Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and Food Export USA–Northeast are two non-profit organizations established in 1969 and 1973, respectively, to assist U.S. food and agricultural companies in expanding their export sales. Funded through the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Market Access Program (MAP), these organizations are instrumental in promoting U.S. food and agricultural products to international markets.
Company Overview
Headquartered in Chicago, IL (Midwest) and Philadelphia, PA (Northeast), Food Export operates as a trade association, serving 24 Midwest states and 10 Northeast states. Their mission is to increase export opportunities for small- to medium-sized U.S. companies in the food and agricultural sectors by providing a range of market development services, training, and financial support.
Core Business
Food Export specializes in:
- Exporter Education Programs: Including seminars, webinars, and personalized export consultations.
- Market Entry Support: Assisting companies with in-market promotion activities, buyers missions, and trade leads.
- Market Promotion Programs: Offering cost-share funding for international marketing activities through the Branded Program.
- Trade Missions & Events: Organizing Buyers Missions, Focused Trade Missions, and participation in major international trade shows like SIAL, ANUGA, and Gulfood.
- Publications: Including the U.S. Foodlink, U.S. Feedlink, and Global Food Marketer magazines, which provide market insights and export trends.
Specialization and USP
Food Export’s key strengths include:
- Over 50 years of expertise in facilitating international trade for U.S. food and agriculture companies.
- Extensive global network: Partnerships with foreign buyers, USDA offices, and trade promotion agencies in over 50 countries.
- Robust financial support programs: Including the Branded Program, which reimburses eligible U.S. companies up to 50% of international marketing expenses.
- Customized market research services: Through the Market Builder program, offering tailored insights on specific product categories and target markets.
- Proven track record: Supporting thousands of U.S. companies in expanding their global footprint.
Financials and Impact
As a non-profit funded by the USDA’s Market Access Program:
- Food Export administered over $25 million in Market Access Program (MAP) funds in 2023.
- Supported 1,100+ U.S. companies in 2023, generating:
- Over $800 million in projected export sales.
- 1,200+ new distributor relationships established globally.
- Facilitated 50+ trade missions and 100+ educational events across multiple regions.
Shipment Data
While Food Export itself is not a commercial exporter, its members and program participants have demonstrated significant export success:
- Participating companies have reported cumulative export sales exceeding $6 billion over the past decade.
- In 2023 alone, companies participating in the Branded Program achieved an average of 17% sales growth in their target markets.
- Top product categories supported include: Dairy products, specialty food items, snacks, beverages, and frozen foods.
Target Market
Food Export supports:
- Small- to medium-sized U.S. food and agricultural companies seeking to expand internationally.
- Importers, distributors, and retailers across the globe looking for high-quality, innovative U.S. products.
- Trade professionals in targeted markets such as Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America.
Capabilities
- Educational Programs: Including webinars, seminars, and export guides.
- Market Entry Services: Buyers Missions, Market Builder, Export Helpline.
- Branded Program Funding: Cost-share for marketing activities like advertising, packaging, trade shows, and more.
- Publications and Research: In-depth market analysis, trends, and insights via U.S. Foodlink, U.S. Feedlink, and Global Food Marketer.
- Event Organization: Participation in major trade shows like SIAL, ANUGA, Gulfood, and more.
Certifications and Compliance
As a USDA-supported organization, Food Export aligns with:
- USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) standards.
- Market Access Program (MAP) compliance for financial assistance.
- Ethical Trade Practices and adherence to U.S. export control laws and regulations.
Customer Testimonials
“The Branded Program has been instrumental in helping us promote our products internationally. The cost-share funding allowed us to expand into new markets we couldn’t have reached on our own.” – U.S. snack food manufacturer
“Food Export’s Buyers Missions and trade show support opened doors for our business in Asia and the Middle East. Their team’s expertise is invaluable.” – U.S. dairy exporter
Major Achievements
- Over $6 billion in cumulative export sales supported through program participants.
- Recognized by the USDA as one of the most effective Market Access Program administrators.
- Helped 1,100+ companies access global markets in 2023 alone.
- Conducted 50+ trade missions and 100+ educational events annually.
- Developed award-winning publications like U.S. Foodlink and Global Food Marketer.
