From the Desk of the CEO: February 2025

Dear Food Export Community, 

At the start of this year, Food Export unveiled two new pathways to help suppliers navigate their export journey: the New to Export Roadmap and the Experienced Exporters Roadmap. These roadmaps provide a structured, customizable approach to international sales—whether you’re taking your first steps into exporting or looking to refine your global strategy.

We spent the past year developing and testing these approaches to ensure they truly work. Our team worked closely with a sample group of suppliers, refining the methodology to make sure businesses of all sizes could find success in global markets.

Why a Roadmap?

A good roadmap does more than show you where to go—it lays out a clear, step-by-step approach so you can move forward with confidence. Exporting succeeds in the details, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following a structured plan, businesses can better understand market opportunities, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize their investment in international trade.

Which Roadmap is Right for You?

• New to Export Roadmap – If you’re just getting started or have little export experience, this is your guide. It covers the fundamentals, from Free Trade Agreements to market entry strategies, ensuring you build a strong foundation.
• Experienced Exporters Roadmap – If you’re already exporting and want to expand into new markets or refine your strategy, this roadmap helps you take the next step. It connects you with resources like trade missions, in-market promotions, and cost-share programs to help you stay competitive.

No matter where you are in your export journey, our Liaisons are here to provide one-on-one guidance, helping you make informed decisions and stay on track.

Resources Designed for Real-World Success

The Roadmaps aren’t just a checklist—they connect you with Food Export’s full range of tools, including:

• On-demand training – Learn at your own pace with Export Essentials Online.
• Market research & strategy – Access detailed reports and insights.
• In-market connections – Trade missions, buyer introductions, and promotional opportunities tailored to food and agriculture exporters.

Personalized Support for Your Business

One of the most valuable aspects of these Roadmaps is the direct support from our Liaison team. Our staff don’t just provide information—they work alongside you, helping you set goals, tackle challenges, and adapt your strategy as you grow. We know that no two businesses are alike, and our personalized approach ensures you’re getting the right support at the right time.

Built on Decades of Experience

For over 50 years, Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast have helped U.S. food producers expand into international markets. We’ve facilitated thousands of connections between suppliers and buyers, and the Export Roadmap is the next step in making sure our companies continue to succeed globally.

Your Path to Global Success Starts Here

The Export Roadmap isn’t just a guide—it’s a partnership to help you succeed in global markets. Whether you’re just getting started or refining an existing strategy, Food Export is here to help you take the next step with confidence.

Let’s get started.

Brendan Wilson 

CEO, Food Export-Midwest & Food Export-Northeast

Your Input Matters: If there is a topic you wish for me to discuss in this space, let me know. You can reach me at info@foodexport.org. Just put Attn: Brendan Wilson in the subject line.