Focused Trade Missions Archives - Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and Food Export USA–Northeast https://www.foodexport.org/our-programs/market-entry/focused-trade-missions/ We are Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast , non-profit organizations made up of agricultural promotion agencies from 13 Midwestern and 10 Northeastern states. Tue, 08 Jul 2025 06:00:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 Focused Trade Mission to Colombia for Retail and Food Service https://www.foodexport.org/events/market-entry/focused-trade-missions/m25col/ Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.foodexport.org/?post_type=events&p=6737 Jumpstart Your Product Export Sales to Colombia USDA’s Office of Agricultural Affairs (OAA) in Bogota reports that Colombian middle-class expansion, retail modernization, and healthy product preference as the main drivers of demand. Consumer habits and preferences continue to evolve, opening opportunities for healthy and sustainable food products. Colombia is now the second largest importer of processed […]

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Jumpstart Your Product Export Sales to Colombia

USDA’s Office of Agricultural Affairs (OAA) in Bogota reports that Colombian middle-class expansion, retail modernization, and healthy product preference as the main drivers of demand. Consumer habits and preferences continue to evolve, opening opportunities for healthy and sustainable food products. Colombia is now the second largest importer of processed food in South America. Colombia is also the largest U.S. export market in South America for intermediate products which is where most food ingredients are aggregated.

The U.S. Colombian Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA) entered into force in May 2012. This comprehensive trade agreement eliminated tariffs and other barriers to goods and services. Although over 80% of U.S. exports of consumer and industrial products to Colombia have become duty-free, the CTPA provided a duty-free tariff-rate-quota (TRQ) on certain goods that operate under a first come/first serve basis, except for rice and poultry, which are subject to auctions managed by Export Trading Companies (ETC). 

U.S. Food & Agricultural Product Exports to Colombia, By the Numbers:

  • U.S. Processed Foods – US$449.4 million (2023)
  • U.S. Intermediate Products – US$1.3 billion (2023)

Interested in learning more?

webinar icon

Watch the Sneak Peek video to learn more about the mission!

Products of Interest

Top U.S. products in demand:

  • Soybean & Products
  • Pork & Pork products 
  • Soup & Food Preparations 
  • Distilled Spirits 
  • Processed Vegetables (frozen) 
  • Bakery Goods, Cereals & Pasta 
  • Poultry Meat & Products 
  • Canned Corn & Tomatoes 
  • Sauces
  • Raw Materials for the Bakery Industry 
  • Tree Nuts
  • Dairy & Ingredients
    • Whole Milk Powder, Skim Milk Powder, and Nonfat Dry Milk
    • Whey Protein & Milk Protein Concentrates
  • Bakery ingredients
    • Sweeteners
    • Leavening Agents
    • Emulsifiers & Enzymes
    • Fats & Oils
    • Starches
    • Flavors & Colors
  • Dog & Cat Food 

Mission Itinerary 

Tuesday, November 11, 2025: Arrive in Bogota

Wednesday, November 12, 2025: Briefing and Retail Tour

Thursday, November 13, 2025: One-on-one meetings with Buyers

Friday, November 14, 2025: Depart Bogota

Schedule is subject to change.

Travel Information

Due to the nature of the global pandemic and its impact on international travel, please consider resources such a www.travel.state.gov when determining if this event is appropriate for you or your company.

Focused Trade Mission Services Provided

  • One-on-one meetings with qualified buyers
  • Pre-event custom product research including market overview, importation and distribution analysis
  • Market briefing by local USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service
  • Retail store tour
  • Table top showcase
  • Inclusion in Trade Mission brochure containing your company profile, contact details and product lines
  • On-site assistance by Food Export’s In-Market Representative
  • Identifying top leads
  • Interpreter for Meetings
  • Translation of up to two pages of marketing material into the local language

Preparation Assistance

Colombia Country Profile

Start your trade mission journey now.
We have the market intelligence you need to make informed decisions to determine if this market is right for your products.

Access in-depth country-specific data and industry research

Complimentary Webinars

Our educational webinars provide up-to-date
exporter intelligence regarding specific markets, logistics, trade financing, documentation, how to meet and follow-up with international buyers, and much more.

View Available Webinars

Export Essentials Online

Whether you’re new to exporting or need to
refresh your skills, this free online training course provides a comprehensive, flexible approach to learning the fundamentals and logistics of exporting.

