If you’ve used Food Export–Northeast’s Branded Program or are considering it for your global marketing efforts in 2023 and have questions, the organization has developed a new online resource guide to serve as a one-stop-shop for program essentials. The Branded Program is one of Food Export– Northeast’s signature offerings to Northeast US seafood suppliers and is a great way to extend an international marketing budget. Suppliers can get up to 50% reimbursement for qualified marketing expenses. The new online resource page has the following helpful information:

Background and Foundational Documents: 

At the top of the resource page, suppliers will find essential downloadable documents to help them gain a better understanding of the Branded Program and how they can leverage it for their international marketing efforts. These include: 

• New 2023 Exporter Manual: A 52-page complete guide to managing the Branded Program. 
• Eligible Expenses: A new easy-to-use two-page guide that quickly outlines marketing expenses qualified for reimbursement.
• Eligible Travel: When booking travel, use this handy two-page guide to make sure your travel plans meet the program’s reimbursement criteria.

Video How-To Series: 

We recognize that not everyone likes to learn by reading. Video content has become an increasingly valuable educational tool for all ages. On the resource page, you’ll find nine (9) short, helpful videos hosted by our knowledgeable Branded Program Managers. In each video, Branded Program experts walk you through the different marketing tactics eligible for reimbursement and how to make sure those expenses qualify. Suppliers can learn how other companies are using the program – there are a variety of marketing tactics that you may not have considered for your international marketing efforts like video production, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and social media. These tactics are included in the Branded program for reimbursement. Get the details from our experts. 

Example Claims: 

One of the most asked questions we receive about the Branded Program is, “What kind of documentation is needed when submitting an international marketing expense for reimbursement?” The online resource provides eight (8) of the most common claims with sample documents submitted annually as part of the Branded Program. These include: 

• Contractors
• Export Compliant Labels
• Export Compliant Packaging
• Giveaway Items
• Sample Shipments
• Social Media
• Tradeshow Booth
• Website Development 

FAQ

Each year, we get asked similar questions from a variety of companies. We’ve compiled the 27 most frequently asked questions on the resource page that you can easily scan. You’ll find answers to questions in the following categories: 

• Tradeshow Expenses
• Payments & Paperwork
• Pre-qualification, Application and Reimbursement Process 
• Eligible Expenses

If you still have questions, please reach out to a Branded Program expert. 

About Food Export USA–Northeast 

With its extensive programs and educational offerings, Food Export USA–Northeast (Food Export–Northeast) is recognized as the preeminent expert and cost-effective resource for Northeast seafood and agricultural suppliers looking to sell their products overseas. Founded in 1973, Food Export–Northeast is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively with its 10 member states’ agricultural promotion agencies from Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, to facilitate trade between suppliers and worldwide importers and to promote the export of food, agricultural and seafood products from those states. Since its founding, the organization has helped Northeast seafood suppliers gain access to a broad range of export markets, supported overseas in-market educational and promotional programs and offers emerging suppliers access to funds to help grow their export business. The organization is funded through the Market Access Program (MAP), administered by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.

Learn more about us and what we do for the Northeast seafood industry here.  Contact us.