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
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Collaborating Facilities
Through the center, entrepreneurs have access, for a fee, to additional established Cornell AgriTech facilities.
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.
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.
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
Success stories
Our experts
Cynthia James
- (315) 787-2622
- csj55 [at] cornell.edu
Joseph Mallon
- (315) 787-2281
- jm2489 [at] cornell.edu
Shannon Prozeller
- (315) 787-2283
- snp47 [at] cornell.edu
Elizabeth Sullivan
- (315) 787-2282
- esk15 [at] cornell.edu
Associate Director of the Cornell Food Venture Center
Cornell AgriTech
Senior Extension Associate
Food Science
Bruno Xavier
- (315) 787-2280
- bmx2 [at] cornell.edu
Interim Director
Cornell AgriTech
Director of the Cornell Food Venture Center
Cornell AgriTech
Professor
Food Science
Olga Padilla-Zakour
- (315) 787-2259
- oip1 [at] cornell.edu