Our Story
35 Years of Food Industry Experience
FoodInnovationCenters.org is part of the Contract Manufacturing Alliance — built by the Contract Packaging Association (est. 1992) and the Co-Packing Network (100-year family heritage). Together, we connect food entrepreneurs to the science and manufacturing infrastructure they need.
The Two Organizations Behind the Alliance
- Founded
- 1992 — National Non-Profit Trade Organization
- Mission
- Dedicated to promoting the growth and welfare of contract packaging and manufacturing firms across North America. The gold standard for industry credibility and professional development.
- Programs
- Member services, RFQ matching, CP Magazine (official publication — PMMI Media Group, 20,000+ qualified readers), professional certification, and educational events.
- FIC Connection
- FICs that join the CPA gain access to the full co-packing network — giving their clients a direct path to manufacturing partners when they graduate from the INNOVATE phase.
- Heritage
- 100-Year Family Business — Consumer Products Since the 1920s
- Role
- The operating arm of the Alliance. Decades of relationships with co-packers, retailers, distributors, and ingredient suppliers across North America and beyond.
- Scale
- Offices in Las Vegas, Honolulu, Dallas, and Raleigh. Contact: dennis@conzumables.com
- FIC Connection
- FIC-graduated brands plug directly into the Co-Packing Network for manufacturing partner matching, retail introductions, and go-to-market support.
History
A Century of Consumer Products
From a family business in the 1920s to a national alliance connecting every phase of the food product journey.
The family business behind the Co-Packing Network begins operations — laying the foundation for a century of consumer products expertise.
Expansion into new product categories as the American consumer economy accelerates. Contract packaging emerges as a distinct industry.
Co-packing and contract manufacturing become mainstream. The family operation grows alongside the broader private-label and branded CPG industry.
The Contract Packaging Association is established as a national non-profit trade organization dedicated to promoting the growth and welfare of contract packaging firms across North America.
The internet transforms how brands find manufacturing partners. The network begins building digital infrastructure to connect entrepreneurs with the right facilities.
Craft food, natural CPG, and DTC brands explode. The Alliance recognizes that entrepreneurs need R&D support before they reach co-packers. The FIC network concept is born.
The Contract Manufacturing Alliance formally launches. FoodInnovationCenters.org, PilotPlants.org, CommercialKitchens.org, and sister sites go live — connecting every phase of Innovate · Create · Launch.
CPA membership, 100-year Co-Packing Network heritage, 8 Arms of the Alliance, and a growing community of FICs at local, regional, and national levels.
Where We Work
Our Offices
The Co-Packing Network operates from four offices across the country — providing regional support for brands and centers at every stage.
Las Vegas
NV
Alliance Headquarters
Honolulu
HI
Pacific Operations
Dallas
TX
Southwest Region
Raleigh
NC
East Coast Operations
Join the Alliance
Whether you operate a Food Innovation Center or are building a food brand — the Alliance's 35 years of expertise is here to support you.