Learn More

BRANDED PROGRAM

Double Your International Marketing Budget

With the Branded Program, you may be eligible for 50% reimbursement on:

  • Promotions and product demonstrations
  • Advertising
  • Select international travel costs
  • Marketing and point-of-sale materials
  • Foreign market compliant packaging/labeling
  • And much more!
Learn More about the Branded Program

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]]> Sustainable Minnesota Dairy Co-op Finds Export Success https://www.foodexport.org/success-stories/bongards-creameries/ Thu, 20 Feb 2025 14:00:22 +0000 https://www.foodexport.org/?post_type=success-stories&p=11902 “We are very pleased with Food Export and will continue to pursue more opportunities and programs.”  

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]]> In 2024, Bongards’ Creameries attended Food Export – Midwest’s Focused Trade Mission to Mexico for Retail and Foodservice to gain brand awareness and meet with interested importers in Mexico. The company used their allocated MAP funds to cover their travel to Mexico City in July to learn more about the Mexican market from local experts and attend one-on-one meetings with Mexican food service importers. Due to these actions, the Chanhassen, Minnesota-based supplier, gained $100,000 in sales to Mexico. They project to complete over $1 million in sales in the next twelve months while gaining 6 new foreign buyer contacts and establishing 2 new distributorships. Scott Tomes, Bongards’ Chief Revenue Officer, remarked, “We are very pleased with Food Export and will continue to pursue more opportunities and programs.”  

Bongards’ Creameries produces natural cheese, processed cheese, and whey. Bongards’ is a farmer-owned co-op formed in 1908 in southeastern Minnesota and is one of the largest global cheese suppliers. In addition to being a large producer of cheese and whey, Bongards’ Creameries are committed to sustainable practices, including utilizing renewable energy, recycling wastewater to irrigate crops, and being members of the Dairy Sustainability Framework, U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment, and The Dairy Sustainability Alliance. By working with their farmers to engage in sustainable practices, the co-op is building a more resilient dairy industry for the future.  

Bongards’ Creameries produces natural cheese, processed cheese, and whey. Bongards’ is a farmer-owned co-op formed in 1908 in southeastern Minnesota and is one of the largest global cheese suppliers. In addition to being a large producer of cheese and whey, Bongards’ Creameries are committed to sustainable practices, including utilizing renewable energy, recycling wastewater to irrigate crops, and being members of the Dairy Sustainability Framework, U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment, and The Dairy Sustainability Alliance. By working with their farmers to engage in sustainable practices, the co-op is building a more resilient dairy industry for the future.  

Bongards’ Creameries has participated in Food Export programs since 2003, participating in the Branded Program, Buyers Missions, Food Show PLUS! events, Focused Trade Missions, Online Product Catalog/Trade Leads, seminars, and webinars. 

Food Export uses funding from the Market Access Program (MAP) to help America’s small businesses increase their exports of food and agricultural products. As these exports increase, these small businesses are creating jobs and improving the strength and stability of our agricultural economy. Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast are non-profit organizations that work in collaboration with their member state departments of agriculture and the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. They offer a wide range of programs and services that help boost America’s agricultural exports.

Focused Trade Mission Success

Focused Trade Mission Success
 
FE-Success-story-icon-buyer-seller-introductions

New Foreign Buyer Contacts
 
Food Export Virtual Activity Success

Top Market for U.S. Agriculture Products
 

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]]> Focused Trade Mission to Egypt for Value-Added Wood Products 2025 https://www.foodexport.org/events/market-entry/focused-trade-missions/g25ana/ Thu, 31 Oct 2024 19:07:07 +0000 https://www.foodexport.org/?post_type=events&p=9378 *Buyers from Morocco will be joining this mission. Expand Your Wood Products Sales to Egypt & Morocco  Products of U.S. origin continue to be well-received in the Egyptian market due to their association with high quality. Don’t miss this chance to connect with key buyers who have expressed interest in value-added wood products from the […]

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*Buyers from Morocco will be joining this mission.

Expand Your Wood Products Sales to Egypt & Morocco 

Products of U.S. origin continue to be well-received in the Egyptian market due to their association with high quality. Don’t miss this chance to connect with key buyers who have expressed interest in value-added wood products from the United States!

Focused Trade Missions can save valuable time and resources by maximizing contact with prospective distributors and sales representatives. There’s no better way to understand the local landscape, assess the competition, and learn about the potential promotion of your products.

