Issue 1, 2007
In this Issue:
Michigan Products Showcased at FOODEX Japan
The FOODEX Show, held in Japan, March 13-16, 2007 attracted over 95,000 people from the trade, with visitors from the following sectors: restaurants, catering, trading companies, importers, wholesalers, food manufacturers, processors, and more. Michigan companies exhibiting at the show included Graceland Fruit, Inc., and Cherry Marketing Institute.
Japan imports over 60% of its food, thus making this a market with excellent potential for Michigan companies. Japan is Michigan's number two export market with total value of over $32 million in agricultural products exported to Japan. Japanese consumers continue to be willing to pay higher prices for high quality and convenient products.
Companies interested in the Japanese market or in having their products evaluated for the market should contact Jamie Zmitko-Somers at zmitkoj@michigan.gov or
(517) 241-3628.
Opportunity: Meet with International Food Service Buyers in Chicago
Eight international buyers from Mexico, Canada, Hong Kong, the Caribbean, Korea and the Middle East will be in Chicago, IL May 19-22, 2007. Michigan companies have an opportunity to meet with these buyers one-on-one for a very nominal fee of $75, if registered by April 6. The buyers are interested in many different types of products for the food service industry.
Companies wishing to participate can access the information via www.mdainternational.com, under "Upcoming Activities," or by contacting Jamie Zmitko-Somers at zmitkoj@michigan.gov or (517) 241-3628.
Export Education for Experienced and Novice Exporters
When Michigan companies hear that consumption of U.S. food products is growing three times faster around the globe than in the U.S., many companies are eager to join the export bandwagon but do not know where to start. Although exporting seems like a complicated process, any experienced exporter will tell you that there are vast benefits to selling outside the U.S., and that the secret to being a successful exporter lies in being an educated exporter.
This summer, MDA's International Marketing Program will host an informational seminar on June 14, 2007. Some of the day's highlights will include how to research the best markets for your company's products; and an explanation of how to prepare the terms of sale, payment methods and quotes. There will also be extensive use of examples to make participants feel comfortable with export documentation and procedures.
For experienced exporters the seminar is not only an excellent review, but will also cover payment and distribution processes in depth. Presenter Dennis Lynch is ready to listen and respond to the specific concerns of any current or prospective Michigan exporter.
Please watch for additional information on how to register in the next couple of weeks. Please contact Jamie Zmitko at (517) 241-3628 or zmitkoj@michigan.gov.
Michigan Wine Industry Annual Meeting
Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville was the setting for the 2007 Wine Industry Annual Meeting Feb. 27- March 2, 2007. The conference provided a unique opportunity for an exchange of ideas. More than 150 winemakers, grape growers, tasting room personnel, and others related to the wine industry were in attendance. Thirty of Michigan's 50 wineries were represented.
Session topics this year included:
- FDA Bioterrorism Reporting Requirements
- Recordkeeping
- Information for Newcomers
- Media Relations
- Economic Impact Study Results
- Pure Michigan
- Who are Your Customers?
- Common Wine Flaws
- Marketing Power of Regional Identity
- Winemakers' Tasting
Next year's meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 12-14, 2008, at Crystal Mountain. For additional information, contact Karel Bush, Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council at bushk9@michigan.gov.
Governor Declares "Michigan Wine Month"
Quality Fuels Economic Success
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has declared April “Michigan Wine Month” to honor Michigan’s wide selection of quality wines and the wine industry’s significant contribution to the economy. Michigan’s wine and grape industries contribute nearly $790 million to the state’s economy each year. Michigan’s 50 wineries won more than 600 medals in 2006 from national and international wine competitions.
April is a good time to kick off winery touring. Tasting rooms are less busy than in summer and fall, and tasting room staff is delighted to have time to provide extra attention. Many of Michigan’s wineries release new wines in the spring. This spring will see the release of additional red wines from 2005—regarded by the state’s winemakers as the best ever. The first white wines from the 2006 vintage will also be available; 2006 produced many classically styled, crisp and delicious whites.
