In This Issue:
 Michigan companies can now register to participate in a variety of International Marketing Activities in 2019, including Michigan pavilions, buyers missions, and trade missions.
Michigan Pavilions
Michigan Pavilions at domestic and international trade shows provide eligible Michigan food and agriculture companies with a walk-in ready booth at an affordable rate. In 2019, Michigan Pavilions will be offered at:
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Gulfood
- February 17-21, 2019 - Dubai, U.A.E.
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American Food Fair at the NRA Show
- May 18-21, 2019 - Chicago, IL
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BAR19 at the NRA Show
- May 18-21, 2019 - Chicago, IL
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Sweets and Snacks Expo
- May 21-23, 2019 - Chicago, IL
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Summer Fancy Food Show
- June 23-25, 2019 - Javits Center, New York
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Anuga
- Oct. 5-9, 2019 - Cologne, Germany
Buyers Missions & Trade Missions
Registration is also now open for 2019 buyers missions and international trade missions. These events present the perfect opportunity for Michigan food and agriculture companies to meet with qualified international buyers and learn more about potential export markets. The International Marketing Program in conjunction with Food Export-Midwest will offer the following activities in 2019:
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Specialty Food Buyers Mission at the Winter Fancy Food Show
- January 12-14, 2019 - San Francisco, CA
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Focused Trade Mission to Canada for Specialty & Natural Products
- April 1-5, 2019 - Toronto, Canada
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Beer Ingredients Buyers Mission at Brew Expo 2019
- April 9, 2019 - Denver, CO
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Food Service Buyers Mission at National Restaurant Show
- May 18-20, 2019 - Chicago, IL
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Beer, Wine, & Spirits Buyers Mission at BAR19
- May 20, 2019 - Chicago, IL
To register or learn more about each event (including pricing), visit michigan.gov/exportevents or email us at MDARD-MiAgExport@michigan.gov. For a complete list of 2019 Food Export activities, visit https://bit.ly/2QZtA7I.
The Branded Program is a cost-share funding program available through Food Export-Midwest that reimburses 50% of eligible international marketing activity expenses. Eligible expenses include costs associated with advertising, public relations, international web design, eligible trade missions, international trade shows, eligible domestic shows, and label modifications.
If you are a U.S. company that meets the SBA guidelines of a small business and you promote brand name products that contain at least 50% agricultural content by weight, your business may be eligible!
The Branded Program recently announced additional funds available called the Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) Program. ATP is a new USDA FAS funded program that is working to reduce the damage impact from retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products. ATP funding is not subject to the 5-year “graduation” from a particular market. Activities previously not reimbursable due to graduation could potentially be eligible for the 2019 program year. If you no longer meet the SBA guidelines or have graduated from a specific market, these funds may be available for you!
The first step to apply to the Branded Program, and potential ATP funding, is to complete the free pre-qualification as soon as possible. Once approved, companies will then submit a full application.
Contact the International Marketing Program for guidance regarding your 2019 international export activities and assistance with completing the Branded Program’s pre-qualification and application. Funding is limited!
The International Marketing Program can be reached at MDARD-MiAgExport@michigan.gov or at 517-284-5738. For additional information about the program, visit https://bit.ly/2OJ8Gfs.
 The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's Trade Mission to China took place September 17-21, 2018. Participating companies included Shoreline Fruit Growers, Inc., Graceland Fruit, Cherry Central, Dave's Sweet Tooth, Journeyman Distillery, Peterson Farms, Inc., the Michigan Corn Marketing Program, and the Michigan Potato Industry Commission.
Whether it was Beijing, Guangzhou, or Shanghai, each day of the mission was filled with various activities and new opportunities to connect with international buyers and learn more about the Chinese market. Companies participated in retail tours, one-on-one meetings with qualified Chinese buyers, and received market briefings from the Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) in each city.
As a result of the trade mission, five companies expect an increase in sales over the next 6-12 months. In addition, these Michigan companies were able to establish 58 new contacts in the market.
Trade missions provide Michigan food and agricultural companies the perfect opportunity to maintain or create new connections with international buyers. They also help to assist companies in understand the local market and consumer trends. To learn more about trade mission opportunities, visit michigan.gov/exportevents.
We live in a data-driven world. From our phones to our tablets, pads, laptops and apps, we are constantly surrounded by information. So why not use it for exporting too? Using data is a vital step in becoming a competent and confident exporter. Join Food Export's as they review several important sources of export data and discuss how to use them to make better business decisions in their free webinar "How to Use Data to Support Your Export Strategy."
The webinar will explain the following:
- Finding HS Codes & Schedule B Numbers
- Accessing Raw Export Data (And Doing Something With It)
- Understanding Duties, Taxes, & Tariffs on your Products
To log into your Food Export account and view this webinar, visit https://bit.ly/2D6CJsc.
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 Ever wonder how exporting can help your business? Learn from the Gluten Free Bar (GFB). Founded in 2010, the GFB was able to expand its business through connecting with international buyers. Marshall Rader, CEO of the Gluten Free Bar, proclaimed, "The GFB grew 60% last year for Canada and is on pace to double this year." Learn more about the GFB's export success by watching the success story video at this link: https://bit.ly/2K7nKyb.
 In 2017, King Orchards participated in the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development's Trade Mission to China and Food Export's Focused Trade Mission to South Korea. These trade missions helped the business connect with international buyers. As a result, King Orchards made their first ever export sale to South Korea.
Juliette King, Project Manager for King Orchards, noted, "The trade missions were a great learning experience. Not only did we meet buyers representing a wide range of the food industry, but we got to learn about the local culture."
Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/2yztk8P
Specialty Food Buyers Mission at the Winter Fancy Food Show
Jan. 12 - 14 | San Francisco, CA
Value-Added Feed Ingredients Buyers Mission at the IPPE
Feb. 13 | Atlanta, GA
Food Show PLUS! at CHFA West
Feb. 22 - 24 | Vancouver, Canada
Frozen Food Buyers Mission at AFFI-Con 2019
Feb. 23 - 25 | San Diego, CA
Food Show PLUS! at Expo ANTAD & Alimentaria
Mar. 4 -7 | Guadalajara, Mexico
The International Marketing Program would like to welcome our newest intern, Elena Boxey! Elena is a senior at Michigan State University studying Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education with dual minors in Public Relations and Environmental Sustainability. She is also a member of Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority and the National Agri-Marketing Association. She will work with the International Marketing Program to help Michigan-based food and agricultural companies export their products globally. Welcome, Elena!
Get in Touch with the International Marketing Program
 Jamie Zmitko-Somers
zmitkoj@michigan.gov
517-284-5738
 Allie Fox VanDriel
foxa1@michigan.gov
517-284-5737
 Kathryn Kendall
kendallk2@michigan.gov
517-284-5740
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