Why Egypt?

  • Egypt has over 110 million people
  • 120,000+ wood and furniture companies
  • 60% of Egypt’s population is under the age of 30
  • Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world and third in Africa
  • Egypt is the geographic and logistics hub (Suez Canal):  Egypt sits at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe.   Egypt’s geographic location gives exporters proximity to key markets in the Middle East and Africa 
  • Egypt’s wood sector industry’s key component is furniture production; over 90% of wood importation goes into furniture (including flooring)
  • The Egyptian furniture market is projected to have an annual growth rate of 4.59% from 2025-2029

Interested in learning more about the mission?

Download the flyer!

Wood Products in Numbers

  • US exports of wood products to Morocco totaled $10.5 million in 2024. 
  • US exports of wood products to Egypt totaled $15.8 million in 2024.  Egypt relies on wood product imports to supplement domestic production, as the country does not have large-scale domestic timber resources.

Products of Interest

Egypt imports various types of wood products, primarily to meet the demands of its construction, furniture, and manufacturing industries. The most common types of wood products imported by Egypt include:

  • Sawn Timber
  • Plywood
  • Wooden Furniture (Oak, Walnut, Pine)
  • Medium Density Fiberboard
  • Wooden Veneer

Morocco imports various types of wood for construction, furniture manufacturing, and other industries. The main types of wood imported by Morocco include:

  • Softwood (Pine, Spruce, Fir) and Hardwood Oak, Beech, Walnut, Mahogany) Lumber
  • Plywood and Veneer (Poplar)
  • Finished or Semi-Finished Wood Furniture
  • Wooden Panels:  Particleboard, Medium Density Fiberboard, Oriented Strand Board
  • Wood for Paper Production
  • Timber Logs:  Raw Logs (Both Softwood/Hardwood)

Mission Itinerary 

Saturday, 15th November: Arrival in Cairo, Egypt

Sunday, 16th November: Welcome, USDA/FAS and Market Briefing, and Meetings

Monday, 17th November​: Travel to Damietta, Site Visits, and Meetings

Tuesday, 18th November​: Travel to Alexandria, Site Visits, and Meetings

Wednesday, 19th November​: Meetings with Morocco Buyers in Cairo

Thursday, 20th November: Meetings with Morocco Buyers and Site Visits

Friday, 21st November: Departure

Travel Information

Due to the nature of the global pandemic and its impact on international travel, please consider resources such a www.travel.state.gov when determining if this event is appropriate for you or your company.

Focused Trade Mission Services Provided

  • One-on-one meetings with qualified buyers
  • Pre-event custom product research including market overview, importation and distribution analysis
  • Market briefing by local USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service
  • Inclusion in Trade Mission brochure containing your company profile, contact details and product lines
  • On-site assistance by Food Export’s In-Market Representative
  • Identifying top leads

Preparation Assistance

Egypt Country Profile

Start your trade mission journey now.
We have the market intelligence you need to make informed decisions to determine if this market is right for your products.

Access in-depth country-specific data and industry research

Complimentary Webinars

Our educational webinars provide up-to-date
exporter intelligence regarding specific markets, logistics, trade financing, documentation, how to meet and follow-up with international buyers, and much more.

View Available Webinars

Export Essentials Online

Whether you’re new to exporting or need to
refresh your skills, this free online training course provides a comprehensive, flexible approach to learning the fundamentals and logistics of exporting.

Learn More

BRANDED PROGRAM

Double Your International Marketing Budget

With the Branded Program, you may be eligible for 50% reimbursement on:

  • Promotions and product demonstrations
  • Advertising
  • Select international travel costs
  • Marketing and point-of-sale materials
  • Foreign market compliant packaging/labeling
  • And much more!
Learn More about the Branded Program

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]]> Focused Trade Mission to Kenya for Ingredient Products https://www.foodexport.org/events/market-entry/focused-trade-missions/g25asg/ Thu, 31 Oct 2024 14:40:25 +0000 https://www.foodexport.org/?post_type=events&p=9375 Jumpstart Your Product Export Sales to Kenya Kenya present numerous opportunities, which include the region’s digital economy, green economy, natural resources, consumption potential and improving value chains. Their large, young, and growing urban population will supplement the region’s labor force and will help it capitalize on its large demographic dividend. USDA’s Office of Agricultural Affairs […]

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Jumpstart Your Product Export Sales to Kenya

Kenya present numerous opportunities, which include the region’s digital economy, green economy, natural resources, consumption potential and improving value chains. Their large, young, and growing urban population will supplement the region’s labor force and will help it capitalize on its large demographic dividend.

