Peterson Brands, LLC, formally King Brands, is a Peterson Farms Family of Companies business. They have been a cornerstone of quality, food safety, and value for over three decades and supply shelf-stable juices in aseptic liter boxes and in cups or pouches. Their products require no refrigeration and are ready to serve – this allows them to be major distributors in the food service sectors that include healthcare, schools, military, airlines, cruise lines, and other food service-related industries.   

Last year, Peterson Brands, LLC received a $250,000 Food and Agriculture Investment Program Grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). This funding was used as part of a $33 million expansion of Peterson Brands’ capacity for putting juice into containers. This project also initiated the creation of 96 new positions over the next three years within Shelby Township and the reduction of offshore fruit sourcing. The project touches on several key agricultural benefits, including increased apple purchases, higher revenue for growers, additional job opportunities, and increased local economic activity driven by staff spending.

Through the support received from MDARD on this project, Peterson Brands has gained insight into export opportunities and further grant funding that could help to facilitate even more growth. The company has also enjoyed their connection with MDARD and being able to share the department’s extensive data and communications with their network of 410 family-owned farms.

View the full success story on our website. 

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring recently announced that the state’s ag-related exports set a new record in 2024, reaching $2.9 billion. The new benchmark was released to mark National Agriculture Trade Day and represents a more than $282 million increase from 2023. 

Michigan is the most agriculturally diverse state with regular access to water, resulting in a wide range of exported products. From bulk corn to snack products, dried fruit and dairy products, the goods produced in Michigan vary greatly. The demand for high-quality Michigan products continues to grow in local, domestic and international markets. 

MDARD’s International Marketing Program works to assist Michigan food, agriculture, and forestry businesses in developing domestic and international market opportunities. These opportunities include trade shows, buyers missions, trade missions, market research, and more. Events such as the 2025 Summer in the Cities Buyers Mission: Columbus Stop or the Focused Trade Mission to Canada for Retail and Food Service can help companies by setting them up with one-on-one meetings with interested, vetted buyers helping companies to expand their markets. 

Visit Food Export's event page for a full list of the International Marketing Program’s events and visit our website to learn more about how the International Marketing Program helps businesses in Michigan. 

View the full press release on our website. 

Making It In Michigan (MIIM) is a premier food trade show and networking conference. The event is on May 7, 2025 starting first with the networking conference from 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. and ending with the food trade show from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.  

The conference presents an opportunity for industry professionals to hear from keynote speakers, retailer panels, and educational speakers. This is a great opportunity for anyone who is looking to learn more about specific parts of the industry and how to advance their own businesses. 

The trade show is a great way for food entrepreneurs to attract retail buyers for wholesale accounts. In addition, it is a great chance for businesses to walk the floor and network with colleagues and share skills and ideas. 

For more information and to register for both the conference and the food trade show, visit the MIIM registration page.