Food and Beverage Processing Industry Analysis in Maine

The Challenge

Maine’s food and beverage processing industry plays an important role in adding value to the state’s agricultural and seafood products. As the industry continues to evolve, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development saw an opportunity to better understand how to support its long-term growth and competitiveness, particularly in relation to infrastructure needs, market access, and domestic trade.

Many small and medium-sized producers experience hurdles when it comes to scaling their operations, accessing cold storage, and connecting with broader distribution networks. Identifying where strategic investments and targeted support could make the greatest impact was a key priority in helping the sector thrive and expand its reach across state and regional markets.

The Solution

Camoin Associates worked closely with the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development to develop a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of the state’s food and beverage processing industry.

The project included an in-depth regional comparison, analysis of infrastructure and industrial real estate, and case studies on collaborative models that support small and medium-sized businesses.

By identifying Maine’s competitive advantages, gaps in cold storage and distribution, and opportunities to grow high-value subsectors, the report helped outline strategic priorities for expanding domestic market access and supporting resilient local economies.

The Impact

With this report in hand, Maine is better positioned to strengthen its role in the regional food supply chain and support producers in reaching broader markets.

The findings provide a foundation for future investment and policy decisions that align with business needs—whether that’s improving logistics, advancing workforce strategies, or supporting infrastructure development.

Most importantly, the insights help Maine leverage its unique assets to retain more value in-state and expand participation in domestic trade networks that benefit rural communities, small businesses, and the state’s economy as a whole.

Services Provided:

• Industry benchmarking and regional competitiveness analysis
• Real estate and infrastructure assessment
• Cold storage and processing facility mapping
• Stakeholder engagement
• Case studies

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