USDA’s Office of Agricultural Affairs in Nairobi reports that Kenya is East Africa’s economic powerhouse with a strong financial sector and a relatively well-developed logistics network, making it a regional hub. Kenya’s fast-growing population and middle class, combined with an expanding foodservice and retail sector, offer many opportunities for U.S. exporters.

US suppliers of food ingredients may find opportunities in Kenya’s food processing sector.  Local ingredient production does not always meet the processing industry’s demand.  Kenya has an expanding modern food retail, foodservice and food processing sectors.

Kenya’s feed ingredients market is currently estimated at $530 million, with a potential to grow by 30 percent by 2027 due to an expanding feed industry

U.S. Food & Agricultural Product Imports to Kenya, By the Numbers

  • U.S. Processed Foods – US$17.2 million (2023)

Interested in learning more about the mission?

Download the Flyer for the FTM to Kenya

Products of Interest

Top U.S. products in demand:

  • Food Preparation Ingredients
  • Value-Added Feed Ingredients

Download this form for a detailed description of Best Prospects for Food and Feed Ingredients in Kenya

Organic & GMO Ingredient Information

Mission Itinerary 

Sunday, August 3: Arrival in Nairobi

Monday, August 4: Seminar and Feed/Food Ingredients Site Visits

Tuesday, August 5:  One-on-One Meetings

Wednesday, August 6: One-on-One Meetings

Thursday, August 7: Feed and Food Ingredients site visits

Friday, August 8: Departure 

Travel Information

Due to the nature of the global pandemic and its impact on international travel, please consider resources such a www.travel.state.gov when determining if this event is appropriate for you or your company.

Focused Trade Mission Services Provided

  • One-on-one meetings with qualified buyers
  • Pre-event custom product research including market overview, importation and distribution analysis
  • Market briefing by local USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service
  • Retail store tour
  • Inclusion in Trade Mission brochure containing your company profile, contact details and product lines
  • On-site assistance by Food Export’s In-Market Representative
  • Identifying top leads

Preparation Assistance

Kenya Country Profile

Start your trade mission journey now.
We have the market intelligence you need to make informed decisions to determine if this market is right for your products.

Access in-depth country-specific data and industry research

Complimentary Webinars

Our educational webinars provide up-to-date
exporter intelligence regarding specific markets, logistics, trade financing, documentation, how to meet and follow-up with international buyers, and much more.

View Available Webinars

Export Essentials Online

Whether you’re new to exporting or need to
refresh your skills, this free online training course provides a comprehensive, flexible approach to learning the fundamentals and logistics of exporting.

Learn More

BRANDED PROGRAM

Double Your International Marketing Budget

With the Branded Program, you may be eligible for 50% reimbursement on:

  • Promotions and product demonstrations
  • Advertising
  • Select international travel costs
  • Marketing and point-of-sale materials
  • Foreign market compliant packaging/labeling
  • And much more!
Learn More about the Branded Program

The post Focused Trade Mission to Kenya for Ingredient Products appeared first on Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and Food Export USA–Northeast.

]]> Pennsylvania Snack Supplier Finds Export Success with Food Export-Northeast https://www.foodexport.org/success-stories/herr-foods/ Wed, 28 Aug 2024 20:51:27 +0000 https://www.foodexport.org/?post_type=success-stories&p=3068 “We had lost touch with this buyer over the years. Because of Food Export’s Buyers Mission, we met face to face with the buyer, and it gave us a chance to look at new opportunities in club-size packs and rejuvenate our connection with this buyer, resulting in new sales and, more importantly, a long-term relationship.” 

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]]> In May of 2022, Herr Foods Inc., located in Nottingham, Pennsylvania, attended Food Export’s Sweets & Snacks Buyers Mission in Chicago, where they met with a buyer from Mexico. Herr Foods had previously worked with Soriana Club Mexico but had not sold anything in the last several years. They re-established the relationship and created new business because they met the buyer in person during the Buyers Mission. In 2022, Herr Foods exported more than $55,000 in barrel snacks to Mexico, and in 2023, it sold $70,000 of barrel snacks and club packs to this buyer. Herr Foods anticipates that sales of their snacks to this Mexican buyer will double in 2024. 

