Highlight: Rutgers Food Innovation Center Encourages FDI in New Jersey

The Rutgers Food Innovation Center and its network throughout the state of New Jersey provide a unique food industry resource that supports both domestic and international companies.

In 2017, EDA invested $2.5 million in the Cumberland County Improvement Authority to help build a new Rutgers Food Innovation commercialization center facility that will support the county’s food production cluster.

The new 30,973 square-foot center will be an asset for expanding companies and will provide space for international companies that are seeking to establish a presence in the U.S. The EDA investment will help to establish food processing space to include site-work, HVAC, fire protection, refrigerator system, and utilities such as water, sewer, natural gas, telephone, and electric.

This project presented a unique opportunity because it not only enhances New Jersey’s agricultural legacies, but also further positions the state’s food manufacturing cluster for Foreign Direct Investment opportunities. The project is expected to create 190 new jobs.