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Welcome to the Marketing Minute, highlighting the
marketing and development activities of the
Minnesota Department of Agriculture |
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Two Exciting Trade Missions
on Tap in March
Food Export Midwest is offering great trade opportunities in March that will help Minnesota ag and food companies explore and open up market activities in India and China.
The trade mission to New Delhi and Mumbai, India is scheduled March 10-14. This mission is being held in conjunction with the AAHAR Food Show. Products will be displayed in the Food Export Booth and company reps will have the opportunity to schedule trade meetings there.
Through Food Export's Branded Progarm, companies may be eligible for a 50% reimbursement for travel costs. Get all the information from MDA's Christina Connelly at christina.connelly@state.mn.us or 651-201-6220.
Coming up March 28-30 is Food Show PLUS-Food Ingredient China, the largest international show on food additives and ingredients. Over 1000 exhibitors from more than 20 countries will be present at the show in Shanghai, China.
Food Export Midwest can help you with technical and logistical assistance by providing pre-show feedback on your competition, translation of your marketing materials, an in-market briefing and orientation, retail store visits, a booth interpreter, pre-arranged meetings with potential buyers, trade lead qualification, and post-show follow-up assistance.
Contact MDA's Su Ye at su.ye@state.mn.us or 651-201-6384 for more information. |
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Turkey Products
Gaining Popularity in China
Turkey products are turning up on more dining tables in China, thanks to the work of the Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council (MTRPC), the U.S. Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) and the MDA. The groups used a federal grant to promote turkey consumption in restaurant chains in China. The project began with Mr. Xu Yong, General Manager of the Shanghai-based Long Jing Xuan (LJX) restaurant chain, who used turkey imported from the U.S. to create traditional Chinese dishes with a new flair. Mr. Xu's traditional Chinese family-style restaurants are now serving U.S. turkey dishes at their five Shanghai locations.
On December 2, Steve Olson (MTRPC) and Brian Erickson (MDA), hosted a chef-demonstration and recipe-tasting event for media to sample and enjoy of the turkey recipes developed by Mr. Xu. The event was recorded and the video will be used to help promote the use of U.S. turkey in other restaurants throughout China. |
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MDA Leads Successful Animal Feed
Trade Mission to Vietnam
In late November, MDA Assistant Commissioner Charlie Poster and International Trade Rep Christina Connelly led a 20-person delegation on a trade mission to Vietnam. The group included representatives of Minnesota animal feed companies and ag organizations. With more than 10% annual growth in gross domestic product and an expanding population, Vietnam's demand for protein products, such as pork, is rising rapidly.
"Vietnam is already the largest producer of pork in Southeast Asia," says Connelly. "But demand is still outpacing supply. Vietnamese producers are eager to learn and buy from U.S. companies to enhance their operations which is creating a unique and timely opportunity for our feed companies in Minnesota."
During the mission, delegates had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with more than 35 Vietnamese buyers in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. They also visited four feed mills and one of Vietnam's new soy crushing plants.
The delegation included representatives from the Minnesota Soybean Growers/Research and Promotion Council, the American Soybean Association in Southeast Asia, Famo Feeds, Midwest Ag Enterprises, Northwest Grains International, Ralco Nutrition, Knewtson Soy Products, the Minnesota Grain and Feed Association and the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.
MDA also conducted a seminar for Vietnamese pork producers and feed companies featuring University of Minnesota swine nutrition expert Dr. Sam Baidoo and the American Soybean Association's animal nutritionist Dr. Salim Bootwalla. About 40 attendees listened to presentations and discussed U.S. value-added soybean meal, farm management techniques and disease control.
Some companies have already made sales to Vietnamese buyers as a result of the mission; others are busy following up with new contacts on potential leads. A few have plans in the works to visit Vietnam again in the next year or two. |
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Say Hello to Our New Format!
Beginning with our January issue, MDA will introduce a new title and format for our e-newsletter. The "MDA Market Leader" will have a refined focus on MDA's marketing activities with special emphasis on exporting and trade opportunities for Minnesota producers of food and agricultural products.
We believe this change will give many of you more of the news you're looking for while building on the success of your businesses and organizations. We hope you will continue to be a loyal subscriber as we invite many new recipients to opt-in for the "MDA Market Leader" next month. |
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Governor Greets Tree Growers
Governor Mark Dayton greeted the growers of the Capitol Christmas trees last week. The photo is taken in the Governor's Reception Room with the tree grown by Ken Olson of Happy Land Tree Farm in Sandstone.
In the photo (L to R) is Minnesota Landscape and Nursery Association (MNLA) President Bert Swanson, Darleen Swanson, Governor Dayton, and Ken Olson.
Olson is a member of the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association and Minnesota Grown. A tree donated by MNLA is also on dispay in the Capitol Rotunda. |
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Get Organic Conference Discount through Dec. 30
December 30 is the deadline to take advantage of the early registration discount for the 2012 Minnesota Organic Conference. The annual event is January 13-14 at the River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.
Get $25 off the registration fee for this two-day conference that's packed with keynote speakers, break-out sessons, organic meals and a trade show.
Whether interested in soil biology, weed management, season extension, livestock production, marketing, licensing rules, or insect and disease control, this conference has a lot to offer crop, livestock and vegetable farmers alike. It's also a good networking opportunity for even first time attendees to feel right at home.
See the brochure and registration materials at www.mda.state.mn.us/organic or call 651-201-6010. |
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