May 2, 2007

LANSING - Michigan food manufacturers will be reaching out to top-level domestic and international food buyers at the 2007 U.S. Food Export Showcase held May 6 - 8 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

“The U.S. Food Export Showcase puts Michigan’s small and mid-size food manufacturers on a world stage,” said Michigan Department of Agriculture Director Mitch Irwin. “It is a world-renowned food marketing event and a cost-effective way to get Michigan food products in front of top-level international buyers.”

Food company executives from over 100 countries including major delegations from Canada, Europe, Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East are expected to attend the Showcase, featuring “pavilions” sponsored by individual state departments of agriculture. Each pavilion spotlights qualified food manufacturers interested in pursuing international business opportunities to increase Michigan’s annual $961 million in agricultural exports.

Companies registered to exhibit under the Michigan banner include: Graceland Fruit Inc., Frankfort; Michigan Apple Committee, DeWitt; Cherry Central Cooperative, Inc., Traverse City; Michigan Bean Commission, St. Johns; Eden Foods, Inc., Clinton; Loretta Baking Mix Products, Monroe; Fido, Inc., Clinton Township; and HoneyTree Inc., Onsted.

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture sponsors the annual Showcase in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Through its offices in U.S. Embassies around the world, FAS actively promotes the Showcase and organizes delegations of food buyers to attend this special event. Buyers for supermarkets, restaurants, convenience stores, wholesalers, specialty stores, and institutional programs have found the U.S. Food Export Showcase a first-class buying opportunity.

The U.S. Food Export Showcase is co-located with four other major food industry shows providing international visitors with a broad view of the U.S. food industry. The show partners include the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Show, the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) Fancy Food Show, the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association United Produce Expo, and the Organic Trade Association (OTA) All Things Organic show.

For information on the 2007 U.S. Food Export Showcase and Michigan international marketing programs contact Jamie Zmitko-Somers at (517) 241-3628 or zmitkoj@michigan.gov.