San Francisco Food and Beverage Industry Cluster Study

Like many other U.S. cities, San Francisco is experiencing a surge of interest in developing a more sustainable, equitable, and localized food system. At the same time, food manufacturing, processing and distribution businesses that provide a local link between producers and consumers find it difficult to start and expand within the city. 

Goals

• Identify the opportunities and obstacles currently facing new and existing food businesses in the industrial sector
• Fully define and articulate San Francisco's competitive advantage in food processing and distribution
• Develop a set of policy and programmatic recommendations that address the obstacles and capitalize on opportunities to attract, retain, and expand industrial food businesses
• Target recommendations to areas with greatest opportunities and return on investment
• Create strong, mutually supportive business-to business networks that encourage innovation and synergy
• Prioritize incorporation of more regionally sourced produce into San Francisco's food industry cluster
• Develop diverse opportunities for urban job growth, retention, and skills/workforce development