Niagara University’s Holzschuh College of Business Administration announces the launch of a dynamic new Bachelor of Science in Food Industry Management. Enrollment is open now for fall 2025.
The program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in one of the world’s most essential and fast-changing sectors—the food industry—and is unique in its multidisciplinary approach.
“There’s a great need for young professionals in the food manufacturing industry, as people like me begin to age out and we’re looking for new ideas and new blood,” said John Zimmerman, senior advisor at Rosina Food Products Inc. and the college’s Wegmans endowed director of food and supply chain. “It’s a fun business to be in, where you can create an excellent livelihood while understanding the process of how whatever is on your plate made it there.”
With courses that focus on a wide variety of food-specific areas, including global supply chains, nutrition, and food chemistry, coupled with experiential learning opportunities, both locally and globally, and a strong foundation in business, the program addresses the growing need for professionals who can navigate the complexities of how food is produced, distributed, and consumed. Students will explore real-world challenges at the intersection of business, food science, sustainability, hospitality, nutrition, and supply chain management.
“This major reflects where the food industry is heading—toward smarter, more sustainable, and more ethical practices,” said Dr. Mark Frascatore, dean of the college. “We’re preparing students to lead across a broad range of roles: from managing food logistics to understanding nutritional trends and hospitality operations.”
The major includes:
- Courses in food industry strategy, food supply chain management, food chemistry, sustainability, and ethical leadership.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with Niagara’s science, nursing, hospitality, and business faculty.
- Practical experiences through internships, case studies, and company visits.
- Access to a network of food industry mentors and executives through the Centers for Food Industry Innovation and Supply Chain Excellence, supported by Wegmans.
Students will also benefit from unique opportunities, including study abroad experiences, guest lectures from industry professionals, and potential research collaborations in food systems and sustainability.
Niagara University’s Food Industry Center of Excellence Advisory Board includes executives from Wegmans, Lactalis American Group, Perry’s Ice Cream, Affinity Group, Tops Markets, Rich Products, The Clorox Group, Rosina Food Products, Sahlen’s, and several other leaders in the industry.
“This program was built through collaboration with faculty, industry partners, and community voices,” said Dr. Kristine Principe, associate dean and co-developer of the major. “Whether students are interested in food marketing, distribution, sustainability, or hospitality, this major gives them the tools to make an impact.”
“The food industry is so incredibly dynamic,” said John Persons, CEO of Northeast Grocery Inc., the parent company of Tops Markets. “We touch on so many different areas of expertise, so if you want to be in finance, understand supply chain, get involved in consumer dynamics or marketing, you’ll find so many different elements in the food industry that you won’t necessarily find in other industries.”
More information is available at https://www.niagara.edu/programs/food-industry-management/
The Holzschuh College of Business Administration offers AACSB-accredited programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, committed to developing ethical, globally competent, and socially conscious business leaders. The college provides majors in accounting, finance, management, marketing, economics, supply chain, and food industry management, with operations in both the U.S. and Canada.
