In This Issue:
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
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.
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.
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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)
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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 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.
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
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!
Jamie Zmitko-Somers zmitkoj@michigan.gov 517-284-5738
Allie Fox VanDriel foxa1@michigan.gov 517-284-5737
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