In 1997, the Fiery-Foods & BBQ SuperSite began its Web publication of important information about literally every aspect of the Fiery-Foods and Barbecue industries. We're adding important content on a regular basis, and for access to our latest articles, click here. Below is additional industry information. 

Finding a Contract Packer

It is one of the most commonly asked questions: do you know of a contract packer in my area?
We now have some resources to help answer that question.

• The Contract Packaging Association has 116 members and a searchable database. They are located at www.contractpackaging.org

• The Packaging Services Expo is a show featuring contract packers and others that is held in May. Information at www.packservicesexpo.com

• Contract Packaging Magazine is a quarterly publication for that industry. Information at www.packworld.com

• Read our article on selecting a contract packer here

"Hot" Industry Trend I: Sweet Heat Comes of Age

"Hot" Industry Trend II: Celebrities on Fire - Celebrities of all sorts are stirring up the bland world of stardom by stoking the fires of Spiceland. Molly' story includes her Interview with Aerosmith’s Joe Perry.

Santa Cruz Chili & Spice Company: A Lesson in Cooperation, by Joe Palenik. The success story of an Arizona chile grower and processor working together.

Preparing your Company for Sale - If you own a company, you most likely will want to sell the business someday. John Zayac, an experienced mergers & acquisitions advisor, has some helpful hints.

Fiery-Foods & Barbecue Show Articles -  Here's our compilation of all articles on file about the fiery-foods industry's leading trade show, in chronological order.

Starting a Food Business--Links from the FDA

FDA's primary focus as a regulatory agency is food safety. FDA does not offer financing or business tips for starting up and maintaining a business. FDA offers information on food safety guidelines and regulations it has established that are required for informative labeling and the safe preparation, manufacture, and distribution of food products. Here is the link to the FDA's links related to starting a food business:

http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/foodbiz.html 

Additional Links for Start-Up Food Entrepreneurs

Clemson University Extension Service Advice on Starting a Food Business

http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC3861.htm 

Specialty Food Business Basics from the Northeast Center for Food Entrepreneurship

http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/necfe/basics/basics.html 

OK, your products are ready. When the purchase orders do start coming in via mail, fax, and phone, it feels great to know that your hard work and investment has paid off. Unfortunately there are also those times when day after day you look at your bookkeeping program and it keeps displaying a list of overdue accounts. So, what can you, as a manufacturer, do to beat the deadbeat and collect for your product?

more >