Orlando, Florida
June 2 – 4, 2019
The 2019 International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) Show took place in Orlando, Florida from June 2nd to 4th. According to their website “The IDDBA show brings together today’s leaders with tomorrow’s innovators to all grow the future of their business. As the leading show in the industry, [they] attract over 9,000 attendees and exhibitors and feature over 2,000 booths.” The show featured both guest speakers and the opportunity to walk the show floor and connect with both current and potential suppliers.
Food Export held a Dairy Deli Bakery Buyers Mission in conjunction with the show. There was a total of 13 U.S. suppliers and 7 international buyers who participated. Food Export – Midwest Recruitment and Liaison Supervisor, Paul Weiss, International Marketing Program Coordinator Femke Bosch, and Food Export – Northeast Liaison Madison Smith all attended the show to meet with suppliers and help facilitate the Buyers Mission.
Thanks to our new partnership with IDDBA, we saw great success at this show!
Activity Coordinator Maureen Coughlin presenting a market overview to some of the international buyers participating in the mission.
International buyer participating in the Dairy Deli Bakery Buyers Mission go on a retail tour of a local grocery store to learn more about the industry.
Show floor at IDDBA.
Food Export – Northeast Liaison Madison Smith manning the booth at IDDBA.
One-on-one meetings taking place between U.S. suppliers and international buyers at the show.
More one-on-one meetings.
Look who we ran into at the show! Our In-Market Representative from Vietnam poses with Food Export – Midwest International Marketing Program Coordinator Femke Bosch.
Food Ingredients Buyers Mission at the 2019 Institute of Food Technologists Show
New Orleans, Louisiana
June 3 – 5, 2019
The 2019 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Show took place in New Orleans, Louisiana from June 3rd to 5th. The IFT show offers a unique opportunity for suppliers in the Food Ingredients industry to come together to network, collaborate, learn about the always growing and evolving market segment. This show is unique compared to many of the shows we attend throughout the year because of its focus on the science of food.
Our Food Ingredients Buyers Mission at the IFT show is always one of our highlights of the year and offers a great chance to connect one-on-one with our food ingredients suppliers. This year’s Buyers Mission was very successful as we had 17 U.S. suppliers and 13 international buyers participating. We anticipate a lot of successes from of this event and look forward to reporting them as evaluations come in.
Maps for the IFT 19 show in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Food Export – Midwest’s 50th Anniversary banner outside the room where the Buyers Mission will be taking place.
Participating international buyers, Food Export staff, and our In-Market Representatives for Mexico participating in a market briefing as well as learning more about Food Export’s program and services.
Buyers Mission meeting room – before.
Buyers Mission meeting room – after.
Show floor at IFT.
A few of the international buyers enjoying a local restaurant in New Orleans.
There was live music inside the convention center!
Looking forward for the 2020 IFT Show to be back in Chicago.
NEASDA Annual Meeting/Food Export – Northeast Board Meeting
Brewster, Massachusetts
June 2 – 5, 2019
Food Export – Northeast Executive Director Tim Hamilton and Deputy Director Joshua Dillard attended the Northeastern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NEASDA) Annual Meeting in Massachusetts from June 2nd to 5th. NEASDA is comprised of the Commissioners, Secretaries, and Directors of Agriculture from the following states:
These Commissioners, Secretaries, and Directors of Agriculture also make up the Food Export – Northeast Board of Directors. So, while attending the meeting we held one of our bi-annual Board Meetings.
As part of the NEASDA Annual meeting the group took a tour of Decas Cranberry, a Food Export – Northeast supplier, to see a cranberry bog first hand. They also had the opportunity to visit an oyster and clam hatchery and nursery as well as get their feet wet in an active oyster bed.
NEASDA members and others visit Decas Cranberry and see a cranberry bog first hand.
NEASDA members and others visit an active oyster bed to learn about production.
Visiting a clam hatchery and nursery.
Visiting a clam hatchery and nursery continued.
Canada Concepts
Toronto, Canada
June 3 – 4, 2019
On June 4th, 2019 USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service – Canada hosted their annual Canada Concepts conference in Toronto, Ontario. Present at the conference were representatives from several MAP Cooperators, their in-market representatives, FAS Staff, and guest speakers.
