The culinary landscape in Dutchess County, NY, has garnered national attention as of late, in part due to the grand opening of Asahi Shuzo International’s Dassai Blue sake brewery in Hyde Park — the first of its kind on the U.S. East Coast. This significant milestone has cast a spotlight on Dutchess County’s flourishing agrifood and food and beverage industries.
Home to fertile farmlands, diverse agricultural practices and a rich history of food production, Dutchess County has emerged as a bustling hub of culinary creativity. The region is supported by thriving industry sectors that grow, produce and distribute high-quality goods, leading to exceptional economic growth in the region.
Agrifood as a driving force for growth
The fast-growing agrifood sector in Dutchess County plays a pivotal role in supporting its flourishing food and beverage industry. It includes a diverse agricultural landscape encompassing more than 1,700 farms, from dairy and cattle farming to apple orchards and even floral cultivation. Farms like McEnroe Organic Farm provide top quality produce and livestock and foster auxiliary industries like feed stores, restaurants, equipment sales, seed dealers and more.
Additionally, the County proudly promotes its artisanal producers. The Rhinebeck Farmers' Market provides visitors and residents with easy access to a wide selection of local goods. The market houses top-quality offerings from around the Hudson Valley, ranging from the season's best tree fruit from Mead Orchards and fresh milk and black Angus beef from Millbrook Beef & Dairy.
Dutchess County's agricultural prowess includes being home to one of the largest maple syrup producers in the United States, Crown Maple Syrup. In 2010, Madava Farms began its Crown Maple Syrup operations on an 800-acre property in Dover Plains. Today, the company employs more than 30 people and produces its widely known syrup from more than 400,000 taps.
Over the past 15 years, the value of agricultural products sold has surged a remarkable 58% — a testament to the region's commitment to growth and innovation. Facilitating this growth are organizations like Cornell Cooperative Extension, which offers educational programs to encourage sustainability and innovation in the agricultural sector. The Poughkeepsie Farm Project, another key player, advocates for sustainable and healthy food systems, enriching the local community.
The agricultural sector in Dutchess County boasts more than 2,200 full-time jobs, with an additional 4,400 jobs supporting agricultural infrastructure. The agrifood sector plays a key role in the advancement of the region’s economy, serving as a cornerstone of the burgeoning food and beverage industry.
Building a thriving community of producers
Thanks to its advantageous location to major markets, array of available sites and proximity to farms teeming with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Dutchess County is fast becoming a coveted destination for food and beverage entrepreneurs. Supported by a robust pipeline of more than 8,300 manufacturing service professionals, established companies and new ventures alike can leverage a steady stream of highly skilled individuals to support their growth in Dutchess County’s food and beverage manufacturing industry.
The Hudson Valley has no shortage of success stories in this space. Serving as a prime example is specialty food manufacturer Crepini. This family business experienced explosive growth in a short period of time, creating a need for more space and resources to fill a widening production gap. The Think Dutchess team was able to identify an ideal site for Crepini at the growing food hub at iPark 84 in Fishkill. With the support of key partners from throughout the region and state, Crepini was able to open its 35,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility in 2019, allowing the company to triple its capacity and continue doing business in its home state.
Another notable success in Dutchess County’s food and beverage industry is EFCO Products, a celebrated family-owned establishment with a legacy dating back to 1903. Headquartered in Poughkeepsie, EFCO has been manufacturing ingredients and serving the diverse needs of local and global food and beverage industry players for over 100 years. EFCO President and CEO, Steve Effron, noted there are several competitive advantages to doing business in Dutchess County, like the strength of the region’s workforce and education system, and its proximity to a large population base and key ports.
From artisanal cheese makers to global suppliers, numerous companies continue to find success in Dutchess County’s long-standing food and beverage industry.
Fostering culinary talent
Dutchess County’s position as one of the nation’s most popular travel destinations creates greater need for a skilled hospitality and tourism workforce. The community is home to one of the culinary world’s most prestigious institutions, The Culinary Institute of America. Located in Hyde Park, the school is pivotal in shaping the County’s culinary landscape.
As a bastion of culinary excellence, it trains the next generation of chefs, sommeliers and hospitality professionals, infusing the local food and beverage scene with a continual stream of talent and expertise.
CIA’s influence goes far beyond the classroom. The institute’s vibrant presence enhances the community by hosting events, culinary festivals and farm-to-table initiatives that spotlight the rich bounty of Dutchess County. It’s a place where the culinary arts are not just taught but shared with the local community, making Dutchess County a hub of gastronomic excellence.
Other local institutions, like Dutchess Community College (DCC) and the Dutchess County Board of Cooperative Educational Services (Dutchess BOCES), also offer specialized curriculum to help students build careers in this thriving industry sector. DCC’s Hospitality & Tourism associate degree program focuses on marketing, customer service and event management, while Dutchess BOCES’ Culinary Arts & Restaurant Management courses encompass culinary theory, along with practical knowledge and skills for students interested in cultivating careers in the industry.
A thriving craft beverage and wine ecosystem
A leader in New York's $3.5 billion craft beverage industry, Dutchess County breweries like Sloop Brewing Co. and Mill House Brewing Company have garnered acclaim for their outstanding craft beers, emphasizing quality and innovation. With 15+ breweries offering inviting taprooms and community events, these businesses have become vital economic drivers, generating employment opportunities, attracting tourists and boosting the local economy.
In addition to its growing craft brewery scene, the Hudson Valley is considered the country’s oldest wine-making region, and Dutchess County's rolling hills and favorable climate make it ideal for wine production. The County is home to several exceptional wineries and vineyards, each offering a unique tasting experience.
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery—Dutchess County's flagship winery—is situated on a 130-acre estate and is renowned for its award-winning chardonnay and pinot noir. Similarly, Milea Estate Vineyard is a testament to the County's wine-making prowess, offering visitors exceptional wines in a serene, picturesque setting.
Collaborative initiatives for a resilient local food supply
The success of Dutchess County’s food and beverage and agribusiness industries is largely thanks to the unique synergy and collaboration among local farmers, producers and manufacturers, who, through robust partnerships, fortify the local food supply chain. These collaborations also make it easy to meet the County’s growing demand for high-quality, locally sourced products.
Connect with the Think Dutchess team to learn how your business can savor the taste of success in Dutchess County’s growing food and beverage industry.