A Panel Discussion

On-ramp to Food & Ag Entrepreneurship 

featuring MN Brands and AURI 

Intent:
A discussion between MN Brands on their growing journey from creating their company, developing their products, the growing pains they experience, how they overcame them, and where they see themselves growing.

Topic:
Educate the audience who come from small to big companies what it takes for a small company to grow. MN-IFT is composed of many companies, many being “big”, who don’t necessarily understand what it takes to be a small company. On the flip side, those attending that are interested in starting or are starting a company will have the chance to learn what others have done before them.

Moderator

Jason Robinson

AURI

As Business Development Director-Food with the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), a Minnesota-funded nonprofit corporation, Jason Robinson provides direct 1:1 technical and business development support to agricultural producers and entrepreneurs with their value-added food businesses.  Jason is also a food ecosystem builder, highlighting needs and delivering solutions to fill those gaps for all food entrepreneurs.  Jason has a chemical engineering degree and spent 19 years with General Mills R&D prior to joining AURI in 2018.

Panelist

Pam Powell

Founder and Owner of Salad Girls Organic

Salad Girl Organics, founded in 2008 by Pam, is a women-owned, family-run Midwest brand specializing in fresh, organic vinaigrettes, marinades, and dairy-free creamy dressings. Committed to sustainability, quality, and integrity, Pam introduced a cold-blended method to preserve organic ingredients' natural flavors and nutrients. This innovation placed Salad Girl's dressings in the refrigerated produce section, next to fresh greens, reflecting their motto: "Fresh organic dressings for fresh organic greens." Salad Girl Organics has become a leader in the refrigerated organic dressing market with recycled, recyclable packaging and a dedication to the community.

Panelist

Nalini Mehta

Founder of Yoga Pops

Nalini, founder of Route To India and an Ayurvedic chef with 18 years of teaching experience, has long blended her Indian heritage with a holistic approach to food as nourishment for the mind, body, and soul. Her journey began in the fashion industry with roles at Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Target before transitioning to culinary arts, teaching at renowned institutions like the Natural Gourmet Institute and the Institute of Culinary Education. In 2010, she launched her culinary school, organized trips to India, and hosted yoga retreats. Meanwhile, her Ayurvedic pop-up dinners introduced diners to a tri-doshic snack, Yoga Pops, sparking a new venture with Anita, a seasoned corporate executive specializing in talent and culture. Together, they turned Yoga Pops into a labor of love, combining their expertise to create a delicious, healthy snack while supporting rural farmers and upholding their commitment to community and integrity.

Panelist

Ameeta Jaiswal 

Founder of Yoga Pops

Ameeta Jaiswal, founder of MN-based Panache LLC, combines her South Asian heritage and global experience to create shelf-stable, plant-based beverages that promote gut-to-brain equilibrium. Inspired by Ayurvedic principles, Panache crafts functional yet fun botanical infusions in 100% apple juice featuring ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and sour cherries. Free from chemicals, preservatives, and added sugar, these naturally gluten-free drinks are perfect as snacks, mixers, or meal accompaniments. Committed to sustainability, Panache aims to utilize phytonutrient-rich apple varieties to support sustainable orchards and resource efficiency, living up to its mission: "Good Juice Made Better for a Full Life."

Annual Silent Auction

Join us for a night of excitement and impact at the 2025 Annual Silent Auction, hosted by the Minnesota Section of the Institute of Food Technologists (MNIFT). This year's event will be held on February 4^th at Surly Brewery’s Scheid Hall, promising an evening filled with spirited bidding and community engagement. 

We are thrilled to partner with Naturally MN and Make-it-Minnesota to bring you an inspiring event centered around the theme "On-Ramp to Food and Ag Entrepreneurship." This theme highlights our commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the food and agriculture sectors. 

All proceeds from the silent auction will go towards student scholarships and supporting MNIFT's mission to deliver high-quality events and initiatives that advance the science of food. By participating in this event, you'll be directly contributing to the education and development of future food science professionals, ensuring a robust and dynamic future for our industry. 

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, support a worthy cause, and make a tangible difference in the lives of students and the broader community.

Purpose:

• Raise funds for student scholarships in the sciences of food (Middle/High School to College)
• Support MNIFT’s mission to deliver high-quality events 
• Foster innovation and growth in the food and agriculture sectors

Highlights:

• Silent auction with exciting items and experiences 
• Opportunities to meet and network with industry leaders from small and large companies 
• Engaging in discussions and presentations on entrepreneurship in food and agriculture 

Why Participate?

Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and students in the food industry

Learn and Grow: Gain insights from successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders 

Support a Worthy Cause: Contribute to the education and development of future food science professionals 

Collaborate: Discover opportunities for small businesses to collaborate with big companies’ like General Mills, Cargill, Land O’ Lakes, and more.