Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast are excited to announce that the 2025 Program Year is now open, including the 2025 Branded Program year application portal.  Funding opportunities, activities, and more are now available for suppliers in Food Export’s 23 member states to review and register.

We are thrilled to launch the 2025 program year. Food Export has worked hard to create new events in emerging markets in areas such as Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa.

What’s new for the Branded Program for 2025?

Food Export’s Branded Program provides 50 percent cost reimbursement for a wide variety of international marketing activities. 

Here’s what’s new for 2025:

• Early bird discount for applications completed and submitted by December 31, 2024. Application received before the year’s end will save $50. Application fees for the 2025 program year are $300 (filed by December 31, 2024) and $350 (filed on or after January 1, 2025).
• A new Branded Program manual for 2025 updated with the latest information, rules, and more. This booklet is available at https://www.foodexport.org/wp-content/uploads/Branded-Program-Exporter-Manual.pdf
• Improved communications regarding deadlines to enable quicker turnaround of Branded Program reimbursements. For the 2025 program year, the Branded Program team will send reminders throughout the program year.  Food Export asks all claims to be filed within 60 days of the event’s ending.
• For past participants who have solely focused on domestic activities for two or more years, Food Export is encouraging those suppliers to begin international activities for the 2025 program year. Suppliers who have a clear international focus will be given priority consideration.
• Food Export will consider eligible suppliers for 50 percent cost reimbursement on international website development; foreign market-compliant packaging and labels; advertising and public relations; in-store promotions and product demonstrations; fees for exhibiting at select overseas and domestic trade shows; marketing and point-of-sale materials; and freight costs for product samples.

Helping companies with a clear international focus mitigate their exporting risk is a key focus of Food Export’s mission.

Applications for the 2025 program year will be evaluated on performance history, return on investment, international markets, and more.

Begin your prequalification application here: https://www.foodexport.org/programs/market-promotion/branded-program/. 

2025 Activities, Education and More

Food Export is thrilled to launch the 2025 program year. In addition to a full slate of activities, we have a robust educational calendar for small- and medium-sized suppliers in our region. Food Export has worked hard to create new events in emerging markets in areas such as Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa.

Here’s a look at what’s new in 2025:

• Focused Trade Mission to Africa for Food and Feed Ingredient Products.
• Focused Trade Mission to North Africa for Wood Products.
• More Food Show PLUS!™ offerings in Asia.
• Food Show PLUS!™ at Zoomark International.
• Buyers Mission at SupplySide West.
• Buyers Mission at SuperZoo.
• Product Showcases at multiple international locations.
• Enhanced Virtual Consultations and Market Builder programs for 2025.
• Semi-monthly webinars.
• More in-person seminars.
• Increased Export Advisor Program opportunities.
• Updated Exporter Essentials Online educational programs.

For a complete list of Focused Trade Missions, Buyers Missions, and approved Trade Shows, please visit foodexport.org/events. Registration is open for 2025 domestic and international activities.

Food Export’s educational offerings set us apart. We guide suppliers and provide them with a roadmap to exporting success.

Food Export’s educational resources range from free webinars to custom market scans. While several educational components are free of charge, others are priced at an affordable price to appeal to small- and medium-sized food and agricultural suppliers looking to begin or enhance their export journey.

Food Export’s dedication to delivering outstanding value remains stronger than ever. Food Export is committed to continuous improvement and providing suppliers with value that exceeds the price. Visit foodexport.org to learn more.

Food Export’s dedication to delivering outstanding value remains stronger than ever. Food Export is committed to continuous improvement and providing suppliers with value that exceeds the price. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your Liaison.

About Food Export:

Food Export Association of the Midwest USA (Food Export–Midwest) and Food Export USA–Northeast (Food Export–Northeast) are non-profit organizations that assist U.S. companies looking to start or expand export sales. Food Export aims to maximize their success through programs and services in Export Education, Market Entry, and Market Promotion. The organizations cooperate with the agricultural promotion agencies of its 23 member states to facilitate trade between suppliers and worldwide importers, and to promote the export of food, agricultural and seafood products from those states. The organization is funded through the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), administered by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). 

To become a supplier or to learn more, please visit foodexport.org or email info@foodexport.org.