New Market Developer: November - December 2020

New Market Developer

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In This Issue: 


2021 International Marketing Program Trade Shows

We are preparing for the 2021 year at the International Marketing Program. We are looking to add additional virtual opportunities, continue our trade shows, and provide export assistance to you. If you're interested in participating in any of our 2021 trade shows, send us an email at MDARD-AgD@michigan.gov to receive notification when our events open.

Anticipated 2021 trade shows: 

  • National Restaurant Association Show | Chicago, IL | May 22-25
  • Sweets & Snacks Expo | Indianapolis, IN | June 22-25
  • Expo ANTAD | Guadalajara, Mexico | June 23-25
  • Summer Fancy Food Show | New York, NY | June 27-29
  • ANUGA | Cologne, Germany | October 9-13
  • PMA Fresh Summit | New Orleans, LA | Oct 28-29 

Kamps Hardwoods Receives '2020 Ag Exporter of the Year Award'

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has awarded Kamps Hardwoods with the “2020 Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Year Award.”

 

“We’re so thankful to all of our customers and to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for their help and support as we have sought to grow our export business, said Rob Kukowski, general manager of Kamps Hardwoods. “The team here at Kamps has worked hard to increase our quality and service as we have expanded our market and are so appreciative for the honor of this award.”

 

Founded in 2010 by Paul Kamps, Kamps Hardwoods in Dutton, Michigan, specializes in manufacturing kiln-dried lumber from standing timber harvested throughout Michigan. Working closely with a tight base of Michigan sawmills and vendors, including Kamps Hardwood’s own Buskirk Lumber in Freeport, Michigan, they produce a diverse lumber mix of species, grades, and thicknesses and are Forest Stewardship Council certified, which demonstrates their commitment to sustainable forestry.

Kamps Hardwood

Pictured (left to right): Paul Kamps, President, Kamps Hardwoods; Tyler Kamps, Vice President of Operations and Export Sales, Kamps Hardwoods

Read the full press release about Kamps Hardwoods' award here


Going Virtual to Find Export Success

The International Marketing Program and our partner organizations are here to help your company, and we are adapting many programs and services to fit the virtual landscape. 

 

The goal of MDARD's International Marketing Program at MDARD is to provide you and your company with assistance for all your export needs, including customs documentation, export market research, and much more! We are here to help you, and we are able to conduct all our assistance virtually or over the phone.

 

  • MDARD Virtual Export Consultations: If you're looking to discover new export opportunities or looking to get started, we are here to help! 
  • Food Export's Export Advisor Program: This year-long service provides customized service from an experienced advisor to kick-start or improve your exporting efforts.
  • Food Export Market Builder: It's a great time to do market research on your target market, and Food Export's Market Builder is the solution! Find new distributors or importers, receive feedback about your products, and more.
  • Alibaba.com Promotion: Take advantage of Food Export's promotion to advertise your products in a new way on the international market. Consider creating a virtual storefront on Alibaba.com. 

 

Click here to read about more offerings from Food Export

 


Sweet Export Success for Dave's Sweet Tooth

Dave's Sweet Tooth

Dave’s Sweet Tooth, located in Harrison Charter Township, Michigan, in the 10th Congressional District, has exhibited and met with buyers at Food Export events such as the 2018 Midwest Buyers Mission and the 2017 Focused Trade Mission to Toronto for Specialty and Natural Products. According to Andrew Chmielewski, founder and CEO, “The Food Export Program has been a great way for us to meet international buyers and learn about their needs, as well as create new relationships that will be mutually beneficial as we continue to grow our business in both the U.S. and abroad.”


Through their participation in the Focused Trade Mission to Toronto, Dave’s Sweet Tooth has increased sales and begun the process of expanding into new markets. “The program has provided us with many positive experiences, and we look forward to participating in future events,” said Chmielewski.

 

Click here to read the full export success story


Upcoming Events

MEDC eCommerce Webinar Series: Rakuten

November 19 | Online

 

MEDC eCommerce Webinar Series: Intro to Amazon

December 3 | Online

 

MEDC eCommerce Webinar Series: International Sales with Amazon

December 17 | Online

 

Virtual Connect: Winter 2021

February 1-4, 2021 | Online

 

Value-Added Feed Ingredients Buyers Mission at the 2021 IPPE

January 27, 2021 | Atlanta, Georgia

 

Virtual Trade Mission to Costa Rica

February 8-11, 2021 | Online