Food-related firms can get online profiles on MarketMaker

MarketMaker has a new look and has been updated with new search features to link food markets across the U.S.

MarketMaker has developed the What’s in Season App to help consumer find local produce.

The What’s in Season App accesses the MarketMaker web-based resource that provides links between all types of food businesses within the food supply chain. Use of the site is free and available to everyone.

This year MarketMaker released the app with the following features:

• Quick and easy searches based upon zip code or geo-locations including business names, product type, and location
• Seasonal produce is highlighted
• Grower and farmers market locations are mapped
• Google Maps to get directions and driving directions functions

MarketMaker is a web-based resource that enables links between producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, farmers markets, food service providers, agri-tourism, wineries, breweries, charter fisheries, food banks, end-consumers, and others within the food supply chain. The site is free and available to all.

From the MarketMaker home page users can register through a four-step process.

1. Enter email address and password.
2. Create a simple profile from basic business name and location.
3. Indicate type of business categories such as restaurant, farm, or farmer’s market, and products marketed.
4. Set account preferences and submit for publication.

Users can describe other enterprises such as retail markets, and agri-tourism activities through additional categories. For example, a fruit grower may create separate categories for the wholesale operation, the farm market, and winery. The MarketMaker profile is easy to update and can be considered your real time resume.  You can expand your business listings any time, and include social media links.

For further detail on MarketMaker, and the What’s in Season App,  Michigan State University Extension, or food, agriculture, bio economy and natural resources business development, contact the Michigan State University Product Center at www.productcenter.msu.edu or 517-432-8750.

– Joanne Davidhizar, Michigan State University Extension, MSU Product Center