Food companies in the Midwest with an appetite for global expansion have a reliable partner in Food Export–Midwest. As a dedicated non-profit organization, its primary goal is to champion the export of a diverse range of Midwest food and agricultural products – everything from grains and dairy to fresh fruits and vegetables.
The 2024 Branded Program is now open for applications, aiming to assist U.S. food suppliers in enhancing their overseas marketing efforts. The program offers substantial support for maintaining market share, exploring new markets, and upscaling marketing budgets.
The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service Market Access Program (MAP) offers a cost-sharing initiative for small and medium suppliers, providing a 50% reimbursement for promotional and marketing activities. This includes showcasing at international trade shows and revamping packaging for foreign market compliance, covering a wide range of marketing facets.
Molly Burns, the Branded Program manager at Food Export–Midwest, emphasizes the inclusive nature of this program. All qualifying small to medium suppliers within the 13-state Midwest region are invited to apply–These states range from Illinois to Ohio and notably include South Dakota, which is recognized for its vibrant agricultural contributions.
The organization's track record speaks volumes in 2022, Food Export–Midwest guided 587 companies to untapped markets, creating over 10,200 jobs and revealing 320 fresh sales prospects across food and agricultural sectors, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening the U.S. export industry and increasing global brand visibility.
Photo Credit: Food Export–Midwest
Categories: South Dakota, Business