NASDA Powers Up for 2007 U.S. Food Export Showcase
News Date: 1/22/2007
Contact: Terri Sullivan, U.S. Food Export Showcase Management
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) is powering up for the 2007 U.S. Food Export Showcase (May 6-8 in Chicago), which is expected to draw large delegations of food executives from around the world, especially China.
“One success story that has emerged from the Showcase is the growing impact of buyers from China,” explains Showcase Director DeWitt Ashby. “NASDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) have made a concerted effort to develop this market and we’re seeing results.”
The 73 members of the China delegation generated $39 million in actual sales and projected future purchases for the 2006 Showcase. For 2007, NASDA is following the same strategy to cultivate this audience including personal visits to prospective attendees, working with an experienced Shanghai-based marketing consultant, distributing bi-lingual promotional materials, and collaborating with FAS offices throughout the country.
Upon arrival in Chicago, the Chinese delegation will receive personalized attention through an orientation program that helps them focus on product categories of primary interest. They also receive helpful information on conducting business with U.S. companies as well as how to navigate around McCormick Place. In addition to the orientation program, the China delegation receives support from translators and trade experts through the International Business Center, which is located adjacent to the Showcase exhibit floor.
The U.S. Food Export Showcase is designed to help small and mid-size food manufacturers tap into the growth potential of international markets. By teaming up with their local state department of agriculture and exhibiting in their state’s “pavilion,” the Showcase offers entrepreneurs an affordable way to reach food buyers from around the world. From Cape Blanco Cranberries in Port Orford, Oregon to the Certified Clam Corp in Highland, New Jersey, American food manufacturers are actively pursuing the 96 percent of consumers who live outside the U.S.
“The greatest potential for future expansion of food exports lies with the burgeoning middle class in developing countries,” Ashby explains. “The U.S. Food Export Showcase helps small and mid-size businesses reach this audience in a way that is efficient and cost effective.”
This year marks the finale of the Power of Five partnership, which in recent years has hosted five distinctive food shows at the same time in McCormick Place. The Power of Five includes NASDA’s U.S. Food Export Showcase, the Food Marketing Institute’s (FMI) Show, the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) Fancy Food Show, the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association’s United Produce Expo, and the Organic Trade Association’s All Things Organic show.
For information on attending or exhibiting at the 2007 U.S. Food Export Showcase May 6-9 in Chicago’s McCormick Place, please contact:
U.S. Food Export Showcase Management
10474 Armstrong Street
Fairfax, Virginia 22030 USA
Phone: 703-934-4700, Fax: 703-934-4899, E-mail: usfes@cmgexpo.com
NASDA is a non-profit association of public officials representing the commissioners, secretaries, and directors of agriculture in the 50 states and four territories of the United States of America.