It was a great opportunity to learn about the economic outlook for U.S. exports to the Canadian market, as well as review the impact of recent Trade Policy initiatives. Guests were asked to brainstorm on new ideas for marketing promotions in Canada and provide feedback for ongoing promotions in the market. The opportunity allowed Food Export staff to collaborate with FAS Canada to determine additional resources and programs to assist Northeast and Midwest suppliers to export to the #1 market for U.S. processed food exports.
Part of the conference was dedicated to celebrating Maria Arbulu, a Senior Agricultural Marketing Advisor with FAS Canada for receiving the 2019 Orlando J. Worth Award for Trade Promotion! Maria has been a great behind-the-scenes ally to U.S. exporters looking to increase their presence in the Canadian market and her efforts are greatly appreciated!
The opening of the annual Canada Concepts meeting in Toronto.
Holly Higgins the Minister-Counselor for FAS in Canada presenting.
Maria Arbulu and family receiving the 2019 Orlando J. Worth Award for Trade Promotion
Rhode Island & Vermont Outreach Trip
Rhode Island & Vermont
June 3 – 6, 2019
Food Export – Northeast Liaison Apryl King conducted a State Outreach trip to the states of Rhode Island and Vermont from June 3rd to 6th. Her trip consisted of a variety of supplier visits, round table events, and presentations to help strengthen the relationship that Food Export – Northeast has with Rhode Island and Vermont suppliers as well as our state members.
While in Rhode Island Apryl conducted a round table event at Hope & Main for suppliers to come and learn more about Food Export’s programs and services that help U.S. suppliers export their food and ag products. After the presentation a great discussion began on exporting between the participating suppliers. She also visited several of the current Rhode Island suppliers we work with to learn more about their products and to discuss their international marketing plans for 2019 and 2020.
Then Apryl traveled to Vermont where she met up with our In-Market Representative for Canada Kathy Boyce and our State Member from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Lauren Masseria. She conducted several more visits with Vermont suppliers about their participation with Food Export – Northeast. She also attended the Vermont Specialty Food Association Meeting and gave a brief presentation about Food Export.
The Food Export Round Table event that took place at Hope & Main.
An informational banner about Hope & Main.
Supplier visits in Rhode Island included a stop at American Mussel Harvesters, Inc.
The Vermont State House located in Montpelier
Food Export – Northeast Liaison Apryl King at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.
The Annual Vermont Specialty Food Association Meeting.
Food Export – Northeast’s Information Table at the The Annual Vermont Specialty Food Association Meeting.
Food Export In-Market Representative for Canada Kathy Boyce giving a presentation at The Annual Vermont Specialty Food Association Meeting
Hong Kong Visit
Hong Kong
June 3, 2019
Food Export – Midwest International Marketing Program Manager Teresa Miller travelled to Hong Kong on June 3rd to visit the FAS Post as well as our In-Market Representatives. She met with the FAS Post in Hong Kong to discuss our programs for the rest of 2019 that are happening in the market, including the following:
We appreciate all of their support in helping us and our U.S. suppliers looking to expand their presence in Hong Kong! While in Hong Kong Teresa also met with our In-Market Representatives in Hong Kong to conduct some training.
The Hong Kong harbor at night.
Food Export – Midwest International Marketing Program Manager Teresa Miller meeting with the Hong Kong post to discuss future events happening in the market. Chris Li, Amy and Director Alicia Hernandez, we appreciate all their support!
Food Export – Midwest International Marketing Program Manager Teresa Miller with Ada Wong, Kimberly Leung, and Karis Wu after conducting a training session for new staff at our IMR in Hong Kong.
China Importer Seminars
Shenzhen, Chengdu, Beijing
June 4 – 6, 2019
Food Export – Midwest International Marketing Program Manager Teresa Miller traveled to China June 4th to 6th to conduct three Food Export Importer Seminars in the cities of Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Beijing.
Importer Seminars are designed to educate international buyers about U.S. food and agricultural products as well as introduce them to Food Export’s programs and services. We have been increasing the number of Importer Seminars we conduct due to our recent funding from the USDA’s Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP).
These three Chinese seminars were very well attended by interested Chinese importers and many great conversations began about U.S. products in the Chinese market.
Shenzhen
Food Export – Midwest International Marketing Program Manager Teresa Miller prepares for the first of three Importer Seminars happening in China.
Teresa Miller with Ursula Chen, Ag Marketing Specialist at the Guangzhao ATO office.
Shenzhen Skyline.
Chengdu
Chengdu Skyline.
Importer Seminar #2 in China, this time in the city of Chengdu.
