THINK LOCALLY . . . SELL GLOBALLY AT THE AMERICAN FOOD FAIR

News Date April 02, 2008

       Small business is the engine that drives local economies across the U.S.; however, small business has historically shied away from the worlds of international business and exporting. That's about to change according to DeWitt Ashby, director of the 2008 American Food Fair, who is concentrating on helping small- and mid-size food manufacturers reach 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," explains Ashby. "We are currently in a situation where the quality and price of U.S. food products are very attractive to middle class consumers in other nations and it's time for small- and mid-size manufacturers to get in on the action."
       The 2008 American Food Fair takes place May 17 to 20 in Chicago's McCormick Place as a special feature of the National Restaurant Association's annual show. The Fair is sponsored by NASDA and represents a unique and successful partnership between state and federal governments to help small businesses expand overseas. Participating companies exhibit under their state banners and receive advice and support on exporting from their local departments of agriculture.   The federal government plays a role through Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), which organizes delegations of buyers to attend the Fair through its offices in U.S. Embassies around the world. This year, delegations of top-level buyers for restaurants, hotels, and institutional facilities are expected from more than 100 countries. 
       NASDA and FAS cultivate the buyer/seller relationship by paying particular attention to the needs of companies new to exporting and to the needs of international buyers. In particular, the International Trade Center (ITC) will be staffed with interpreters and is the perfect place to meet representatives from U.S. Commercial Service and Foreign Agricultural Service personnel from overseas offices. (Contact: DeWitt Ashby or Megan McDonald)