About Us
Why We Got Started
Western North Carolina is home to dozens of innovative and fast-growing craft food and beverage manufacturing businesses, but there’s been no group to help organize them and help them grow and connect with one another. Meanwhile, several other industries are getting a ton of value from their own regional Guilds and Alliances – groups like the Asheville Brewers Alliance (ABA), Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC, Bakers Guild, etc. The Food Guild is being created to fill this gap, as a member-directed network helping to grow the industry and connect its members to resources, education, and one another.
Who can join?
Food and beverage manufacturers – makers of products that people eat or drink – that are based in and/or manufacture in Western North Carolina (25 counties in NC’s West and North-West Prosperity Zones – see map here) can apply to be full Members. Companies that are making products at a retail scale but are aspiring to sell wholesale are also invited to apply.
Non-profit organizations that provide assistance to the food and beverage manufacturing industry are invited to apply as Support Members.
Corporate buyers, retailers, distributors, and other industry members as well as for-profit service providers and suppliers (e.g. lawyers, accountants, marketing firms, equipment sellers, packaging manufacturers, etc.) can apply to be Partners.
Our Mission
The Asheville-Area Food Guild is an inclusive community of small food and beverage businesses based in Western North Carolina, collaborating to build a strong regional reputation and to empower brands to scale up profitably with integrity.
Become a Member
Annual membership options area available for WNC food and beverage companies, as well as, support and services organizations.
Event Schedule
In partnership with our regional support organizations, the Food Guild hosts a variety of programming for members and the WNC community.
Guild Leadership
Comprised of a dynamic team of volunteers and regional industry advisers, the Steering Committee is a dedicated group of food enthusiasts.