FC Development Corp. and ShelfSpace Marketing Announce Strategic Partnership to Drive New Product Development for The Farmer’s Cow

Tony Cusano to Lead Innovation as ShelfSpace Takes the Helm of Product Development for the Iconic Farmer-Owned Brand

Norwich, CT – March 22, 2025 – FC Development Corp. (FCDC), the brand management and expansion entity for The Farmer’s Cow, is thrilled to announce a formal agreement with ShelfSpace Marketing, led by industry powerhouse Tony Cusano, to spearhead all new product development under The Farmer’s Cow brand. This partnership marks a significant step in FCDC’s mission to expand the cooperative’s portfolio, leveraging ShelfSpace’s expertise to innovate and grow the brand’s presence in the retail market.

Under the agreement, ShelfSpace Marketing will work on behalf of FCDC, the designated brand marketing, management, and distribution entity for The Farmer’s Cow, LLC, to develop and launch new products that align with the cooperative’s commitment to quality and land stewardship. Tony Cusano, with over four decades of experience in the food, beverage, and consumer goods industries, will lead this initiative as the director of product development for FCDC’s Retail Division. His proven track record of building iconic brands positions him as the ideal leader for this transformative phase, along with his familiarity with the brand.

“Partnering with ShelfSpace Marketing and Tony Cusano is a game-changer for The Farmer’s Cow brand,” said Edwin Molina, CEO of FC Development Corp. “Tony’s track-record speaks for itself, he is incredibly well-seasoned, and he is a master at his craft. His unparalleled expertise in product development and brand growth will accelerate our ability to bring innovative, on-trend, high-quality products to market. His partnership in this mission will further strengthen our connection with consumers and significantly support our cooperative members.”

Cusano’s career highlights include scaling Eagle Snacks to $60 million in regional sales as Northeast Sales Director, achieving a record 51% market share for Anheuser-Busch in Metro New York as VP of Sales, and revitalizing Cape Cod Potato Chips as an owner, growing it to $100 million in revenue in just four years after taking it over as a distressed asset. From 2014 to 2019, he served as COO of Carla’s Pasta, overseeing operations and growth. Since founding ShelfSpace Marketing in 1993, he has guided brands like Famous Amos Cookies, Narragansett Brewing, Wise Potato Chip Company, and Food Should Taste Good, showcasing his ability to drive exponential growth through strategic vision and operational excellence. A graduate of the Anheuser-Busch Beer School and the Wharton School of Business, Cusano brings a wealth of knowledge and pedigree to this partnership.

“ShelfSpace Marketing is honored to lock arms with FC Development Corp. to take the beloved Farmer’s Cow brand to new heights,” said Tony Cusano, Founder of ShelfSpace Marketing. “Our team is committed to creating products that resonate with consumers while honoring the cooperative’s legacy of quality and community. The stars have aligned – this partnership is a perfect marriage of vision and expertise.”

The agreement builds on FCDC’s recent expansion as the brand management entity for The Farmer’s Cow, following a landmark partnership in early March 2025. With ShelfSpace Marketing at the forefront of product innovation, FCDC aims to introduce a series of new products, further solidifying The Farmer’s Cow’s position in the competitive retail landscape.

About ShelfSpace Marketing

Founded in 1993 by Tony Cusano, ShelfSpace Marketing is a premier consulting firm specializing in brand creation, corporate restructuring, and distribution optimization for the food, beverage, and consumer goods sectors. With a client roster that includes industry leaders like Famous Amos Cookies, Narragansett Brewing, Table Talk Pies, and recent engagements with Wise Potato Chip Company and Food Should Taste Good, ShelfSpace has a proven track record of transforming concepts into market-leading brands. The firm also manages private label production for major retailers like Stew Leonard’s and Price Chopper Markets, and has extensive experience working with food manufacturers across Europe and Canada for private label production. ShelfSpace’s expertise spans strategic product development, market expansion, and operational efficiency, helping clients navigate complex market dynamics and achieve sustainable growth. The firm combines deep industry knowledge with a hands-on approach, delivering tailored solutions that drive measurable results.

About FC Development Corp.

FC Development Corp. functions as the premier management and development entity for the esteemed Farmer’s Cow brand of companies, partnering with the Farmer’s Cow collective of six Connecticut-based family farms (i.e., the Farmer’s Cow Cooperative). FCDC was established to extend and manage the cooperative’s brand, addressing systemic challenges like the financial pressures of large agribusinesses, environmental regulations, and global competition for farmland. Recognizing these obstacles as opportunities, FCDC focuses on diversifying revenue streams, boosting brand visibility, and safeguarding the future of small family farms. This commitment is reinforced by a leadership team with expertise across finance, technology, energy, marketing, and more, collectively responsible for founding multi-million-dollar companies and raising hundreds of millions in capital.

About The Farmer’s Cow

Founded in 2003, The Farmer’s Cow cooperative unites six family-owned Connecticut dairy farms that have collectively preserved more farmland through the Connecticut Farmland Preservation Act than any other group in the state. This commitment, and 20 years of proven success, earned them the prestigious Connecticut Legacy Recognition Award in 2023, affirming their contributions to manufacturing, retail, restaurants, franchising, and clean energy – the sole recipient for the state.

For More Information:

Contact FC Development Corp. at info@fcdevcorp.com
To learn more, visit: https://fcdevcorp.com