Food entrepreneurship is a fast-paced and dynamic field. With the approach of Autumn colors comes crisper weather and shorter days, but it also marks the beginning of a new season of innovation for food entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and investors. The right conferences and workshops can be an invaluable means of joining the conversation. For those serious about changing the food system, take a look at these upcoming events in the world of food and beverage innovation you don’t want to miss.

China has been following Western countries’ lead in terms of technology and development for years, but they're catching up and undergoing rapid development in nearly every sector, including food. Though China's food industry developed over thousands of years, it is rapidly advancing in line with Western competition and influence.

There is a lingering mentality that corporate success and social justice are at odds. Though, with a steadfast mission and a vision for a better future, the entrepreneurial aspirations of a lemonade stand or any other food and beverage startup can be a powerful agent for change.

New England is a powerhouse of invention and success, and our contributions to food are no exception. Out of the region's surprisingly deep portfolio of successful businesses, we have compiled twenty of the most notable food brands and the top five keys to their success. 

In this cultural shift toward artisan and regional products, there is no greater reflection of the push for local than the rising movement of craft breweries. Local companies are disrupting the industry with an average of two new breweries opening every day, and Boston is no exception to the thriving scene.

The Boston food scene is heating up with leading-edge startups working to reinvent everything from production to consumption. Last week, Startup Stir launched their 3rd annual ‘Foodie Founders’ event where Vice Cream, NOLA’s Salsa, and our very own Branchfood founder, Lauren Abda, led the discussion on navigating the ups and downs of starting out in the food and beverage world. Topics covered ranged from branding, scaling up, and the ever important reality of raising capital.

It has been a whirlwind season for the beverage industry in the U.S. With sugar-sweetened beverages so heavily under fire, standard soda and juice consumption is plummeting while a host of new beverages is taking their places on the shelves. Many of the top selling drinks today were virtually unheard of a few years ago. In this pivotal time to be in the beverage market, here are the top 4 changes we’re seeing:

Last month we hosted IDEATE, a day-long event that highlighted the innovative work of leading restaurateurs and food entrepreneurs. We believe restaurants are critically important to our economy, culture, and society. The current economic model is broken, but we can fix it... But the discussion is far from over. In the spirit of IDEATE, here are four products changing the face of restaurant tech.

Funding a startup can often seem like the most tedious or intimidating part of entrepreneurship. Online crowdfunding has facilitated the process enormously, but introduced a whole host of new challenges... So, what makes a particular cause rise above the rest? Here are Terry Romero's three tips on how to create and promote a standout campaign.