Our mission is to be a steppingstone to rising small food businesses by assisting with the navigation of the regulations and requirements of creating value-added food products.
Our facility is approved to process acid and acidified foods for retail sale.
We provide assistance and guided instruction on the commercial equipment available at the facility. A certified manager is available to discuss the following:
- Sanitation guidelines
- Food processing regulations
- Proper use of the cannery’s equipment
- Providing a checklist of necessary steps required to process foods
- Directing to resources for FDA and VDACS label requirements
- Scaling recipes for bulk production
- Testing of product pH
- Recommended supplies for bulk ingredients
- Container sources
- Recommending sales markets for final product
For information on personal use of the cannery (not for resale), visit the Prince Edward County Cannery page.
Product Development
The following is a basic list of some of the necessary steps when creating a value-added food product. Virginia Food Works can offer advice on each of these steps. Contact us for detailed information on the following:
- Finalize your recipe. If using one of Virginia Food Works’ pre-approved recipes, you may skip this step.
- Taste test recipe and get feedback.
- Test pH of product (can be done at the cannery).
- Make sure that scaling & bottling does not adversely affect flavor or texture.
4. If not using VFW’s pre-approved recipes, contact a Process Authority (food scientist) with your recipe and product samples. You will need:
- Ingredient list & quantities/weights.
- Detailed list of production steps.
- Two samples required for application.
5. Design a product label that meets regulations.
6. Register your business, if needed.
7. Schedule time at the cannery to make your product!
8. Practice proper product handling and traceability procedures.
