The MoCo Made initiative was first launched in Fall 2017 in partnership with the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation to highlight our County’s vibrant local food and beverage sector. The MoCo Made initiative is intended to offer resources and support to local farms and food and beverage producers, and to increase the visibility and awareness of the diverse products made and grown here in Montgomery County. In a recent survey (Fall 2019), 69% of MoCo Made businesses indicated that their businesses have benefited from their participation in MoCo Made, with 47% citing an increase in brand recognition and 42% citing an increase in new individual customers in just the first year of the program.

Since launching MoCo Made, we have partnered with local retailers who carry products featured in the Guide to promote MoCo Made and identify the store as a place to buy MoCo Made products, as well as by providing copies of the Guide for any visitor to the store to browse or to keep. More than 20 local retailers, farmers markets, and breweries are now displaying MoCo Made branded window decals, shelf signage, and stickers to make it easier for consumers and buyers to identify Montgomery County products, and to support the farmers and artisans producing foods and beverages here in our County. Check out our searchable Food and Beverage Guide to learn more about the businesses in our MoCo Made community!

New Businesses: How to Join MoCo Made

Residents: How to Support MoCo Made

MoCo Made Businesses: Get Involved

Benefits for Businesses

When your business registers for the MoCo Made Program, you will receive:

  • A featured listing in our Food and Beverage Guide
    • Print edition with estimated distribution of 3,500 copies at local retailers and businesses
    • Online searchable version
  •  Access to MoCo Made marketing resources:
    • MoCo Made logo digital files for use on your website, social media, packaging, signage, and more
    • MoCo Made marketing materials, such as window decals, shelf signage, and stickers
    • Opportunities to be featured in the Food Council’s MoCo Made blog series’ or social media campaigns.
  •  Exclusive networking opportunities:
    • Community engagement events, such as MoCo Made Happy Hours
    • Engagement with other MoCo Made producers and community stakeholders and opportunities to be a featured business at monthly Food Economy Working Group meetings

 

 

  • Buyer engagement opportunities:
    • Events such as the MoCo Made Expo, Buyer Roundtable Discussions, community forums, exposure at community fairs and events such as the Taste of Bethesda or Taste of Wheaton
  • Educational Resources:
    • Training opportunities, such as our pitch practice session held in October 2019
    • Panels featuring food industry experts, discussing subjects such as scaling a business
    • Site visits and tours
    • Insider access to local food economy news and other educational opportunities

Register today!

Interested in becoming a MoCo Made retail partner? Please contact Catherine Nardi at cnardi@mocofoodcouncil.org.

Upcoming Events

Jan 25

Biweekly COVID-19 Community Call

Every other Monday, 1:00 to 2:00 or 2:30pm. Please register in advance.

Learn more

Jan 26-Oct 26

Gardening Grant Showcase

The Food Education Working Group (FEdWG) would like to cordially invite you to our Gardening Grant showcase that we will be taking place over the course of four (4) FEdWG meetings in 2021.

Learn more

Feb 9

Environmental Impact Working Group Meeting

First Tuesday of each month, 9:30-11am via Zoom.

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Feb 23

Food Education Working Group Meeting

4th Tuesday of each month, 9:30-11am via Zoom.

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Feb 24

Food Economy Working Group Meeting

Third Wednesday of each month, 9-10:30am via Zoom.

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