Beijing
Import Seminar #3 in China, in Beijing.
Teresa Miller talks with guests at the Importer Seminar in Beijing.
Teresa Miller with a confirmed American Lobster while visiting a market in Beijing.
Teresa Miller with a Founders beer, a Michigan based company, on the shelves of a Chinese grocery store.
USDA Agri-Business Trade Mission to Colombia
Bogota, Colombia
June 4 – 7, 2019
Food Export – Midwest Deputy Director Michelle Rogowski traveled to Bogota, Colombia to participate in the USDA Agri-Business Trade Mission to Colombia that was led by USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Ted McKinney, who was a past Food Export – Midwest Board President while he served as Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. Also, in attendance was the U.S. ambassador to Colombia Kevin Whitaker. The mission included speeches by Under Secretary McKinney and Ambassador Whitaker, a variety of one-on-one meetings between U.S. suppliers and local Colombian buyers, and opportunities to network with industry professionals.
Colombia is a $3 Million Dollar market for U.S. food and ag products with major consumer cities like Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellin offering great opportunities for exports. However, it is important to keep in mind that cost is an issue in the market as Colombians are very price conscious and the discount store sector is growing faster than any other. One of the fastest growing sectors in the market is pet food. There are large displays in many of the local grocery stores with a variety of pet products available.
Bogota, Colombia.
Under Secretary Ted McKinney giving opening remarks at the USDA Agri-Business Trade Mission to Colombia.
Under Secretary Ted McKinney speaking at a networking lunch during the USDA Agri-Business Trade Mission to Colombia.
Peru Importer Seminar
Lima, Peru
June 6, 2019
After attending the USDA Agri-Business Trade Mission to Colombia, Food Export – Midwest Deputy Director Michelle Rogowski traveled to Lima, Peru to present at a Food Export Importer Seminar for Peruvian importers. This was our first time hosting an Importer Seminar in Peru, and we had a great turnout with over 20 local importers attending. It was also a great opportunity to promote our upcoming Focused Trade Mission to Peru happening this September.
A Food Export Importer Seminar for Peruvian importers took place in Lima.
Sr. Cesar Kou from KMC International presenting at the Peruvian Importer Seminar.
Sr. Cesar Kou from KMC International presenting at the Peruvian Importer Seminar.
Food Export – Midwest Deputy Director Michelle Rogowski presenting at the importer seminar.
Minnesota Ag Mission to Peru
Lima, Peru
June 6 – 7, 2019
After the Food Exporter Importer Seminar in Lima, Peru Food Export – Midwest Deputy Director Michelle Rogowski stayed in Peru to join the delegation participating in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Ag Mission to Peru. This mission included a retail tour of local stores, as well as a tour of a local outside wholesale market. Lima is the primary consumer city in the country and therefore holds the majority of the market potential. Cost is a bigger issue in Lima than in Bogota so there is potential in the market, but it will take time to develop. Experts see potential developing in the hotel and restaurant sectors as the tourism of Peru continues to develop.
Wholesale market tour in Lima.
Wholesale market tour in Lima continued.
Wholesale market tour in Lima continued.
Wholesale market tour in Lima continued.
Plant Based World Expo
New York, New York
June 7, 2019
Food Export – Northeast Liaison Deborah Ingravallo travelled to New York City on Friday, June 7th to attend the Plant Based World Expo held at the Javits Center. The show as host to exhibitors and speakers in the retail and food service markets focused on gaining a better understanding of how plant-based is rapidly becoming integrated into mainstream culture. Deb had the opportunity to walk the show floor to meet with some of our current suppliers and meet potential new suppliers who could benefit from our programs and services.
She also had the opportunity to meet with Gregory Larkin, International Business Advocate, NJ Business Action Center, Susan Widmer, Director, Northern NJ, US Commercial Service, and Janet Robertson, Commercial Officer, US Commercial Service of Central and Southern NJ.
The lobby of the Javits Center in NYC set up for the Plant Based World Expo.
Show Floor of the Plant Based World Expo.
Gregory Larkin, International Business Advocate, NJ Business Action Center. Susan Widmer,Director, Northern NJ, US Commercial Service, Janet Robertson, Commercial Officer, US Commercial Service of Central and Southern NJ, Deborah Ingravallo, Liaison, Food Export – Northeast on the floor of the Plant Based World Expo.