According to Don Lyle, International Sales Director at Herr Foods Inc., “We had lost touch with this buyer over the years. Because of Food Export’s Buyers Mission, we met face to face with the buyer, and it gave us a chance to look at new opportunities in club-size packs and rejuvenate our connection with this buyer, resulting in new sales and, more importantly, a long-term relationship.” 

In 2023, Herr Foods Inc. participated in another Food Export activity and attended Food Export’s Focused Trade Mission to South Korea for Healthy Ingredients, Retail, and Food Service. The company participated in a retail tour in Seoul and met with 18 Korean buyers during private meetings the following day. Due to these actions, the Nottingham, Pennsylvania-based supplier gained $23,000 in sales to Korea for their snack food products. This sale marked the first initial shipment to the Korean company, with hopes of more shipments in the near future.

Herr Foods Inc. was founded in 1946 and has grown immensely, becoming a leader in the snack food industry. Herr Foods Inc. produces over 340 snack food items in the retail distribution channel. The company has been family-owned and operated since its start over 78 years ago. Herr Foods Inc. has been dedicated to exporting its products to over 50 countries since 1995.

Herr Foods Inc. has utilized Food Export programs such as Buyers Missions, Market Builder, Focused Trade Missions, the Export Advisor Program, the Food Export Helpline™, seminars, and the Online Product Catalog to help aid in foreign exports throughout the years.

Food Export uses funding from the Market Access Program (MAP) to help America’s small businesses increase their exports of food and agricultural products. As these exports increase, these small businesses are creating jobs and improving the strength and stability of our agricultural economy. Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast are non-profit organizations that work in collaboration with their member state departments of agriculture and the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. They offer a wide range of programs and services that help boost America’s agricultural exports.

The post Pennsylvania Snack Supplier Finds Export Success with Food Export-Northeast appeared first on Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and Food Export USA–Northeast.

]]> Focused Trade Mission to China for Retail and Food Service https://www.foodexport.org/events/market-entry/focused-trade-missions/g25cht/ Thu, 01 Aug 2024 03:00:00 +0000 https://www.foodexport.org/?post_type=events&p=6715 Jumpstart Your Product Export Sales to China USDA’s Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) in Shanghai reports that as the largest export market for the United States, China provides a promising yet challenging and competitive market for agricultural products. A population of 1.4 billion, 65% urbanization, and a growing middle class create strong demand and potential for […]

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Jumpstart Your Product Export Sales to China

USDA’s Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) in Shanghai reports that as the largest export market for the United States, China provides a promising yet challenging and competitive market for agricultural products. A population of 1.4 billion, 65% urbanization, and a growing middle class create strong demand and potential for consumption of imported food and agricultural products. 

China remains the fourth largest market for the export of U.S. processed foods. The United States is also the fourth largest supplier of consumer-oriented food products to China, behind Brazil, Thailand, and New Zealand.

U.S. Food & Agricultural Product Imports to China, By the Numbers

  • U.S. Processed Foods – US$2.4 billion (2023)
  • Total U.S. Agricultural Exports – US$29 billion (2023)

Interested in learning more about the mission?

Watch the Sneak Peek call with our In-Market Representative.

Products of Interest

  • Healthy Snacks
  • Tree Nuts/Dried Fruits
  • Wine & Spirits
  • Bakery Ingredients
  • Dairy Products
  • Meat & Seafood Products
  • Pet Food

Mission Itinerary 

Sunday, August 10, 2025: Arrive in Shanghai

Monday, August 11, 2025: Briefing and one-on-one meetings with Buyers

Tuesday, August 12, 2025: Retail Tour, Travel to Hangzhou

Wednesday, August 13, 2025: Retail Tour, one-on-one meetings with Buyers

Thursday, August 14, 2025: Travel home or continue on to Hong Kong

Schedule is subject to change.

Register for Two Back-to-Back Missions!

Focused Trade Mission to Hong Kong for Retail and Foodservice

August 14—15, 2025

Travel Information

Due to the nature of the global pandemic and its impact on international travel, please consider resources such a www.travel.state.gov when determining if this event is appropriate for you or your company.

