|
SIAL Paris is known for its impact in the agri-food industry and once again the show lived up to its reputation this year. The 2014 show was attended by over 150,000 visitors and 6,500 exhibitors covering 200 countries.Three Michigan companies, Cherry Marketing Institute, Graceland Fruit and Michigan Dry Bean Commission, traveled to
Paris, France to attend SIAL Paris from October 18-23, 2014 in the Michigan specialty crop booth
as part of the USA Pavilion.
Interaction with show
attendees was productive and steady. International buyers sought out the
Michigan booth to discuss specific products as raw ingredients
as well as processed and retail products. The show was considered a success by exhibitors
who reported anticipated growth in existing markets as well as opportunities in
new foreign markets. In addition to meeting new and existing international buyers, SIAL Paris also provides companies the opportunity to learn more about emerging trends in the food industry and experience foreign markets first hand.
Companies who are interested in exhibiting at SIAL Paris or other SIAL shows are encouraged to contact Jamie Zmitko-Somers at zmitkoj@michgian.gov or (517)284-5738.
Upcoming Export Seminars
 Start off 2015 by building your export knowledge base. The International Marketing Program will host two export seminars in early 2015 for both current and future food and agriculture exporters.
The “Why to Export” seminar on January 13 in the greater Detroit region is perfect for companies to explore why exporting is an excellent way to grow their business and how to get started. The featured speakers are Dennis Lynch
and Paul Wiess from Food Export-Midwest. The seminar will also feature a
company panel of experienced Michigan food exporters to offer first-hand
knowledge of how to be successful.
For intermediate and experienced exporters, there will be another
seminar on February 10 in East Lansing to provide further exporter education.
The seminar will feature Continental Dairy Facilities LLC, the 2014 Michigan
Agriculture Exporter of the Year. In 2013, 5% of total US milk powder products
were exported by Continental Dairy Facilities LLC. Continental Dairy Facilities
LLC is a leading dairy exporter that found immediate success after opening in
2012 and can offer great export advice to fellow Michigan companies. The
seminar will highlight insurance, logistics, terms of payment and a case study.
Market Spotlight: China
 |
|
The shift in the Chinese economy from being largely agricultural to industrially driven, along with consumer distrust of local goods, has led China to rely on foreign countries to supply them with the high quality, nutritious and convenient food that consumers seek. China is the fifth largest importer of Michigan products and the value is projected to increase significantly. |
China’s top imports from Michigan are:
Dairy
Products - $16.2 million
Cereal, Flour and Starch - $4.67 million
Food Preparations - $3.56 million
Chinese
consumers purchase Michigan food and agriculture products for their high
quality, international flavor and ability to be taken on-the-go. In fact, consumers
will often pay top dollar for these goods since they are not produced locally. The
increasingly busy lifestyles of the Chinese population have contributed largely
to Michigan’s high value exports, especially with regard to snacks. When it is
not possible to have a family dinner, it is not uncommon for a Chinese
household to rely on snacks alone. Younger generations have contributed greatly
to the rise of processed and frozen convenience snack sales, as most do not
have time to learn how to cook because of their increasingly demanding academic
requirements.
The
well-traveled population craving goods with international flavors has also
promoted the rise of convenience stores, bulk retail outlets, and western-style
family restaurants. China’s food industry is beginning to resemble America’s in
many ways. Rather than going to the grocery store daily for fresh goods,
consumers have shifted to making one weekly trip to purchase longer lasting
products. Additionally, there has been a large increase in home delivery,
healthier options from foodservice operators and online marketing being used to
attract consumers. These unique shifts in demand in the Chinese market have
created an increased opportunity for Michigan food and agriculture products to
thrive in the Chinese marketplace.
Potential
buyers can be found by participating in next year’s Food
Show PLUS! at SIAL China. Many Chinese buyers attending this show are looking to establish
reliable, long-term trading relationships. Show participation enhances initial
contacts with importers, agents, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and
others in the food and beverage industry. The Food Export Association is also
offering a Focused
Trade Mission to Northern China for food service products. This is an ideal way to make international
contacts and develop relationships with Chinese importers. More information on exporting to China is
available in the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service FAIRS Report.
Source: Euromonitor
Michigan Companies Find Success at Americas Food and Beverage Show
Six Michigan companies traveled to Miami for the Americas Food and
Beverage (AFB) Show on October 27-28. The Michigan Pavilion provided an opportunity for Michigan companies to find new domestic and
international buyers. The Michigan Pavilion included: Graceland Fruit, Michigan Apple Committee, Michigan Bean Commission, Michigan Potato Commission,
Cherry Central and Lorann Oils. Several of these companies expect to enter into
a new export market and anticipate an increase in sales due to
their participation in the show.
Companies interested in learning more about the 2015 show are encouraged to contact International Marketing Program Manager, Jamie Zmitko-Somers at zmitkoj@michigan.gov.
|
Why to Export Seminar
January 13, Greater Detroit Area
Export Seminar featuring MI Ag Exporter of the Year
February 10, East Lansing, MI
Fruit Logistica
February 4-6, Berlin, Germany
Focused Trade Mission to Canada for Retail, Food Service and Specialty Products
February 10-11, Vancouver, Canada
Trade Mission to Colombia and Dominica Republic
February 23-26, Colombia & Dominican Republic
National Restaurant Association Show - Buyers Mission
May 16-19, Chicago, IL
Food Marketing Institute Connect - Buyers Mission
June 8-9, Chicago, IL
Register Now for Upcoming Michigan Pavilions
The American Food Fair Showcase will be held in conjunction with the National
Restaurant Association (NRA) show next year on May 16-19 in Chicago. Companies
who exhibited in the Michigan Pavilion last year reported anticipated sales of
$730,000.
Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Connect also offers great opportunities
at the show in Chicago on June 9-11, 2015. Last year’s participants in the
Michigan Pavilion expect to enter into new export markets and anticipate an
increase of $2.1 million in sales due to their participation in the show.
Registration deadlines are December 1 for the NRA show and December 15
for FMI Connect. For more information
about the Michigan Pavilions and to download the space applications, please
visit the website.
For questions and to register, please contact Jamie Zmitko-Somersat zmitkoj@michigan.gov with
completed space applications.
Graminex Generates Exceptional Export Success Around The Globe
Graminex, LLC of Saginaw, Michigan has used Food Export’s Market Builder, Food Show PLUS!TM and Branded Program for several years to make connections in new markets at tradeshows and significantly boost their export sales.
When asked about the positive outcomes of Food Export’s financial assistance, tradeshow enhancement and market research, International Sales and Marketing Coordinator, Colleen May said, “We are grateful for the valuable services provided by Food Export. They have played an instrumental role in the expansion of Graminex’s international reach.”
READ MORE >
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for valuable insider information about upcoming events, services, export trends, links, and news.
|
