Special Edition: 2015 Export Activities
This upcoming year brings grand export opportunities to
Michigan food and agriculture companies. In 2015, there are many events and
opportunities to begin, build or expand exporting for Michigan food and
agriculture based businesses.
Michigan’s economy is reinforced by the global export
market, with food and agriculture exports creating a $3.2 billion industry and
supporting over 20,000 jobs. Exports of
consumer food products are growing three times faster than sales in the United
States due to foreign consumers’ growing purchasing power and lower trade
barriers. Exporting is an essential way for Michigan companies to increase
sales and profits by tapping into a far greater consumer market.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural
Development’s (MDARD) International Marketing Program understands that
exporting can be overwhelming. The program is available to assist Michigan’s
food and agriculture based businesses reach their exporting goals. The
International Marketing Program works with the Food
Export Association of the Midwest to provide Michigan companies with a
wide range of programs, services and events to grow export sales.
To register or
discover more information about each activity, click on the activity title in
each table.
To discuss your export plan for 2015 contact MDARD’s
International Marketing Program. Program staff are on hand to answer questions
and provide export advice. Call 517-284-5738 or visit www.michigan.gov/agexport
for more information.
Export Opportunities Offered by MDARD
Throughout the year, the Michigan Department of Agriculture
and Rural Development (MDARD) hosts educational export seminars that will make
Michigan companies more competitive in the global marketplace. The seminars
address a vast array of topics and provide value to new and seasoned exporters
alike.
The “Why Export” seminar on January 13 will kick off the new
year with information on: reasons to export, how to evaluate export readiness
and pricing and quoting: terms of sale. The seminar will feature two representatives
from Food Export and a company panel of experienced Michigan food exporters to
offer first-hand knowledge of how to be successful. On February 10, MDARD will
host another export seminar featuring the 2014 Exporter of the Year,
Continental Dairy Facilities. The company’s Chief Operating Officer, Steve
Cooper, will speak about how to achieve export success. In addition, the
seminar will address export insurance and export logistics. If you are
interested in learning more or would like to register online, Click Here.
Michigan businesses are also offered multiple opportunities
to exhibit within Michigan pavilions held at various international and domestic
trade shows. This year alone, Michigan pavilions at trade shows have generated
889 leads and $3.08 million in expected sales. Take advantage of these effective
and affordable opportunities to showcase products under the Michigan name, know
globally for outstanding quality, by participating in one of 2015’s several
trade shows.
Seminar - Why Export?
January 13 | Novi, MI
Fruit Logistica
February 4-6 | Berlin, Germany
Export Seminar featuring 2014 MI Ag Exporter of the Year
February 10 | East Lansing, MI
Michigan Pavilion at the National Restaurant Association Show
May 16-19 | Chicago, IL
Michigan Pavilion at the Food Marketing Institute Connect Show
June 9-11 | Chicago, IL
Anuga Food Fair
October 10-14 | Cologne, Germany
Michigan Pavilion at Americas Food and Beverage Show
October 26-27 | Miami Beach, FL
For more information regarding these shows, or to register, please contact Jamie Zmitko-Somers at zmitkoj@michigan.gov or call (517)284-5738.
Food Export Trade Missions
Focused Trade Mission to Canada for Retail, Food Service, and Specialty Products
February 10-11 | Vancouver, Canada
Focused Trade Mission to Northern China for Food Service Products
July 15-17 | Shen Yang and Beijing, China
Focused Trade Mission to Korea for Specialty and Natural Products
August 25-26 | Seoul, South Korea
Focused Trade Mission to Canada for Specialty and Natural Products
September 9-10 | Toronto, Canada
Focused Trade Mission to Singapore for Retail and Food Service Products
October 18-19 | Singapore
Focused Trade Mission to the Middle East for Retail and Food Service Products
November 18-19 | Kuwait City, Kuwait
Food Export Buyers Missions
Specialty Foods Buyers Mission at the Winter Fancy Food Show
January 10-12 | San Francisco, CA
Food Service Buyers Mission at the National Restaurant Association Show
May 16-19 | Chicago, IL
Sweets and Snacks Buyers Mission at the Sweets and Snacks Expo
May 18-19 | Chicago, IL
Caribbean & Central American Buyers Mission for Retail & Food Service Products
June 23-25 | Miami, FL
Midwest Buyers Mission
July 27-30 | Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois
Value-Added Feed Ingredients Buyers Mission at World Dairy Expo
September 28- October 2 | Madison, WI
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Michigan Ag Exporter of the Year 2015
MDARD recognizes a top food and agriculture exporter with ‘Michigan
Ag Exporter of the Year’ award each year to a deserving Michigan company. Applications
for the 2015 Ag Exporter of the Year will open early in the New Year. The
award is a signal of success to international buyers and the business community
that demonstrates the company's quality and achievements.
Last year’s winner was Continental Dairy Facilities, a raw
milk processor that produces several products, including nonfat dried milk,
which is shipped globally. The company only sold their products domestically
and in Mexico in 2012, but they increased exports by a staggering 706% in 2013
and reached new markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.
This rapid growth positioned them as a leading milk exporter. In 2013, 5% of
all U.S. milk powder products were exported by Continental Dairy Facilities.
To be eligible for the award, a company's products must be
over 50 percent grown, processed or manufactured in Michigan. Companies with
headquarters in other states, but production facilities in Michigan, are
invited to apply on the basis of their Michigan-made exports. Past recipients
of the award are eligible to apply five years after their initial award if they
have significantly increased their exports or expanded into new markets.
For more information about the Michigan Ag Exporter of the
Year award and to download the application, visit the International Marketing
Program website.
 From left: Jamie Clover Adams, MDARD Director; Jeff Galbraith, Continental Dairy Plant Manager; Ron Thompson, Continental Dairy Director of Operation’s; Governor Rick Snyder; Steve Cooper, Continental Dairy COO/General Manager; Bruce Born, Continental Dairy Controller; and Jamie Zmitko-Somers, MDARD International Marketing Manager.
Get in Touch with the International Marketing Program
Jamie Zmitko-Somers
International Marketing Program Manager
517-284-5738
zmitkoj@michigan.gov
Hannah Bollinger
International Marketing Specialist
517-284-5737
bollingerh@michigan.gov
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