Conducted by the Pratt Institute, the study will look at how to optimize and expand the distribution of locally-manufactured food products.<\/p>\n
New York, NY- Today, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Adam Friedman of the Pratt Center for Community Development announced funding to the Pratt Institute to support a study that will examine current intra-city distribution models of small food manufacturers. The study aims to develop a replicable and sustainable model of distribution that will help grow companies through more efficient local, regional and international distribution of their products. This assessment is a crucial step towards increasing exports and targeting markets with high demand for New York City products. Speaker Quinn first announced the idea for this study in a speech before the Association for a Better New York in the fall.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe selected local food manufacturers as the focus of this study because this commercial sector has remained a bright spot throughout the recession and has established itself as a hotbed of economic activity in the city,\u201d said Speaker Quinn. \u201cHowever, this sector can still be made stronger. With the information gleaned from this study, we will take important steps to help our local food makers identify new markets for their products and help get their goods there at a lower cost. I\u2019m excited to partner with the Pratt Center for this study and look forward to outcomes that will allow us to further unlock the economic potential of our local food economy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNew York City is a great place to make new products and a tough place to move those products to markets, across town or around the world. We\u2019re excited about helping food manufacturers overcome the special challenges they face, and do it in ways that are efficient, sustainable and scalable,\u201d said Adam Friedman, Director of the Pratt Center for Community Development.<\/p>\n
Pratt Center is a department of the Pratt Institute and provides professional services to build a more equitable and sustainable city.<\/p>\n
\u201cI applaud Speaker Quinn and the Pratt Institute for working to develop a sustainable distribution model to improve our local food industry in New York City,\u201d said Economic Development Committee Chair Karen Koslowitz. \u201cWe have a wonderfully diverse food sector that has been a strongpoint for our city\u2019s economy during these tough times. It is crucial to provide this sector with the tools it needs to further its growth and ability to export throughout the country and abroad.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFood manufacturers are in one of the fastest growing industrial sectors in New York City,\u201d said Small Business Committee Chair Diana Reyna. \u201cThis study will help food makers identify new markets as well as more sustainable, efficient methods of distribution. I applaud the Speaker\u2019s efforts to support such a vital and upcoming segment of this city\u2019s economy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaker Quinn has long recognized the food industry as a strong generator of economic activity in New York City, representing a fast-growing sector in the manufacturing world. This $5 billion industry employs over 14,000 workers in the city and, through several initiatives launched as part of the Speaker\u2019s comprehensive FoodWorks blueprint, the Speaker and the Council have sought to reduce the barriers that can make it difficult for food entrepreneurs to start, sustain and grow their business.<\/p>\n
###<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Conducted by the Pratt Institute, the study will look at how to optimize and expand the distribution of locally-manufactured food products.<\/p>\n
New York, NY- Today, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Adam Friedman of the Pratt Center for Community Development announced funding to the Pratt Institute to support a study that will examine current intra-city distribution models of small food manufacturers.<\/p>\n
…<\/p>\n