There are many events planned this spring that provide opportunities to meet winemakers and sample a variety of Michigan wines, including:
 April will also see the release of the 2007 Michigan Wine Country magazine, an indispensable guide to the wines and wineries of Michigan. The magazine contains maps and touring information, as well as what’s new at the wineries, insight into wines to try when you visit, and other activities in the wine regions.
For a complete list of Michigan wine-related events, and to request a complimentary Michigan Wine Country magazine, visit www.michiganwines.com or contact the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council at (517) 241-1207. The magazine is also available at all Michigan wineries and Travel Michigan Welcome Centers.
The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council is a 10-member panel that supports the growth of the grape and wine industry in Michigan. It is housed in the Agriculture Development Division of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, which is the official state agency charged with serving, promoting and protecting the food, agriculture and agricultural economic interests of the people of the state of Michigan.
April 1
Michigan Wine Month Opening Celebration. Sandhill Crane Vineyards kicks off Michigan Wine Month with new wine releases, hors d’oeuvres, and 5% off all wines. Mention “Michigan Wine Month” any time in April and receive a free “Pockete” corkscrew. (517) 764-0679. www.sandhillcranevineyards.com
April 17 & 24
Wines of Michigan Class. Washtenaw Community College. This course highlights the unique features of Michigan wines, including similarities to and differences from those of California and Europe. Learn how wines are made; what factors contribute to the diverse flavors; and how to taste, enjoy and select wines. Includes wine sampling and discussion. 7:00-8:55 pm. $51 for two sessions. Register at www.wccnet.edu.
April 20-22
Winemaker Dinner Weekend. Chateau Grand Traverse. Join the Winemaker and Chef Perry Harmon for an evening of fine foods paired with CGT wines. Includes two-night stay for two at The Inn, wine and cheese reception, deluxe breakfast bar, private tour and tasting, and dinner with the winemaker. $550 per couple for the entire weekend! (231) 223-7355. www.cgtwines.com
April 21
Wine Immersion Seminar. Chateau Chantal. An all-day event providing an excellent overview of winemaking, viticulture, and food and wine pairing. Hosted by witty and passionate winemaker Mark Johnson. Includes a vineyard walk, peasant’s lunch, cellar tour, wine tastings, learning materials, and multi-course gourmet dinner paired with Chantal wines. $125. Limit 30 people. www.chateauchantal.com
April 21-22
Spring Into Summer! Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. Collect ideas to pair the perfect wines with “outside eats and sweets”! Pick up a bottle at each winery and plan your own wine tasting cookout! $25. Reservations required. (800) 716-9463. Purchase tickets online at www.miwinetrail.com.
April 21-22
Michigan Wine Celebration. Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail. Sample foods made with Michigan wines, and enjoy a glass of wine paired with each. Receive a small, Michigan-related gift at each winery along the Trail. $25. Purchase tickets at www.pioneerwinetrail.com.
April 26
Taste of Michigan Wine Tasting. Champane’s Wine Cellar, Warren. Sample from a large selection of traditional and exotic Michigan wines, including Champagne style, and wines from the “Fruit off of the Vine” such as raspberries, apples, peaches, pears, blackberries and cherries. $15. Proceeds benefit Cub Scout Pack 1477. (586) 268-4900. www.champanes.com
April 27-29
Wine & Food Festival. Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Acme. Package includes two nights lodging, strolling wine & food reception with local wines on Friday evening, Saturday winery tours and winemaker dinner with winemakers from five award-winning Grand Traverse region wineries. (800) 748-0303.
www.grandtraverseresort.com
April 28
Winemaker’s Pre-Release Dinner. St. Julian-Paw Paw. Join St. Julian’s President, Winemaker and Assistant Winemaker, to celebrate the first vintage of Braganini Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, as part of this special wine dinner. A Provence-inspired menu will highlight their diverse selection of white wines. $75. Reservations required. (800) 732-6002. www.stjulian.com
April 29
Michigan Wine Month Closing Celebration. Sandhill Crane Vineyards closes out Michigan Wine Month with light hors d’oeuvres and a 5% discount on all wines. Register to win a Michigan Gift Basket. (517) 764-0679. www.sandhillcranevineyards.com
This is just a sample of the Michigan wine-related events throughout the state. For a complete list, visit www.michiganwines.com.
