Innovative solutions for food producers

The Cornell Food Venture Center (CFVC) helps food businesses large and small introduce new food products into the marketplace. We provide educational materials, workshops and direct assistance with product safety evaluation, process development and guidance in local, state and federal regulatory compliance. We also provide referrals for business assistance, local suppliers and service providers. 

Located in Geneva, NY, on the Cornell AgriTech campus, the CFVC is strategically located in close proximity to world-class food and agricultural science facilities and experts, yet just an hour away from the Department of Food Science of Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Ithaca, NY. Additionally, the CFVC is located next door to the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park, an incubator space for small food and agricultural businesses and the Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture, which connects food entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow their business.

New York state has the second largest food processing industry in the United States and much of this success can be attributed to the work of the CFVC. Because of the CFVC, food entrepreneurs can bring their ideas to reality and consumers across the state can enjoy the many unique products they produce.

We provide comprehensive assistance to new and established food entrepreneurs, promoting sustainable economic development.

Click here to register for our next Better Process Control School, In Person, in Geneva, NY!  May 9th & 10th, 2023
CLICK HERE for a quick start to submit products for formal review.
NEW! e-Cornell Food Product Development Certificate Program
Check out our latest newsletter here!

Collaborating Facilities

Through the center, entrepreneurs have access, for a fee, to additional established Cornell AgriTech facilities.

A man works at a large processing machine

High pressure processing (HPP) — also known as high hydrostatic pressure — is a non-thermal alternative to thermal pasteurization, which is gaining popularity as consumers continue to demand foods that maintain their freshness, offer a clean label, and deliver superior sensory and nutritional characteristics compared to heat-treated products.

Pouring beer from tap.

The Vinification and Brewing Laboratory offers analysis services for an array of craft beverage products including wine, cider, beer and distilled products. Additionally, the laboratory researches and troubleshoots craft beverages products in order to support the growth of the New York state craft beverage industry.

CFVC Pilot Plant Pipes

The CFVC Pilot Plant in Geneva, NY, is a unique processing facility designed for food businesses of all sizes to facilitate product development and scale up new or optimized food products. The Pilot Plant provides the facilities and experience our clients need to develop product formulations that scale, create robust production methods and ensure long-term food safety.

Our track record

20K+

commercial food products brought to market by the CFVC since 2000.

1.5K+

schedule processes for value-added food products approved in 2020.

550+

Food businesses assisted by the CFVC in 2020

Success stories

Snack company enjoys sweet success

​​​​​​With the help of our experts at the CFVC and the Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture, health food startup Brauss developed Nutreat — a spread with a low glycemic index that is both nutritious and dessert worthy.

A mushroom burger that supports the environment and nutrition

​​​​​​Leep Foods worked with the CFVC to develop a patty that combines its specialty mushrooms with grass-fed beef. The burgers are lower in sodium, calories and saturated fat than a traditional burger, and help reduce the overall consumption of animal products.

Authentic and all natural Indian sauces for the U.S. market

​​​​​​Nidhi Jalan, who moved to Brooklyn from Calcutta two decades ago, set out to introduce authentic Indian cuisine to the U.S. market. With guidance from the CFVC, Jalan developed deliciously flavorful Masala Mama sauces.

Three jars containing spreads
Close-up of several different kinds of mushrooms
Three jars of red sauce labelled Masala Mama

Our location

Cornell Food Venture Center at Cornell AgriTech
Food Research Lab, Room 158
665 W. North Street
Geneva, NY 14456
315-787-2273
CFVC [at] cornell.edu

Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Our experts

a close up of a woman in front of a white house and green bushes
Cynthia James

Extension Support Specialist II

Cornell AgriTech

Food Science

Cynthia James
man in a striped shirt
Joseph Mallon

Program/Extension Aide

Cornell AgriTech

Food Science

Joseph Mallon
a close up of a woman in a red sweater
Shannon Prozeller

Extension Support Specialist II

Cornell AgriTech

Food Science

Shannon Prozeller
headshot of lady with long hair and glasses
Elizabeth Sullivan

Extension Support

Cornell AgriTech

Food Science

Elizabeth Sullivan
Man in front of metal pipes smiles.
Bruno Xavier

Associate Director of the Cornell Food Venture Center

Cornell AgriTech

Senior Extension Associate

Food Science

Bruno Xavier
Woman in Food Venture Center pilot plant smiles
Olga Padilla-Zakour

Interim Director

Cornell AgriTech

Director of the Cornell Food Venture Center

Cornell AgriTech

Professor

Food Science

Olga Padilla-Zakour