NEW YEAR FORECAST ENCOURAGING FOR U.S. FOOD EXPORT SHOWCASE EXHIBITORS

News Date January 07, 2008

       Exhibitors at the 2008 U.S. Food Export Showcase will find larger, more vigorous markets around the world for their products according to a 2007 end-of-year forecast by the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).   FAS predicts that agricultural exports--including consumer-ready foods--will reach a record-breaking $91 billion . . . good news for U.S. manufacturers pursuing international markets. 
       "There are great opportunities for small and mid-size food businesses that are willing to step outside their comfort zones and become part of the global supply chain," said DeWitt Ashby, director of the U.S. Food Export Showcase.  "We're in a situation where the quality--and price--of U.S. food products is very attractive to middle class consumers in other nations. We have the ability to fill that need, and if we don't, our competitors will."
       The 2008 all-new U.S. Food Export Showcase takes place April 27 to 29 in Chicago's McCormick Place and promises to be a beehive of international activity with thousands of top-level international food buyers eager to connect with American manufacturers.   An emphasis on developing that buyer/seller relationship is what sets the 2008 Showcase apart from other food fairs and expositions. Exhibitors are supported by trade experts from various organizations including FAS, regional trade groups from across the U.S., as well as the exhibitor's own state department of agriculture.  These experts provide pre-show and on-site assistance to promote successful business negotiations.  A special International Trade Center is located on the exhibit floor where translators and advisors are easily accessible to help with language and trade questions.
       "One of the most supportive aspects of the Showcase is that companies exhibit under the banner of their home state department of agriculture where local assistance is readily available.  This is very reassuring for small- and mid-size businesses that are new to exporting," Ashby explained.
       Major delegations of senior food buyers are expected from Europe, Asia, South and North America, the Middle East, and Africa and they will shop for a wide range of products from snack foods to fresh commodities.
       "The number and variety of innovative products at the Showcase reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels local economies across the country," said Ashby.  "From the deep south to our western states, international buyers will find uniquely American food products available for export right now."
       The U.S. Food Export Showcase is sponsored by NASDA.  This year's Showcase is co-located with two other organizations with growing global perspectives:  the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade's  (NASFT) Fancy Food Show and the Organic Trade Association's (OTA) All Things Organic show.  All three shows will be presented under the umbrella of the Global Food & Style Expo 2008.  (Contact: Megan McDonald or DeWitt Ashby)