August 8, 2008

LAWTON, Mich. – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) have selected Honee Bear Canning of Lawton as the "2007 Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Year” for its ability to expand into new markets and significant export sales growth over the last three years, among other achievements.

"Honee Bear Canning is a prime example of how some Michigan companies are continuing to grow Michigan's agricultural presence and thrive in the global marketplace," said Granholm. "As a fourth generation, Michigan-based company, Honee Bear represents the tenacity needed to diversify the state's economy, generate jobs, and capitalize on new opportunities."

“Honee Bear Canning was chosen because of their long-standing commitment to exporting high quality, Michigan grown and made products and the vital role agri-business plays in driving the state’s economy,” said Don Koivisto, MDA director. “In addition to offering a complete line of Michigan-grown fruits, the company is the largest asparagus processor in the North America, as well as being the largest private label supplier of asparagus in the world.”

Michigan is second in the nation for agricultural diversity and exports one-third of its agricultural commodities every year. Recent studies show these exports generated $1.236 billion in 2007 and employed more than 13,800 residents.

"We at Honee Bear along with our grower partners in this state have had a long history of exporting our products around the world,” said Steve Packer, Honee Bear Canning president. “By diversifying our markets as well as satisfying a growing need by the world for stable supplies of safe, secure and fairly valued food products we have been able to successfully grow our business over the years.”

Honee Bear Canning is a sixty-year old, family-owned fourth generation fruit and vegetable processor which started exporting in 1973. The company sells products to virtually all the major retail and food service customers, including Sysco, Wal-Mart, Kroger, and Safeway. Additionally, over 90 percent of their raw product is purchased from Michigan growers.

The company exports to Canada, Iceland, Mediterranean Countries, South Africa, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand. They have a calculated export growth of 6 percent in 2006 and 8 percent in 2007.

The award review committee consisted of representatives from Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan State University and National City Bank. The decision was based upon several factors including, marketing plans, and ability to expand into new markets, alliances with other organizations and exports sales growth over the last three years. To be eligible, the products also had to be more than 50 percent grown, processed or manufactured in Michigan.

For information on Michigan's international marketing programs, contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture at (517) 241-3628.