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Building a Stronger Local Supply Chain: Meet the Alaska Manufacturing Association

Our blog is a space for sharing and learning about various food systems topics across Alaska. We occasionally have Guest Blogs that highlight particular issues and stories of interest. The views in our Guest Blogs are not reflections of APFC positions. If you are interested in writing a Guest Blog, please contact info@alaskafoodpolicycouncil.org to discuss your idea!

By Megan Militello, AKMA Executive Director 

At the Alaska Manufacturing Association (AKMA), we’re on a mission to connect, support, and celebrate Alaska’s makers and manufacturers—especially the scrappy, early-stage ones who are doing big things with limited resources. Whether it’s freeze-dried snacks, wildflower soaps, or seafood seasonings, Alaska’s manufacturing scene is full of talent—but growing a product business up here isn’t easy.

That’s where we come in.

AKMA was founded in 2025 by two food and manufacturing professionals who’ve been in the trenches. After years navigating things like packaging delays, labeling rules, sourcing struggles, and finding the right commercial kitchen, we realized something: Alaska’s makers needed more than motivation—they needed support. So we’re building the thing we wish we had.

One of our biggest tools is the AKMA Directory—a growing map of vendors, services, and producers that helps folks source, connect, and grow locally. Need a logo designer in Juneau? A shrink sleeve supplier in Anchorage? A kitchen to rent in the Mat-Su? We’re building the directory to make that easier.

But we’re not just a list of names.

We’re building a real community through:

  • Quarterly M.F.G. Mixers to connect in person and build relationships
  • Statewide Virtual Roundtables so even rural makers get a seat at the table
  • Workshops and mini courses on packaging, pricing, food safety, and more
  • Vendor matchmaking to help you find what (and who) you need faster
  • Visibility and advocacy for what’s being made right here in Alaska

We believe Alaska can—and should—do more of its own processing, packaging, and producing. Every time we keep a food product local, we’re making Alaska more food secure, less dependent on outside infrastructure, and stronger as a state.

We work closely with food businesses, makers, and early-stage brands to help with things like packaging design, compliance strategy, and product storytelling—so your goods not only meet standards, but actually move off the shelf.

We’re still growing, but AKMA is already becoming the go-to hub for early-stage manufacturing support in Alaska. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand, we’re here to help you build something real.

👋 Let’s build a more connected Alaska—together.

Explore the directory and get plugged in at akmfg.org