Development Center. DATCP’s food safety staff will walk the person through the regulations and requirements for a facility. This information can be essential to not making a large investment without knowing what is needed to sell your product.
Once the basic regulatory procedures are understood, the individual can work with DATCP staff to form a business plan. Topics discussed can be a financial analysis or marketing strategies.
A quality product is the key ingredient to a successful specialty meat business. DATCP partners, including the University of Wisconsin, can assist to craft a product that will meet requirements, taste great and has the potential for success in the marketplace.
When it is time to label and package a product, the Specialty Meat Development Center can identify a consultant with the expertise needed. The label design needs to have wide appeal for consumers. A unique packaging can differentiate a new product from a current competitor.
New and established specialty meat businesses need to be profitable. The Specialty Meat Development Center can work with clients to determine if the consumer price is right. By working through the process of identifying each ingredient and its cost, it can be determined if the price allows the business to cash flow.
“Wisconsin’s local butchers are known for their high quality and economical products, and the demand for these meats continues to grow,” concluded Swenson. “The Specialty Meat Development Center can be there when you enter or expand your stake in the meat products business.”
Learn more at http://datcp.wi.gov/Business/Specialty_Meat_Development_Center. For questions and additional details, contact Swenson at 608-224-5082 or jeff.swenson@wisconsin.gov.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
