HYDE PARK – The Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance has been formed as an emerging industry cluster being promoted by the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation.

Leaders in the regional industry met at the Culinary Institute of America on Thursday to discuss how to grow their industry, said HVEDC President Michael Oates.

“There are a lot of great programs that are already taking place, obviously Hudson Valley Restaurant week is a great example of that,” Oates said. “Part of this initiative will be to continue to help promote and expand on the activities that are already taking place in the Hudson Valley, but also trying to figure out a way to get business to business, talking, networking, and in essence, opening up both markets and sales opportunities.”

The HVEDC, which created this new food and beverage industry cluster, previously developed NY BioHud Valley.