MCE Food Accelerators Workshop: Building Strong Distribution Partnerships
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 | 4:00 – 5:00 PM workshop, followed by networking reception
Maine International Marine Terminal | Portland, Maine

Crack the Code to Distribution Success.
Join MCE for an immersive afternoon designed for food, beverage, CPG, and seafood businesses looking to scale through smarter, stronger distributor relationships. The program includes a special presentation by Bob Burke of Natural Products Consulting, one of the most respected voices in the natural products industry, who will share strategic insights on growing your brand through effective distribution partnerships.

You'll also hear directly from key leaders at Rainforest Distribution, Native Maine, and John Nagle Co., as they offer candid advice on navigating regional and local distribution networks across retail, grocery, food service, and ingredient channels. As part of the program, participants are invited to join an optional special guided tour of the new Maine International Cold Storage Facility, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Maine’s latest infrastructure supporting cold chain logistics and regional food distribution.

Distributors play a vital role in getting your product to market, expanding reach, and boosting sales—when the partnership works. Learn what distributors want, explore current trends, and gain strategies to build stronger, more effective relationships.

Event Timing: 3:00 – 6:00 PM
• 3:00–3:45 PM – Special tours of the new Maine International Cold Storage Facility (optional)
• 4:00–5:00 PM – Workshop featuring Bob Burke and a Distributor Panel with Rainforest Distribution, Native Maine, and John Nagle Co.
• 5:00–6:00 PM – Networking Reception

Brought to you by the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs, with support from Maine Port Authority, Maine International Trade Center, and FocusMaine.