South Korea Importer Seminar
Seoul, South Korea
June 9, 2019
Food Export – Midwest International Marketing Program Manager Teresa Miller traveled to Seoul, South Korea on June 9th to present at a Food Export Importer Seminar aimed at educating Korean importers and buyers about Food Export’s programs and services. The seminar was very well attended by local importers, and there were many great conversations about the Korean market for U.S. suppliers.
Bringing the Foods of the Midwest and Northeast USA to the World poster.
Our In-Market Representatives from Korea, Food Export – Midwest International Marketing Program Manager Teresa, and other seminar speakers including Peter Olson from the ATO office.
There were over 100 attendees at the South Korean Importer Seminar in Seoul.
A very well attended and interactive importer seminar.
Kristie Park, one of our In-Market Representatives in the Korean market making opening remarks.
Peter Olson from the local ATO market presenting to the attending importers.
Teresa Miller presenting at the importer seminar.
Teresa Miller presenting at the importer seminar continued.
Teresa Miller and a few of the staff of our In-Market Representative in Korea pose in front of the Food Export banner.
SeaWeb Seafood Summit
Bangkok, Thailand
June 10 – 14, 2019
Food Export – Northeast Seafood Program Coordinator Colleen Coyne traveled to Bangkok, Thailand to attend the 15th annual SeaWeb Seafood Summit, the world’s premier conference on Seafood Sustainability. She also participated in a panel about “Ingraining Sustainability in the USA Brand: Working Together For Shared Market Success in Southeast Asia”.
Food Export – Northeast Seafood Program Coordinator Colleen Coyne participating in the “Ingraining Sustainability in the USA Brand: Working Together For Shared Market Success in Southeast Asia” panel.
Colleen Coyne presenting at the SeaWeb Seafood Summit panel.
Colleen Coyne presenting at the SeaWeb Seafood Summit panel continued.
Peace Corps Thought Leaders Forum
Washington, DC
June 11, 2019
Food Export – Midwest and Food Export – Northeast Executive Director Tim Hamilton participated in the first installment of the Peace Corps Thought Leaders Forum for former Peace Corps volunteers who are currently working in the agriculture and food security industries in Washington D.C. Tim served in the Peace Corps in Ghana before his time at Food Export.
Read a full recap of the panel on the Peace Corps website.
Food Export – Midwest & Food Export – Northeast Executive Director Tim Hamilton participating in the Peace Corps Thought Leader Forum in Washington D.C.
Caribbean and Latin American Buyers Mission
Miami, Florida
June 12 – 13, 2019
On June 12th and 13th the annual Caribbean and Latin American Buyers Mission was held in Miami, Florida. This was a joint event with Food Export – Midwest, Food Export – Northeast, and the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA). With 14 international buyers coming from throughout the Caribbean and Latin America to meet with U.S. suppliers from the Midwest, Northeast, and South it was a very busy day and a half of one-on-one meetings. Also in attendance were representatives from the USDA, FAS, NASDA, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Food Export HelplineTM Counselor Dennis Lynch, was also in attendance and facilitated an engaging panel discussion including both buyers and suppliers. This allowed for insightful conversations on relevant topics before meetings took place, including exclusivity, export price quotations, and what buyers look for in a supplier. Participants left more informed and more familiar with one another.
International Buyers participating in a Retail Tour of U.S. stores to learn more about our food and grocery industry.
Retail Tour continued.
Food Export HelplineTM Counselor Dennis Lynch poses with a buyer from El Salvador during the Retail Tour.
Food Export – Midwest International Marketing Program Associate Calleigh O’Connor, Food Export – Northeast Liaison Deborah Ingravallo, Food Export HelplineTM Counselor Dennis Lynch, and Illinois State Member Kim Hamilton pose with one of our partners in front of the Buyers Mission sign.
One-on-one meetings between U.S. suppliers and a variety of international buyers from throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.
A few Food Export Staff Members pose with some of the international buyers that participated in our Latin and Caribbean Buyers Mission.
Specialty Food Buyers Mission at the 2019 Summer Fancy Food Show
New York, New York
June 23 – 25, 2019
The Specialty Food Association’s Annual Summer Fancy Food Show took place in New York City at the Javits Center from June 23rd to 25th. Food Export held our annual Specialty Food Buyers Mission in conjunction with the show to give U.S. suppliers the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a variety of international buyers.
With over 60 participating U.S. suppliers and over 15 participating buyers from around the globe it was a very successful mission. There were many great conversations started for U.S. companies to get their foot in the door in a variety of international markets.
