Celebrating New York City’s Culinary Entrepreneurs

Hundreds of people flocked to the Brooklyn Navy Yard on a recent Saturday afternoon for the first-ever Taste of Made in NYC event hosted by Made in NYC, an initiative by the Pratt Center for Community Development.

The event featured New York City-based food and drink makers who provided an assortment of items to sample, wrapping up the sixth annual Made in NYC Week in delicious style. Attendees could taste aged vegan cheese, soul food, Indian chai snacks, doughnuts, ice cream, cold brew coffee, beer, mead, and more, while chatting with local food purveyors about their businesses and gaining an appreciation for the behind-the-scenes workings of the city’s food scene.

“New York City is one of the world’s premier culinary destinations, and our thriving food industry provides inspiration for innovative entrepreneurs crafting unique and exciting packaged food and beverage products,” said Taylor Novick-Finder, senior program manager for Made in NYC. “We’re proud to have shed a spotlight on these small businesses and their exceptional offerings, providing New Yorkers a unique opportunity to sample over two dozen locally-made food and beverage products, all in one place, and purchase these items to enjoy at home. We had nearly 400 attendees turn out to support the more than 40 small manufacturing businesses showcasing their creativity at this event.”

Local artists and manufacturers also displayed and sold ceramics, jewelry, clothing, accessories, beauty products, candles, art prints, and other handmade products at Taste of Made in NYC. The annual Made in NYC Week event series showcases the craftsmanship and talent within New York City’s manufacturing and maker community through pop-up markets, factory tours, and curated shopping experiences. 

This year, people had the opportunity to attend various events across the city. They could visit places like the Fulton Stall Market and The Brass Owl, take tours of manufacturing facilities in Brooklyn, and attend a tasting pop-up at Flatbush Food Co-op. Taste of Made in NYC served as the finale of the week, with nearly 400 people gathering to celebrate local entrepreneurship.

“The diversity of our members and what they produce reflects our city,” said Kayla Shifter, Made in NYC’s program manager. “When New Yorkers meet our members and shop from them directly, it cultivates a deeper sense of community and pride in local goods.”

Joining Made in NYC is free for any New York City-based manufacturer and the benefits go beyond this week of programming for the over 1,700 members. Throughout the year, pop-up markets, special events, and campaigns allow members to expand their markets, grow their businesses, and network with one another. 

Made in NYC also taps the expertise of Pratt students and faculty to support the marketing, design, and production needs of its members. The Learning Lab program offers free workshops, webinars, and creative services such as photography.

“The webinars and classes have been really helpful,” said Kartik Das, the founder of Doosra, which makes Indian chai-time snacks. “I took the digital marketing class and it helped me think more about my website design and how I reach customers. And having the Made in NYC seal gives us exposure and authenticity.”

As member businesses explore new markets and test out ideas over the coming year, Made in NYC will continue to work to support and sustain the vitality of local manufacturing and the creativity and community of the people behind it.