2024 Making It In Michigan Trade Show awards

Diane Longanbach<longbach@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Michigan retailers invite food entrepreneurs to sell in their stores.

For decorative purposes.
The entrepreneurs behind Force One Foods, LLC/Jedi Chili with their Golden Ticket Award, presented by Meijer Market Format Stores to the Grand Rapids-based business.

The 15th annual Making It In Michigan Conference and Trade Show was held at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Michigan, on April 24, 2024. The event featured dynamic educational panels, buyer-supplier events, and a pitch competition. Additionally, the Trade Show featured over 150 Michigan-based food vendors, many of which are Michigan State University Product Center clients. Below are a few entrepreneurs who received awards from retail grocery partners at the event.

A special thank you to the entrepreneurs and retail partners who made the 2024 Making It In Michigan a continued success. Look for upcoming announcements about how to register for next year’s conference soon!

The Next SKU Could Be You Award

Westborn Market presented “The Next SKU Could be You Award” to Downriver Chip Co. in Rockwood and Urge Juice in Berkley.

The Golden Ticket Award

Meijer Market Format Stores presented “The Golden Ticket Award” to Force One Foods, LLC/ Jedi Chili in Grand Rapids. 

First Time at Fresh Thyme Award

Fresh Thyme of East Lansing presented the “First Time at Fresh Thyme Award” to Wani Cakes in Detroit.

Green and White Award

The MSU Dairy Store presented the “Green and White Award” to Zolli Candy in Commerce Charter Township.

MSU Product Center

MSU Extension and the MSU Product Center assist entrepreneurs and businesses to develop products and services in the food and agriculture markets. Its team of experts consults with clients on a one-on-one basis, helping new entrepreneurs navigate from concept development to launch and beyond. The MSU Product Center also offers specialized services such as labeling, packaging, and nutritional analysis. If you are interested in business counseling from the MSU Product Center, please visit the website.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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