|
|
 | |
Connelly and Kanwar |
MN companies gain insights into India export market
Eleven Minnesota food and agriculture companies and organizations took advantage of a India Market Consulting event last month to learn more about this growing export market. The group was lured by the fact that India imported $755 million in agricultural exports in 2010 - making it the 30th largest export market for US ag products!
Indian consultant Babso Kanwar presented an educational seminar as well as one-on-one meetings with the Minnesota firms. Kanwar began her work as part of a family specialty food manufacturing business and for the past two years has been working to help several American companies break into the Indian market.
MDA International Trade Representative Christina Connelly said Kanwar gave the group a comprehensive look at doing business in India.
"It was great - along with a detailed presentation about India's growing demand for imports, she provided a sampling of Indian snacks to give participants a taste for consumer preferences in India and better knowledge of the food packaging styles," said Connelly. "With food exports, it's all about taste and what the Indian people like may not even be on our radar."
While in Minnesota, Kanwar toured several food retail facilities to gain experience with US packaging and retail trends. |
|
We're here from the State and we're here to help!
Here at the Minnesota Dept. Agriculture (MDA), we maintain a database called Tradirs that includes processors, wholesalers, food handlers, exporters and many more food and agriculture businesses. This includes many of YOU - our Market Leader readers. In an effort to keep the most up-to-date information, we'll soon be sending out a survey asking about the products you offer, your contact information, and other details about your company. Whether you're a Mankato processor wanting to purchase organic blue corn or an importer from Singapore seeking whey powder, having accurate information ensures we'll have the right response to inquries about Minnesota products. We're also often asked to give referrals for service providers such as brokers or transportation firms, so the more we know about you, the more effectively we can serve you.
Please take the time to answer the survey when it arrives in your inbox via Constant Contact next month. Thanks! |
Industry Feature: 
Congratulations are in order! Minneapolis-based Northwest Grains International, LLC, (NWGI) was recently selected to receive the 2012 Governor's International Trade Award in Agriculture. A whopping 98% of NWGI's revenue comes from export sales, with primary markets in China, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines. NWGI's business focuses on high volume bulk agricultural exports - mainly DDGS (Dried Distillers Grains), corn, soybeans, and soybean meal - that require specific distribution channels.
"We leverage our strengths to better serve our customers and we continue to be attentive to satisfying their needs," says Jon Miller, NWGI Merchandiser. "The challenge is to create and find efficient distribution channels for US products that add value to their businesses."
 | |
Governor Mark Dayton presents trade award to
NWGI President Gary Mao |
|
|
|
|
|
Our mission is to enhance Minnesotans' quality of life by ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength of our agricultural economy.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
www.mda.state.mn.us
   
|
|
|
|
Final call for discounted booths at major food shows
There's still time for you to get discounted booth space at two great food shows. FMI is April 30-May 3 in Dallas and NRA is May 5-8 in Chicago. Steep discounts available for both shows. Contact Brian Erickson to reserve your space today! |
|
Meet international buyers in LV
You'll meet with foreign buyers and save a ton on international travel expenses at the International Food Technology Show June 25-26 in Las Vegas.
MDA is collaborating with Food Export Midwest to bring Minnesota companies to the show.
A group of pre-qualified international food ingredient buyers from Columbia, Dominican Republic, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Thailand, and the UK will hold one-on-one meetings with US and Minnesota suppliers. These buyers are looking for a variety of food and agricultural products, including: - bakery ingredients
- natural & organic ingredients
- beverage ingredients
- non-GMO or identity preserved ingredients
- grain & oil seed products
- dairy ingredients
- fats, fibers & sweeteners
- fruit & vegetable ingredients
- snack food ingredients
For more information, contact MDA Program Director Su Ye.
|
|
You won't want to miss Food Export's Marketing Forum!
The 2012 Food Export Marketing Forum™ is a true working conference - providing current, relevant, education; one-on-one meetings with buyers and in-market reps; and time to network with peers, export service producers and other industry leaders who want to support your success.
Early registration is now open for the event to be held October 2-3 in Chicago.
In addition to a series of educational sessions with keynote industry speakers, the forum will offer market consultations with international buyers.
MDA International Trade Representative Christina Connelly says Minnesota suppliers will learn how to increase their export sales and about the growing demand for US products overseas.
"They'll come away with new insights into current trends and best practices, and feedback about their specific products in specific markets."
For more information, visit Food Export Midwest or contact Christina Connelly.
|
|
