By Dhaval Bhakta
I
Continuing a Tradition of Learning
Beaver Classic was always meant to be more than a product line. It started in 2011 with the goal of giving students hands-on experience in every aspect of food production. From farm to fork, students gained an understanding of the complexities of making cheese, ice cream, and other foods that meet high-quality standards for safety and flavor.
In the Spring of 2024, we created an educational program that allowed a group of Agricultural and Food Business Management students to put their learning into practice, while contributing to Beaver Classic marketing and brand awareness. This course, led by Applied Economics faculty Tim Delbridge and James Sterns, offers students a deeper dive into the intricacies of product development, marketing, and retail management.
Students learn best when they are empowered to set goals and make decisions that matter. This initiative gave students the opportunity to learn by doing, and see with their own eyes what works and how to overcome real challenges in the marketplace.” Deldridge said.
We plan to continue our collaboration between Applied Economics and Beaver Classic for many classes to come! These type of courses will allow students to engage not only with the production side, but also with the strategic and operational facets of Beaver Classic. Students will have the opportunity to work on inventory management, marketing strategies, and event coordination, gaining comprehensive insight into what it takes to run a successful business in the food industry. This kind of real-world experience is invaluable in preparing students for the demands of the competitive marketplace.
The Introduction of Barley Scone Mix
One of the most exciting additions to the Beaver Classic lineup is the introduction of a new product: Barley Scone Mix. Made from the streaker barley flour that was developed at OSU, the original recipe of the mix was developed by a group of chefs along with Sarah Masoni. In the Summer of 2024, students went to the Food Innovation Center in Portland, Oregon to work with Sarah to produce and package the first batch. The scone mix allows consumers to create a delicious baked good while supporting the mission of Beaver Classic to produce food that reflects the values of quality, sustainability, and education.
Barley Scone Mix joins the already popular line of Beaver Classic products, which includes cheeses, ice cream, beef jerky, honey, fruits, and veggies. Like these other products, the scone mix is crafted by students, allowing them to learn the nuances of food production, quality control, and customer feedback.
Our New Scoop Shop and Creamery Open Now: You are Invited!
In addition to the exciting new developments in product offerings and educational opportunities, Beaver Classic has brand-new storefront in Withycombe Hall on our Corvallis campus. This physical location serves as the new home for Beaver Classic products, providing a gathering spot for students, faculty, and visitors to enjoy everything the brand has to offer.
This storefront is more than just a retail space—it is an experiential hub where students can apply their skills in customer service, inventory management, and marketing, all while interacting with the OSU community. By having a dedicated space on campus, Beaver Classic can further integrate itself into the daily lives of students and faculty, offering easy access to fresh, local artisan dairy delights!
Savoring Success: The next chapter for Beaver Classic!
Beaver Classic’s evolution from a cheese-producing enterprise into a multi-faceted educational platform is a testament to OSU’s dedication to student success. The addition of the experiential learning class and the introduction of new products like Barley Scone Mix highlight the brand’s constant drive to innovate and improve.
As more students get involved in the hands-on aspects of production and retail, Beaver Classic continues to represent the best of what Oregon State University has to offer: quality products, a commitment to sustainability, and a passion for education. We continue to expand educational and product offerings under the Beaver Classic brand with a renewed focus on collaboration. The brand is no longer limited to students in business management, marketing, and engineering. We invite everyone to experience the inside scoop of our products either online or in-store!
