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Small Scale Processors: Profile
Barbara Dietrich

_Meet Barbara Dietrich of Batavia. Barb and husband Dave have two children, Joey (8) and Petra (3). The Dietrichs moved to Batavia from State College, Pennsylvania, several years ago. Certain adjectives come to mind when you meet Barb in person"dynamic," "outgoing," "exuberant," well... you get the idea. Her philosophy has always been that you should work with something you like.

Because Barb has always enjoyed cooking and food preparation (she worked in the restaurant industry before she moved to Batavia), she started her own food company, Dietrich Foods, in 1993. Working out of a kitchen in her basement with technical assistance from the Food Venture Center, she launched four different products (sauces and dressings) on the market. All four were developed from her original formulations. Within a couple of years, Barb's products could be found in both Tops and Wegman's (both have stores in several states), and she subsequently turned the actual production over to a co-packer. In early 1998, when her work consisted mostly of hard sales, she decided to change directions. Dietrich Foods, Inc. is now for sale to someone who can devote more time and resources to it.

Barb now offers consulting for small and start-up food companies in a venture that is as yet unnamed. Product development and public relations (PR) work are among the things she most loves about business. In addition to her knowledge about just plain old GOOD food, Barb is familiar with all aspects of business start-upproduct development, suppliers (ingredients and packaging), sales, distribution, promotions, TV and PR.

If you need help with developing a business plan, arranging for loans, finding insurance to suit your needs, incorporating, hiring attorneys and/or accountants, designing and printing labels, bar coding or any number of other questions that the FVC cannot answer, you may want to talk to Barb. From small companies in need of basic start-up info, to large companies in need of recipe ideas and development, PR representation for commercials, advertising or taste-testing, Barb's goal is to custom tailor a program for each company.

If you would like to talk to Barb about her services, call her at 716-344-2075.

by J.L. Anderson

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