If location is everything, then Middlesex County, N.J. provides a bit of everything for food-related companies looking to expand or put down roots. Comprised of 25 unique communities located about halfway between New York and Philadelphia, the county has become a hub for food, flavors and fragrances, and food tech business innovation.

In addition to its strategic position — accessible via nearly every major road, rail and air route on the East Coast — the county has a history of actively fostering business growth. The iconic healthcare company Johnson & Johnson was first established in the city of New Brunswick in 1886 as an early believer in the appeal of the region and maintains a robust global business there today.

The County is home to major hubs of research and development as well, providing businesses with talent and brainpower to expand their enterprise. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey and the Plainsboro campus of Princeton University are located here, as are major health care institutions such as Robert WooPhoto: ©MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJd Johnson University Hospital, Saint Peter’s University Hospital, The Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, and the PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital. 

“Diversity, accessibility, and a friendly business environment mixed with the highest concentration of scientists in the region, allow innovation in multitude of areas. The unique blend of talent and location magnifies the success of local businesses, and contributes to a thriving economy,” explains Sho Islam, Director of the Middlesex County Office of Business Engagement. 

This setting has been especially conducive for food and beverage businesses, as food scientists, food technologists and experts in the industry appreciate the proximity to other East Coast markets, and have found the area an inviting place for employees to live, work and thrive. Middlesex County provides companies in the food innovation sector with an excellent place to sustain and grow businesses, all while being actively supported by the Middlesex County Office of Business Engagement. 

A Tour of Middlesex County Food & Beverage Businesses 

To see evidence of the well-planned and welcoming infrastructure for food innovation, R&D, manufacturing, packaging and distribution, look no further than the variety of companies that call Middlesex County home. 

• MetaBrand Corporation is a leading provider of beverage formulation and manufacturing services for new and established beverage companies. Based in Edison, N.J., the company offers independent beverage formulation with 100% in-house development and owns its own manufacturing facility.

• Ferraro Foods operates a nearly 200,000-square-foot headquarters in Piscataway, N.J. and continues to expand its Italian food distribution business through ventures like its acquisition of fellow New Jersey company GDS Foods.

• Clio Snacks is also located in Piscataway, and continues to grow its reach, thanks to strong demand for its chocolate coated Greek yogurt bars and other snacks. The business was created by entrepreneur and Ukrainian immigrant Sergey Konchakovskiy in 2015 and is backed by major investors.

• Tropical Cheese was launched in 1982 by Rafael Mendez who moved from Cuba to the U.S. when he was 17 years old and eventually settled in Perth Amboy, NJ where he worked as a milk delivery man. The company is the leading producer and distributor of Latino targeted dairy products in most U.S. states, as well as serving the Caribbean, Central and South American, and European markets.  

• Snack Innovations, a family-owned manufacturer, distributor and wholesaler of healthy snack foods, chose the Piscataway business park in Middlesex County for its offices in 2017. Like other area businesses, the company was supported by financing from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and other entities.

• Innophos, based in one of New Jersey’s oldest towns, Cranbury, is a leading international producer of specialty ingredient solutions used in a broad range of applications. Many food companies visit the R&D center to create products in the food and beverage, dietary supplement, pharma and specialty markets. 

• Dsm-firmenich, a global leader in health, nutrition, and bioscience, and the world’s largest privately owned fragrance and taste company, recently unveiled a pilot plant in Plainsboro, N.J. to facilitate co-creation with customers as part of its Taste, Texture and Health business unit. 

In addition, some of the largest flavors, fragrances, and extract companies operate in this county, including Sensient Technologies and International Flavors and Fragrances. 

Beyond established and legacy organizations, startups and businesses focused on new areas of R&D are flocking there, too. “We’re seeing a lot more activities and interests in food-as-medicine, ag biotech, functional foods, and companies focused on sustainable food systems,” reports Islam.

Sustaining Sustenance 

While fostering a flourishing food and food-tech sector, Middlesex County also uses their vast network to give back to the community.

“Food security is a core part of the community, which is addressed through the REPLENISH food pantry program that, to date, has delivered over 502 millioPhoto: ©MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJn pounds of food,” notes Kalindi Bakshi, Ph.D., Economic Development Specialist in life sciences and food innovation for Middlesex County.   

She shared other examples, too, such as a program that encourages community members to donate part of their harvests and offerings to those in need. In addition, the Women in Food Tech conference, which is an annual conference held in collaboration with Middlesex College, focuses in part on improving food security in addition to fostering a more inclusive atmosphere in the industry.  Middlesex County is always collaborating with local businesses to reduce food waste and enhance food access. 

All told, Middlesex County provides a well-rounded launchpad for businesses to succeed, families to grow, and people to thrive. “It’s a compelling story for young people to consider as they look for a place to grow personally, professionally and raise a family,” points out Islam.

Learn more about what Middlesex County, NJ has to offer at discovermiddlesex.com.