Focused Trade Mission Services Provided

  • One-on-one meetings with qualified buyers
  • Pre-event custom product research including market overview, importation and distribution analysis
  • Market briefing by local USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service
  • Retail store tour
  • Table top showcase
  • Inclusion in Trade Mission brochure containing your company profile, contact details and product lines
  • On-site assistance by Food Export’s In-Market Representative
  • Identifying top leads
  • Interpreter for Meetings
  • Translation of up to two pages of marketing material into the local language

Preparation Assistance

China Country Profile

Start your trade mission journey now.
We have the market intelligence you need to make informed decisions to determine if this market is right for your products.

Access in-depth country-specific data and industry research

Complimentary Webinars

Our educational webinars provide up-to-date
exporter intelligence regarding specific markets, logistics, trade financing, documentation, how to meet and follow-up with international buyers, and much more.

View Available Webinars

Export Essentials Online

Whether you’re new to exporting or need to
refresh your skills, this free online training course provides a comprehensive, flexible approach to learning the fundamentals and logistics of exporting.

Learn More

BRANDED PROGRAM

Double Your International Marketing Budget

With the Branded Program, you may be eligible for 50% reimbursement on:

  • Promotions and product demonstrations
  • Advertising
  • Select international travel costs
  • Marketing and point-of-sale materials
  • Foreign market compliant packaging/labeling
  • And much more!
Learn More about the Branded Program

The post Focused Trade Mission to China for Retail and Food Service appeared first on Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and Food Export USA–Northeast.

]]> Focused Trade Mission to Japan for Retail and Food Service https://www.foodexport.org/events/market-entry/focused-trade-missions/g25jtm/ Thu, 01 Aug 2024 03:00:00 +0000 https://www.foodexport.org/?post_type=events&p=6742 Jumpstart Your Product Export Sales to Japan There are tremendous opportunities for U.S. exporters willing and able to follow the strict Japanese product regulations and keep up with the latest trends in this market. Under the U.S. – Japan Free Trade Agreement (effective January 1, 2020), nearly 90% of U.S. food and agricultural imports into […]

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Jumpstart Your Product Export Sales to Japan

There are tremendous opportunities for U.S. exporters willing and able to follow the strict Japanese product regulations and keep up with the latest trends in this market. Under the U.S. – Japan Free Trade Agreement (effective January 1, 2020), nearly 90% of U.S. food and agricultural imports into Japan are either duty free or receive preferential tariff access. Japan is also the third largest U.S. export market for processed foods.

USDA’s Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) in Osaka reports that the Japanese food market was valued at US$564 billion in 2022 with retail sales accounting for US$327 billion (58%) and foodservice sales accounting for US$237 billion (42%). Japan relies on imports from other countries for the bulk of its food supply. The U.S. was the leading supplier of consumer-oriented agricultural products with a 17% market share. The Japanese market is highly competitive with consumers seeking quality, value, and convenience. Japan’s food industries are well-developed and innovative in all sectors, including retail, foodservice, food processing, and distribution.

U.S. Food & Agricultural Product Exports to Japan, By the Numbers:

  • U.S. Processed Foods – US$2.6 billion (2023)

Products of Interest

Top U.S. products in demand: Upcoming

Mission Itinerary 

Sunday, October 26, 2025: Arrive in Tokyo

Monday, October 27, 2025: Briefing and Retail Tour

Tuesday, October 28, 2025: One-on-one meetings with Buyers

Wednesday, October 29, 2025: Travel home or continue on to Seoul

Schedule is subject to change.

Register for Two Back-to-Back Missions!

Focused Trade Mission to Korea for Innovative, Healthy, & Convenient Products in Retail and Foodservice

October 29—31, 2025

Travel Information

Due to the nature of the global pandemic and its impact on international travel, please consider resources such a www.travel.state.gov when determining if this event is appropriate for you or your company.

Focused Trade Mission Services Provided

  • One-on-one meetings with qualified buyers
  • Pre-event custom product research including market overview, importation and distribution analysis
  • Market briefing by local USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service
  • Retail store tour
  • Table top showcase
  • Inclusion in Trade Mission brochure containing your company profile, contact details and product lines
  • On-site assistance by Food Export’s In-Market Representative
  • Identifying top leads
  • Interpreter for Meetings
  • Translation of up to two pages of marketing material into the local language

Preparation Assistance

Japan Country Profile

Start your trade mission journey now.
We have the market intelligence you need to make informed decisions to determine if this market is right for your products.

