Food & Beverage
Maine’s vibrant food, beverage, and seafood industry is diversifying and innovating.
Maine continues a robust tradition of growing, harvesting, fishing, and manufacturing superior food, beverages, and seafood. Clean air and water, commitment to freshness and superior quality, and sustainable fisheries combine to create a unique brand that resonates with consumers around the world. In addition to Maine’s iconic lobster, wild blueberries, and potatoes, innovative food ventures are widespread throughout the state, including award-winning craft beers, chocolates, salsas, jams, sea vegetables, and more. Attention to best practices and the local sourcing of quality ingredients makes Maine a delectable and sustainable food destination.
Maine exports over $600 million in food, beverages, and seafood annually
77% of Maine food and beverage manufacturing sales are outside of the state
Growing craft beer industry ranks Maine as one of highest per capital in the US
A Key Ingredient for Growth
Nine food companies from across Maine’s food system were selected for the 2024 CEI Tastemakers Initiative. Awardees are established food and beverage companies intending to increase production capacity, with “shovel-ready” projects that directly support Maine agriculture, aquaculture, or fisheries as part of their supply chain. This year’s companies include farms and value-added producers that focus on Maine-grown ingredients.
Sparkling Wine Producer Adding Value for Maine Wild Blueberry Crops
Bluet, a Maine winery making 100% pure wild blueberry sparkling wine, is a mission-driven business supporting our community of independent family farms.
“If wild blueberry farms are to have a secure future here in Maine, we have to increase the price that they get for their crop. We have to add value to their crop, and wine is the highest value added product there is for fruit.”
Wyman’s Installs Solar Farm to Power Down East Operations
Wyman’s, one of the largest growers of wild blueberries, has partnered with ReVision Energy and REC Solar to install a 35-acre solar array on land the fruit producer owns in Washington County.
It’s one of the largest, if not the largest, solar farms in Maine hosted by a business to power its own facilities. And it’s Wyman’s latest effort to ensure a sustainable future as the family-owned company celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.
Research Grant to Develop Resilient Potato Varieties
When it comes to potato crops, their resilience and their adaptability to changing climates is crucial. The University of Maine alongside six other Eastern U.S. universities were recently awarded a $1.4 million U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant to conduct research surrounding the development of abiotic (environmental) and biotic (disease-related) resistant potato varieties.
Industry Support
Supports US seafood, food, and agricultural companies entering international markets through export education, global connections, export strategies, and marketing financial assistance
For established food, beverage, or seafood companies looking to scale-up or more mature food, beverage, or seafood companies looking to expand markets regionally and/or nationally
The Division of Agricultural Resource Development programs including Real Maine focus on business development, market promotion, education, and regulation to assure that agricultural practices are economically and environmentally sound
To help established food and beverage companies expand and improve production capacity, create jobs, and meet targeted growth goals by offering funding for tailored consulting and access to financial resources and investor networking opportunities
To assist food businesses with food safety and quality testing, technical assistance, and education
In Good Company
International Investors
We’d love to hear from you to discuss your interest in this sector and Maine’s advantages.