Agricultural Utilization Research Institute

Ag Innovation Update-February 2016

AURI 2015 annual report

AURI's 2015 annual report provides project highlights and impacts for the state of Minnesota.

View the annual report

A recipe for success

From multinational corporations to individual entrepreneurs, Minnesota is home to a broad range of food companies, many of which rely upon Minnesota-grown commodities and ingredients. To help AURI and its clients learn more about what it takes to succeed and to identify opportunities, AURI collaborates with experts from some of the state's leading food businesses.

The AURI Food Industry Thought Leaders team consists of food industry experts who are dedicated to exploring market opportunities and industry challenges. Thought Leaders influence AURI research initiatives, help identify solutions and business opportunities and provide access to a diverse cross-section of industry experts and networks. Get to know one of the thought leaders below.

Get to know a Food Industry Thought Leader

Name: Massoud Kazemzadeh, Kay's Naturals

What do you like most about working in the food industry?

The food industry is a continuously changing market and consumers are always looking to improve their eating habits. This requires a new look at food for the present and the future to meet all of our nutritional needs and to also work to solve the problems of obesity and weight gain. Those who understand this market and have the technical knowledge and ability to develop and meet the new market demands will be successful in this moving and developing market.

What are the greatest opportunities right now you see right now in the food industry?

The focus of the market on and development of the high protein and high fiber nutritious foods, which bring satiety to everyone who eats and are also able to control cravings for over- eating.

What are the greatest challenges?

The greatest challenge we face is rapidly expanding markets, which require more financial stability to meet the growing market before the momentum is lost.

What has been the most interesting thing that has happened to you while working in the
food industry?

We are very satisfied with the growth rate and the new demand for our knowledge and our facilities. I enjoy working with my people to produce a product, which we all feel is good for people and at the same time, be able to make a profit. All of us at Kay's feel we are a benefit to the society by producing and selling foods which are natural, healthy, nutritious and gluten free. Most of our rewards come from our customers.

Upcoming events

AURI at Minnesota Association of Meat Processors, March 4-5, 2016
AURI at Midwest Poultry Federation, March 16-17, 2015

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