First Julian-Stille Ag Innovation Project Completed
Michigan Meat Processing, Inc., located in Escanaba, Michigan, is the first Ag Innovation grantee to complete its project for reimbursement. Michigan Meat purchased three new pieces of equipment that has enabled the company to produce meat and sausage products that are consistent in size and weight. The equipment also vacuum packs the finished products.
The company has also developed several new products using the new equipment and has received very good response from its retail and wholesale customers. The new process and products will allow Michigan Meats products to be more competitive with larger out-of-state companies.
As a result of this program, Michigan Meats is now currently wholesaling its meat and sausage products to two retail establishments and several restaurants. This is new business the company would not have been able to obtain with out the grant received from the Julian-Stille Ag Innovation Fund. Great job, Michigan Meats Processing, Inc.!
Where does Michigan Stand on Alternative Energy?
Michigan has made excellent progress over the past year in the fuel ethanol and biodiesel industry development, including the landmark 7-bill renewable fuels package passed in the summer of 2006 by the Michigan State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Jennifer Granholm.
2007 Fuel Ethanol Industry Status Report for Michigan
- Four ethanol plants are now operational.
- Caro, Albion, Woodbury and Riga
- Two plants are under construction the plant in Marysville is scheduled to open in fall 2007 and the other in Ithaca with no open date set.
- Six more plants are proposed with two existing plants having applied for environmental permits to expand capacity from 50 mmg to 100 mmg.
- Total ethanol production capacity by end of 2007 should reach 250 mmg, with ethanol consumption estimated to be 150-200 mmg. Michigan's current gasoline consumption is 4.9 billion gallons, so ethanol is only about 4% of the fuel supply.
- More than 2,000 service stations now offer 10% ethanol (E-10) blended fuel.
- Governor Granholm and MDA Director Mitch Irwin are driving General Motors promotional flex fuel vehicles.
- The Governor has announced a goal of 1,000 biofuel pumps in Michigan by end of 2008.
- 41 E-85 stations are now open in Michigan.
- 51 biodiesel stations (B2-100) are open in Michigan.
- There are 240,000 E-85 flexible fuel vehicles (2005 estimate) in Michigan
- State of Michigan fleet is approximately 2,000 flexible fuel vehicles
Seven-Bill Renewable Fuels Package Passed in July 2006
- Renewable fuels in Michigan temporarily taxed (E-85) 7 cents less and (B5-20+) biodiesel blends 3 cents less than regular fuel.
- The State of Michigan installed renewable fueling infrastructure at the Department of Management and Budget motor transport facility for state employees and Flexible Fuel Vehicles.
- Ten new Renewable Energy Renaissance Zones were created as incentives to encourage development of biofuels manufacturing facilities in Michigan.
- A Renewable Fuels Commission was created to recommend strategies for the promotion, research and development of biodiesel, ethanol and other renewable fuels and to increase utilization of flexible fuel vehicles.
- The Michigan Strategic Fund administers matching grant programs for incentives to service stations to install pumps that sell alternative fuels.
- Diesel fuel, biodiesel blends and hydrogen fuels added to MDA’s Motor Fuels Quality Act for fuel testing and inspection program.
For more information: www.michigan.gov/mdabiofuel
International
Promotion Calendar
In the past we've offered a listing of upcoming events in a small calendar. We'd like to offer you something more comprehensive, though, and so we are now providing a link to an upcoming events page, which in turn offers links to individual event information.
Contact
Information
|
Printer Friendly
Text Version 
Email Page
