Publications
Publications
- March 2017
- HBS Case Collection
The Maine Food Cluster Project
By: Karen Mills
Abstract
The case introduces Craig Denekas, the head of the Libra Foundation, an unusual, private foundation based in Maine, which owns three locally based food companies. Denekas has initiated a project to explore how to grow the food sector in Maine, benefiting not only Libra’s food companies but also other Maine businesses and workers and the overall Maine economy. The exploration shows a large food sector with significant employment and a network of over 100 largely uncoordinated food industry organizations. Other states and nations have formed food cluster initiatives to help their agriculture and food businesses innovate and grow markets for their products. Should Denekas and Libra try to organize a cluster initiative? How would he get started? Who would be the important actors? How would he measure success? This Teaching Plan is designed to be used in conjunction with the case “The Maine Food Cluster, Project,” HBS No. 316-008.
Keywords
Maine; Clusters; Food; Libra Foundation; Locally-based Companies; Food Industry; Development Economics; Industry Clusters; Food; Food And Beverage Industry; Agriculture And Agribusiness Industry; Maine
Citation
Mills, Karen. "The Maine Food Cluster Project." Harvard Business School Teaching Plan 317-107, March 2017.
About The Author
