Food Systems consulting

CRAFT developed Pennsylvania’s Culinary Trails in partnership with DCED to promote the state’s Appalachian region as a food-tourism destination. The project showcases authentic local restaurants, farms, breweries, wineries, orchards, farmers’ markets, and artisanal food producers across Pennsylvania, leveraging the region’s culinary and heritage assets to expand economic opportunity.

Our Approach
CRAFT provided research, project management, and outreach expertise, working alongside food historian Mary Miller to identify routes and participating businesses for four culinary trails: Apple, Bread, Charcuterie, and Fermentation.

Our role included documenting methodology, coordinating site visits, managing partner contacts, and ensuring alignment with local culinary heritage. The trail-development process also informed the Food Studies curriculum at Chatham University, connecting academic learning with regional economic-development practice.

Results
The project delivered four fully developed culinary trails, including digital and print promotional materials, an interactive website presence, and a video series highlighting businesses and attractions along each trail. Outcomes included supporting 100 businesses, expanding their customer base beyond local markets, and generating an estimated $2.5 million in additional tourism revenue. This initiative strengthened our Appalachian economic development by linking culinary businesses across counties, providing lasting marketing and educational resources, and increasing visitor engagement with the region’s food culture.

Location
Pennsylvania

Project Type
Culinary Tourism Development & Regional Marketing

Client Type
Government Agency

Scale
State