Access in-depth country-specific data and industry research

Complimentary Webinars

Our educational webinars provide up-to-date
exporter intelligence regarding specific markets, logistics, trade financing, documentation, how to meet and follow-up with international buyers, and much more.

View Available Webinars

Export Essentials Online

Whether you’re new to exporting or need to
refresh your skills, this free online training course provides a comprehensive, flexible approach to learning the fundamentals and logistics of exporting.

Learn More

BRANDED PROGRAM

Double Your International Marketing Budget

With the Branded Program, you may be eligible for 50% reimbursement on:

  • Promotions and product demonstrations
  • Advertising
  • Select international travel costs
  • Marketing and point-of-sale materials
  • Foreign market compliant packaging/labeling
  • And much more!
Learn More about the Branded Program

The post Focused Trade Mission to Japan for Retail and Food Service appeared first on Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and Food Export USA–Northeast.

]]> Focused Trade Mission to the Caribbean for Retail and Food Service https://www.foodexport.org/events/market-entry/focused-trade-missions/m25btm/ Thu, 01 Aug 2024 03:00:00 +0000 https://www.foodexport.org/?post_type=events&p=6740 Jumpstart Your Product Export Sales to the Caribbean Region The Caribbean is a natural market for U.S. exporters. Caribbean importers have a long history of doing business with the U.S. Their strong interest in U.S. products is mainly due to close proximity, long-standing reputation of high-quality products, and superior quality of service. In fact, many […]

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Jumpstart Your Product Export Sales to the Caribbean Region

The Caribbean is a natural market for U.S. exporters. Caribbean importers have a long history of doing business with the U.S. Their strong interest in U.S. products is mainly due to close proximity, long-standing reputation of high-quality products, and superior quality of service. In fact, many local importers have noted that competitors are not able to match their U.S. counterparts in terms of product quality and reliability. The regulatory environment in the islands is also quite receptive toward U.S. products. Given these favorable conditions, it is no surprise that the U.S. is the largest supplier of food products to the Caribbean.

With limited agricultural production, most Caribbean islands rely heavily on imported food products, particularly from the U.S. As tourist arrivals in most islands continue to improve, prospects for further market expansion are always present.

U.S. Food & Agricultural Product Imports to the Caribbean Basin, By the Numbers

  • U.S. Processed Foods – US$1.8 billion (2023)

Download the Flyer for the Focused Trade Mission to the Caribbean for Retail and Foodservice

Want to learn more about this mission? Watch this video presentation featuring our In-Market Representative.

Products of Interest

Top U.S. products in demand:

  • Eggs and egg products 
  • Beef and beef products 
  • Meat products
  • Condiments and sauces 
  • Fruits and vegetable juices
  • Snack foods
  • Healthy/Natural/Organic products
  • Processed vegetables 
  • Tree nuts 
  • Wine and beer 

Mission Itinerary 

Monday, February 3, 2025: Arrive in Kingston

Tuesday, February 4, 2025: Briefing and Retail Tour

Wednesday, February 5, 2025: One-on-one meetings with Buyers

Thursday, February 6, 2025: Depart Kingston

Schedule is subject to change.

Travel Information

Due to the nature of the global pandemic and its impact on international travel, please consider resources such a www.travel.state.gov when determining if this event is appropriate for you or your company.

Focused Trade Mission Services Provided

  • One-on-one meetings with qualified buyers
  • Pre-event custom product research including market overview, importation and distribution analysis
  • Market briefing by local USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service
  • Retail store tour
  • Table top showcase
  • Inclusion in Trade Mission brochure containing your company profile, contact details and product lines
  • On-site assistance by Food Export’s In-Market Representative
  • Identifying top leads
  • Interpreter for Meetings
  • Translation of up to two pages of marketing material into the local language

Preparation Assistance

Caribbean Market Profile

Start your trade mission journey now.
We have the market intelligence you need to make informed decisions to determine if this market is right for your products.

Access in-depth country-specific data and industry research

Complimentary Webinars

Our educational webinars provide up-to-date
exporter intelligence regarding specific markets, logistics, trade financing, documentation, how to meet and follow-up with international buyers, and much more.

View Available Webinars

Export Essentials Online

Whether you’re new to exporting or need to
refresh your skills, this free online training course provides a comprehensive, flexible approach to learning the fundamentals and logistics of exporting.

