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McClure’s Pickles, LLC has participated in Food Export-Midwest’s Branded Program since 2011 to expand its brand’s international awareness and increase exports. Founded in 2006, Detroit, Michigan-based, McClure’s Pickles LLC is a family-owned and operated manufacturer/producer of gourmet pickles, relish, sauerkraut, bloody Mary mix, and pickle-flavored potato chips. Brothers Bob and Joe McClure started the company using their great-grandmother’s recipe with the hope of having a successful business.
Most recently, in 2023, McClure’s Pickles participated in the Market Access Program funded Branded Program to increase their product’s exposure in New Zealand. The supplier used their allocated funds to complete a robust marketing strategy that included TV and radio advertising, product tasting demonstrations, paid digital promotions, shipping product samples, creating promotional giveaway items, develop in-store displays, to name a few.
For the past twelve years, McClure’s has participated in Food Export’s Branded Program, attended Buyers Missions, webinars, Focused Trade Missions, and is part of the Online Product Catalog. However, as noted, the Michigan supplier values the Branded Program as the most important service provided by Food Export and the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Market Access Program.
View this and other success stories here.
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The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development voted to approve Food and Agriculture Investment Program (FAIP) grants to Popz Beez for $55,000 and Byron Center Meats for $70,000. These funds will enable the companies to enhance local supply chains, generate new economic opportunities for farmers and food-based businesses, and create new good-paying jobs locally.
FAIP plays a crucial role in our state's economic development. It is specifically designed to provide financial support for projects that expand food and agriculture processing, thereby fostering growth in the industry and bolstering Michigan’s economy. The selection of projects is based on their potential to impact the overall agriculture industry, as well as food and agriculture growth and investment in the state.
View the full press release here.
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The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) awarded 24 Rural Development Fund Grants designed to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure that benefits rural communities.
MDARD received 91 proposals with requests totaling more than $7.2 million. Of those, MDARD awarded 24 projects totaling just over $1.8 million, leveraging a match of more than $9.8 million.
The grant funds, Public Act 411 of 2012, are aimed to promote the sustainability of land-based industries (food and agriculture; forestry; mining, oil and gas production; and tourism) and support workforce training, rural capacity building, business development and infrastructure that benefits rural communities.
Eligible counties include those with a population no greater than 70,000 residents or micropolitan statistical areas. Preference was given to projects in Marquette County.
The proposals were evaluated through a competitive process. For more information about this grant program or a complete list of eligible counties, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.
View the full press release here.
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International Marketing
14 Michigan companies exhibited with our International Marketing Program at the Sweets and Snacks Expo in Indianapolis and at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago in May. MDARD’s International Marketing Program works to secure booth space at these shows and sell them to Michigan companies and provide upgraded booth packages for companies exhibiting.
The Sweets and Snacks Expo moved to Indianapolis in 2024 and had over 1,000 exhibitors and 16,000 attendees, making the show the premier event for the confectionery and snack industries. Seven exhibitors in the Michigan Pavilion reported $2.865 million in domestic sales in the next 12 months and $510,000 in export sales in the next 12 months. A total of 300 new domestic buyer contacts and leads and 62 new export buyer contacts and leads were made. Immediate domestic sales were $750,000 and immediate export sales were $190,000. The show was successful for all of the Michigan companies that attended, and we are looking forward to Sweets and Snacks 2025!
The National Restaurant Association Show further proved that it is the premier event for the foodservice industry with 58,000 foodservice professionals attending the show in 2024, a 6% increase from 2023. Seven exhibitors in the Michigan Pavilion at the show are anticipating $3.616 million in domestic sales in the next 12 months and $460,000 in export sales in the next 12 months. A total of 283 new domestic buyer contacts and leads and 52 new export buyer contacts and leads were made. Immediate domestic sales were $1.15 million and immediate export sales were $125,000. We are excited to head back to the Windy City in 2025 for another successful National Restaurant Assocation Show!
“Participation with the Michigan Pavilion at trade shows and working with the International Marketing Program have played a huge role in the continued growth of Pop Daddy Snacks. They have introduced us to countless domestic and international buyers, reduced our cost to attend shows, and have provided continuous guidance and support along the way. We look forward to continuing our participation with the Michigan Pavillion and the International Marketing Program for the foreseeable future.” -Mark Sarafa, Pop Daddy
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Industry News
Food Prize, hosted by Pure Michigan Business Connect, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and others, is seeking food and beverage businesses looking for support to start or scale operations!
The food pitch competition and food event will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024 in Battle Creek. As part of the event, six winners will be selected to receive a part of a $40,000 prize pool! Applications to participate in the competition must submit an application by August 1, 2024.
Participating businesses must meet the following criteria:
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Be located in Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Jackson, Hillsdale, Calhoun, Branch, St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, Van Buren, Cass, or Berrien counties.
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Have under $750,000 in annual revenue.
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Have 10 employees or less (part-time employees can be measured as full-time equivalents).
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Operate a food business under the Michigan Cottage Food Law or Michigan Food Law.
More information on eligibility and application requirements can be found here.
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July 29-30, 2024 | Grand Rapids, MI
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