Several of our State Members attended, including Bonita Oehlke from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and Lauren Masseria from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture also attended the show, stopped by our Buyers Mission, booth, and walked the show with one of our liaisons to talk directly with Vermont companies that utilize our programs and services.
International buyers participating in the Specialty Food Buyers Mission go on a retail tour in local NY stores.
Retail tour continued.
Retail tour continued.
Retail tour continued.
Food Export Buyers Mission sign outside the meeting room.
Food Export Liaisons and Branded Staff pose with a few of the participating international buyers as well as Secretary of Agriculture and Food Export – Northeast Board Member Anson Tebbetts of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.
One-on-one meetings between U.S. suppliers and international buyers.
Food Export – Northeast Liaisons Apryl King and Madison Smith pose with Branded Program Associate Haley Dack in front of the entrance to the Summer Fancy Food Show.
Food Export – Northeast State Member Bonita Oehlke from Massachusetts poses with an international buyer at the Food Export booth.
Food Export – Northeast Liaison Madison Smith and Food Export Intern for NY Kaylah pose at the Food Export booth.
Food Export – Northeast Liaison Apryl King, 2 representatives from the Vermont Specialty Food Association, State Member Lauren Masseria from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. Francie from Olivia’s Croutons, and Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts pose at the Olivia’s Croutons booth on the show floor at Summer Fancy
Food Export – Northeast Liaison Apryl King poses in front of a giant Sofi Award.
Food Export – Northeast staff stop by the Zesty Z: The Za’atar booth on the show floor at Summer Fancy.
MASDA Annual Meeting/ Food Export – Midwest Board Meeting
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
June 24 – 27, 2019
Food Export – Midwest Executive Director Tim Hamilton and Deputy Director Michelle Rogowski attended the Midwestern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (MASDA) annual meeting in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
MASDA is comprised of the Commissioners, Secretaries, and Directors of Agriculture from the following states:
These Commissioners, Secretaries, and Directors of Agriculture also make up the Food Export – Midwest Board of Directors. So, while attending the meeting we held one of our bi-annual Board Meetings.
As part of the MASDA annual meeting they took a trip to the Oklahoma National Stockyards as well as the Lazy E Ranch.
MASDA members pose in front of a horse at the Lazy E Ranch.
Separatist.
Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Taste of the Caribbean Competition
Miami, Florida
June 24 -25, 2019
Food Export – Northeast Seafood Program Coordinator Colleen Coyne and In-Market Representative for the Caribbean Pamela Wells traveled to Miami, Florida to participate in the annul Taste of the Caribbean Event hosted by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association.
Food Export – Northeast was a sponsor of the event, and Colleen presented about Northeast U.S. seafood during one of the educational sessions.
Colleen and Pamela had the opportunity to see the Seafood competition of the Taste of the Caribbean event, where chefs from a variety of Caribbean countries had to prepare a meal using a mystery box of seafood ingredients.
Educational seminar held as part of the CHTA Taste of the Caribbean Event.
Food Export – Northeast Seafood Program Coordinator Colleen Coyne giving a presentation during the educational seminar.
Judging going on during the event.
The winners in the 3 categories that used Northeast Seafood products were:
Individual Chef: Cayman Islands – Dimuth Munasignha
Food Export – Northeast Seafood Program Coordinator Colleen Coyne and In-Market Representative Pamela Well Russel pose with the winner of the Individual Chef competition.
A photo of the winning culinary creation
Caribbean Chef of the Year: Cayman Islands – Jason Thomas Au
A photo of the winning culinary creation
Junior Chef: Bahamas – Hazen Roelle
A photo of the winning culinary creation
You can see all of the winners and more photos on the CHTA website.
FAS Regional Workshop
Cartagena, Colombia
June 25 – 27, 2019
Food Export – Northeast Deputy Director Josh Dillard traveled to Cartagena Colombia to participate in a FAS Regional Workshop. He even gave a presentation about Food Export’s Trade Lead program.
Cartagena Skyline.
Food Export – Northeast Deputy Director Josh Dillard presenting about our Trade Leads program at the FAS Regional Workshop in Colombia.
COMING UP IN JULY
USAEDC Attache Seminar – July 10 – 11
Central America Importer Seminars: Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua – July 15 – 17
Focused Trade Mission to Mexico for Private Label, Food Service, and Retail Products – July 16 – 18
2019 Midwest Buyers Mission – July 29 – August 1