Learn More

BRANDED PROGRAM

Double Your International Marketing Budget

With the Branded Program, you may be eligible for 50% reimbursement on:

  • Promotions and product demonstrations
  • Advertising
  • Select international travel costs
  • Marketing and point-of-sale materials
  • Foreign market compliant packaging/labeling
  • And much more!
Learn More about the Branded Program

The post Focused Trade Mission to the Caribbean for Retail and Food Service appeared first on Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and Food Export USA–Northeast.

]]> Focused Trade Mission to the Middle East for Retail and Food Service https://www.foodexport.org/events/market-entry/focused-trade-missions/m25dtm/ Thu, 01 Aug 2024 03:00:00 +0000 https://www.foodexport.org/?post_type=events&p=6735 Jumpstart Your Product Export Sales to the Middle East Region The Middle East has proven to be an appealing and profitable market for U.S. companies for many years. Despite the economic effects of economic uncertainties, OPEC politics, lower oil prices and COVID-19, Saudi Arabia and the UAE in 2023 remain the 17th and 20th largest markets, respectively, […]

The post Focused Trade Mission to the Middle East for Retail and Food Service appeared first on Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and Food Export USA–Northeast.

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Jumpstart Your Product Export Sales to the Middle East Region

The Middle East has proven to be an appealing and profitable market for U.S. companies for many years.

Despite the economic effects of economic uncertainties, OPEC politics, lower oil prices and COVID-19, Saudi Arabia and the UAE in 2023 remain the 17th and 20th largest markets, respectively, for U.S. processed food products and are frequently in the top 20 of most major processed food export categories.

Euromonitor International, a market research provider, has estimated 2023 retail sales in the GCC-6 region packaged food market to be nearly US$40 billion, representing an increase of 24.4% and US$7.8 billion from 2019. Euromonitor also forecast sales of packaged food in the GCC-6 region to reach US$57.1 billion by 2028, an increase of US$14.2 billion and 33.2% from 2024.

U.S. Food & Agricultural Product Exports to the Middle East, By the Numbers:

  • U.S. Processed Foods – US$1.1 billion (2023)

Products of Interest

Top U.S. products in demand:

  • Seafood Products
  • Noodles/Ramen
  • Dairy Products
  • Organic/Health Foods
  • Prepared/Preserved Meats
  • Snack Foods
  • Sauces, Condiments & Innovative Products
  • Bakery & Confectionary Products
  • Dog & Cat Food

Mission Itinerary 

Monday, November 17, 2025: Arrive in Jeddah

Tuesday, November 18, 2025: Briefing and Retail Tour

Wednesday, November 19, 2025: One-on-one meetings with Buyers and Product Showcase

Thursday, November 20, 2025: One-on-one meetings with Buyers

Friday, November 21, 2025: Depart Jeddah

Schedule is subject to change.

Travel Information

Due to the nature of the global pandemic and its impact on international travel, please consider resources such a www.travel.state.gov when determining if this event is appropriate for you or your company.

Focused Trade Mission Services Provided

  • One-on-one meetings with qualified buyers
  • Pre-event custom product research including market overview, importation and distribution analysis
  • Market briefing by local USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service
  • Retail store tour
  • Table top showcase
  • Inclusion in Trade Mission brochure containing your company profile, contact details and product lines
  • On-site assistance by Food Export’s In-Market Representative
  • Identifying top leads
  • Interpreter for Meetings
  • Translation of up to two pages of marketing material into the local language

Preparation Assistance

Saudi Arabia Country Profile

Start your trade mission journey now.
We have the market intelligence you need to make informed decisions to determine if this market is right for your products.

Access in-depth country-specific data and industry research

Complimentary Webinars

Our educational webinars provide up-to-date
exporter intelligence regarding specific markets, logistics, trade financing, documentation, how to meet and follow-up with international buyers, and much more.

View Available Webinars

Export Essentials Online

Whether you’re new to exporting or need to
refresh your skills, this free online training course provides a comprehensive, flexible approach to learning the fundamentals and logistics of exporting.

Learn More

BRANDED PROGRAM

Double Your International Marketing Budget

With the Branded Program, you may be eligible for 50% reimbursement on:

  • Promotions and product demonstrations
  • Advertising
  • Select international travel costs
  • Marketing and point-of-sale materials
  • Foreign market compliant packaging/labeling
  • And much more!
Learn More about the Branded Program

The post Focused Trade Mission to the Middle East for Retail and Food Service appeared first on Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and Food Export USA–Northeast.

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