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!

Benefits for Businesses

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

  • A featured listing in our online Food and Beverage Guide
  •  Access to MoCo Made marketing resources:
    • MoCo Made logo digital files for use on your website, social media, packaging, signage, and more. Use the MoCo Made logo on your website, social media, packaging, signage, and more. Showcase your products as hyper-local and drive up sales.
    • 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 at events like the annual Food & Beverage Expo and MoCo Made Day’s at local farmers markets.
  • 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 sessions
    • 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

Interested in becoming a MoCo Made retail partner? Please contact ester@mocofoodcouncil.org

Upcoming Events

Mar 18

March Food Security Community Call

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Mar 19

2024 Food Summit

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), in conjunction with Towson University, is hosting a Food Summit on March 19, 2024 at Towson University.

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Mar 20

Food System Advocacy Community Call

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Apr 11

Statewide Trainings for Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The Maryland Department of Agriculture today announced it will host its first round of trainings throughout the state for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The program provides fresh, unprepared, locally-grown fruits and vegetables to WIC and Senior participants and expands the awareness, use, and sales of such products at farmers markets.

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Apr 22

SSL Earth Day Opportunity

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Apr 27

Montgomery County Green Fest

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