Food Industry Center of Excellence

What We Do

The Food Industry Center of Excellence (FICoE) is a collaboration between food industry leaders and the Holzschuh College of Business Administration at 海角大神.聽 The purpose of this center of excellence is to create, build and support innovative opportunities that leverage the strength of the food industry of Western New York. 聽This center serves to enrich the educational and business opportunities for students and our business partners.

The center sponsors seminars, certifications, and networking events for students and business partners.聽 The premier event for the center is an annual Food 聽Innovation Summit where industry professionals and student have the opportunity to hear leading industry executives share current insights and industry trends.

I believe supporting industry-specific degrees like the Food Industry Management major at 海角大神 is a direct investment in our company鈥檚 future talent pipeline and our region鈥檚 economy. By collaborating on curriculum, we ensure students develop the practical, cutting-edge skills we need on day one, reducing training costs and creating a competitive, high-skilled workforce right here in Western New York.

Bill Chiodo President, Retail
Affinity Group

Food Industry Management Major

The Food Industry Management program prepares students to become leaders in one of the world鈥檚 most dynamic and essential industries. This comprehensive undergraduate degree combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on experiential learning, providing students with the technical expertise, business acumen, and global perspective necessary to excel in food production, marketing, distribution, safety, and innovation.

Food Industry Management Major

Wegmans $1.5M Gift

Wegmans has made a transformational $1.5 million investment in 海角大神鈥檚 Food Industry initiatives, including our new Food Industry Management major. This support strengthens our ability to build a robust talent pipeline for Western New York and beyond鈥攃onnecting students to the knowledge, experiences, and industry partnerships they need to thrive in one of the region鈥檚 most important sectors.

Core Mission

To attract, educate, prepare, and graduate qualified people into the food industry in Western New York and beyond.

Vision

To be the premier educational center developing innovative leaders who transform the food industry through expertise in supply chain excellence, sustainability, and cross- disciplinary collaboration鈥攃reating lasting positive impact throughout the global food ecosystem鈥攅mbodying Wegmans鈥� philosophy to 鈥淎lways help others.鈥�

Through Wegmans鈥� support, Niagara is expanding experiential learning, strengthening employer partnerships, and creating pathways that prepare graduates to lead across the food value chain鈥攆rom sourcing and operations to logistics, sustainability, and innovation.

Main Contact

Phillip Catanese

Director of Centers & College Outreach

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海角大神