New Market Developer, November-December 2017

Issue 6: November - December 2017

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In This Issue:


2018 Activity Calendar and Highlights

Calendar Image

As 2017 draws to a close, the International Marketing Program is excited to share our 2018 calendar of events! The International Marketing Program will host an array of events, both domestically and abroad, for those just entering the international market, those working to expand their company’s presence or those simply looking to learn about international trade possibilities. Whatever your needs or interests, this coming year is full of opportunities!

Michigan Pavilions at seven trade shows will take place throughout the year in Chicago, Miami, Paris, and Dubai. Next year’s new additions include Gulfood in Dubai, February 18-22 and the Sweets and Snacks Expo in Chicago, Illinois, May 22-24. 

Food Export-Midwest will host several Buyers Missions across the country with the International Marketing Program collaborating on four important events. The Midwest Buyers Mission will take place in East Lansing, MI on August 1. As in past years, this event is an excellent opportunity to connect with international buyers interested in the best of the Midwest.

The International Marketing Program is partnering with Food Export on two Focused Trade Missions. The first will take place in Toronto, Canada from September 5-6 for buyers and suppliers with specialty and natural products. Food Export’s first ever Focused Trade Mission to Australia and New Zealand is scheduled for September 10-14 and MDARD’s Trade Mission to China will take place later that month.

For more details and a full list of events, please visit www.michigan.gov/exportevents


Trade Show Reimbursement with Branded Program

Exporting

The Branded Program is a cost-share funding program available through Food Export-Midwest to help Michigan food and agricultural exporters promote their products in international markets. Companies can receive up to a 50% reimbursement on eligible international marketing activities, including advertising, packaging modifications, international web design, and eligible domestic or international trade shows.

Eligible trade shows for the Branded Program include popular events like the American Food Fair at the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show, the Sweets and Snacks Expo, and the American Food and Beverage Show. Reimbursable activities at trade shows:

·         Exhibition fees and set-up charges

·         Booth equipment and furnishing rentals

·         Promotional materials such as pamphlets and brochures

·         Temporary signage

·         And much more!

New Trade Show Eligibility Opportunity

A previous rule that didn't allow reimbursements if companies had exhibited at an eligible show within the past three years without Branded Program funds has been eliminated! Companies may now include these trade shows on Branded Program applications.

Please contact the International Marketing Program with any questions. Access the Branded Program Exporter Manual to view a full list of eligible activities, application details, and steps to apply.


Welcome Yihan!

Yihan

The International Marketing Program would like to welcome our newest International Marketing Coordinator, Yihan Wang. Yihan recently earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Michigan's Environmental Policy and Planning program. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Affairs from George Mason University. Yihan recently interned with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality working on environmental education projects, data analysis for environmental compliance, and acting as the interpreter and coordinator for Chinese delegation visits. The International Marketing Program is excited to have her join the team and know she will be a valuable addition. Welcome Yihan!

Companies can contact Yihan at WangY1@michigan.gov.


Market Spotlight: United Kingdom

The UK

The United Kingdom is a vital component to the global marketplace. Ranked as the 5th largest economy in the world, it serves as a hub for global trade. The UK, made up of Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, offers significant access to mainland European markets. Despite recently voting to leave the European Union (EU), there will likely be minimal irregularities between the UK and the US with only minor disruption in the trading supply chain as the process of secession progresses. The UK is currently, and will remain, a safe investment stronghold with market access to many other regions, including the Middle East and Northern Africa.

The United States and the United Kingdom have held a special relationship for centuries. This partnership is now maintained by the strong economic union between the two countries due to the similarities between each country’s consumer habits. The U.K. presents market opportunities for many U.S. consumer-oriented products, including specialty food products, “healthy” food items, sauces, fruit, nuts and juices. Another popular product exported from the US to the UK is alcoholic beverages. Consumers desire a variety of alcoholic beverage products, which will pave the way for further US exports. A similar trend can be seen in the neighboring country of the Republic of Ireland which saw 2016 malted beer sales grow by more than 10 times its value in 2013.

In 2016, the UK imported approximately $9.6 million in agricultural goods from Michigan. The top products exported from Michigan to the UK in that same year were dried fruits, prepared fruits, vegetables, and processed food products. 

For companies interested in entering the UK market, Food Export-Midwest’s “Focused Trade Mission to the UK and Ireland for Healthy and Natural Products” will take place March 20-23, 2018. Health and convenience foods are the main driving forces in the U.K. value-added food and beverage market. Consumers in this relatively wealthy country are looking for variety in high quality food products especially those perceived to have health and fitness benefits.Interested companies can register here, or for more information, contact the International Marketing Program.

(Source: USDA FAS GAIN Report, Euromonitor)

Upcoming Events

Focused Trade Mission to Southeast Asia for Feed Ingredients and Additives
Mar. 12-14 | Vietnam and Thailand
Registration ends Nov. 20

Specialty Food Buyers Mission at the 2018 Winter Fancy Food Show
Jan. 20 -22 | San Francisco, CA
Registration ends Dec. 8

2018 Northeast Buyers Mission: Philadelphia
Jan. 29 | Philadelphia, PA
Registration ends Dec. 22

2018 Northeast Buyers Mission: New York
Jan. 30 | New York, NY
Registration ends Dec. 22

2018 Northeast Buyers Mission: Boston
Feb. 1 | Boston, MA
Registration ends Dec. 22


MDARD Rural Development Grant

MDARD is offering Rural Development grants to help address expansion and sustainability of land-based industries to benefit rural communities. Proposals are due by January 16, 2018; $100,000 maximum grant amount and a minimum 30% match required, please visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants and click on "Rural Development Fund Grants" to find more information and to see if you are eligible. 


Ask Dennis Q&A

Q: What are the biggest ways foreign markets can differ from the U.S.?

A: It has been nearly 30 years since the term “global markets” was first used. It referred to the transformation of more similar, even standardized, needs and wants among nations, especially those who could afford them. This standardization included food products and the growth in value added U.S. food exports to global markets has been quite evident.

The “drivers of globalization” that have spurred demand include growth of the middle class in emerging markets, expected to reach nearly one billion by 2020. Changing demographics and new tastes and preferences are another factor, especially growth of two-income families, which creates more purchasing power and increases the demand for convenience. 

Read Dennis' full response at http://bit.ly/2y0q73y.

Written by Dennis Lynch, Food Export Helpline Counselor


Welcome Rita!

Rita

The International Marketing Program would like to welcome our newest intern, Rita Erickson! Rita is a junior at Michigan State University studying International Relations with minors in Arabic and Economics. She is the current president of Michigan State University’s United Nations Association. Rita will be working with the International Marketing Program to help Michigan based food and agricultural companies export their products globally. Welcome Rita!


Get in Touch with the International Marketing Program

Jamie Zmitko-Somers headshot

Jamie Zmitko-Somers
zmitkoj@michigan.gov
517-284-5738


Allie Headshot

Allie Fox VanDriel
foxa1@michigan.gov
517-284-5737

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