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TRANSCRIPT
$14.95Summer 2010Also Inside:
FLORIDA GRAPEFRUITCORPORATE PROFILES
2010 BUYERS GUIDE
LocalVERSUS
GlobalInternational traders should stand togain in a long-term commitment to
provide the most delicious andnutritious food from around the world.
NOTESINSIDENOTESINSIDE
The demand in the United States for locally grown food is certainly growing. How could it be oth-erwise when every form of elite opinion, right up to the First Lady of the United States, MichelleObama, is preaching the virtue of "local." Themedia is filled with experiments in which reporters
try to be locavores, eating food only grown and produced within 100 miles of their homes or from thelocal food shed— it is all the rage. Debate continues to heat up as to what the proper definition of localis, with some supermarkets and food-buying groups insisting on food procuredwithin the states in whichthey have operations, while others insist on a set distance from the final sales destinations. Some mighteven just say that items grown in the United States qualify as local.Whatever definition they choose, anyone who actually lives by the local ethos must miss out on health-
ful and delicious foods from around the world. Imagine never having tried Champagne — which, if it isto be labeled as such, must be from the Champagne region of Northeast France — a British Stilton or aFlorida grapefruit. Any buying restriction on where food comes from is a restriction on taste experiencesand so, in a figurative sense, impoverishes people who are deprived of these experiences. Of course, it isnot just figurative. Every restriction is also a restriction on economic opportunities, as mandates for localpurchasing function as a trade barrier.As an international trader of food, you may have also witnessed certain biases for locally grown prod-
uct, andwewould love to hear from you, especially if your business has been affected. [Please send a noteto [email protected]] Regardless of any local biases, the future of international foodtrade, and specifically, trade with the United States, is most promising. That is because, in the end,economies of scale will ultimately win the game, and fortunately, packaging and shipping innovations willmake the best tasting local products available internationally. As concluded in this edition's "Local Ver-sus Global" cover story by Editor-in-Chief, James Prevor, "Traders... help growers and producers in everycorner of the globe rise to compete with the best."On a recent trip to South Carolina, I visited a few peach growers who were winding down their sum-
mer harvests. The peaches coming out of the South Carolina fields were outstanding. To many Amer-icans, South Carolina is not even known as a peach-growing state because the leading supermarkets inmany states prefer to buy their tree fruit from California shippers who can supply a larger array of treefruit items, including plums, nectarines, pluots, etc. But South Carolina is poised to surpass Californiain peach production! This year's crop will approach 90 percent of California's supply and frommy con-versations with the growers in the state, there is nothing stopping them from out-producing Californiain the next five years.What does this mean for international trade? Well, as production grows of this “local” wonder, it
becomes a viable alternative for those looking for American peaches, especially markets that prefer to shipfrom an East Coast port. Packaging and shipping innovations will also facilitate shipping ripe fruit that will
further improve the consumer eating experience and boost demand for thoseU.S.-grown peaches.
The advent of the local movement may bring opportunities for internationalmarketers who pay close attention to production patterns and are flexibleenough to introduce tasty alternatives to product from traditional export areas.Maine broccoli, Kentucky lettuce,Michigan poultry,Missouri beef... it's all outthere, and demand is growing. Thought of properly, the growth of regionalfood producers in the United States creates opportunities for internationalbuyers to broaden their product lines. That can be awin for American pro-ducers, international traders and consumers across the globe. �
Kenneth L. WhitacreVP Publishing/Editorial Director
President and Editor-in-ChiefJames E. Prevor
VP Publishing/Editorial DirectorKenneth L. Whitacre
PublisherChris Warne
[email protected] Editor
Jennifer Leslie [email protected]
Special Projects EditorMira Slott
Directory/Buyer’s Guide SalesBrad Lieberman
Circulation DirectorKelly Roskin
Executive AssistantFran Gruskin
Production DirectorDiana Levine
Production LeaderJackie Tucker
Production DepartmentJoanna ArmstrongFreddy Pulido
Contributing EditorsYvonne Ribeiro-Yemofio
Amy Shannon
Send editorial suggestions, subscriptionrequests, advertising insertionorders and payments to:
AMERICAN FOOD AND AG EXPORTERP.O. Box 810391
Boca Raton, FL 33481-0391 • USAPhone: 561-994-1118 • Fax: 561-994-1610E-mail: [email protected]
AMERICAN FOOD AND AG EXPORTER(ISSN 1065-3775)is published by
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Cover and entire contents are fullyprotected by copyright laws andmust not be reproduced in anymanner whatsoever without
written permission.
© Copyright 2010
Printed in the U.S.A.Publication Agreement No 40698010
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Local Now, Exported Later
Summer 2010 � AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER 3
Table of ContentsTable of ContentsSummer 2010
4 AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER � Summer 2010
COMPANY PAGE# RSN# PHONE FAXCOMPANY PAGE# RSN# PHONE FAX
SHOWCASESHOWCASEINFORMATIONINFORMATIONSHOWCASESHOWCASE
INFORMATIONINFORMATIONReceive information fast by using the
AMERICAN FOOD AND AG EXPORTERInformation Showcase
Here’s How:1) Please visit www.americanfoodandag.com and fill out the Rapid Request Response Form.
2) Contact the advertiser directly via the Web site, e-mail, phone or fax listed in the ad
Illinois Dept. of Agriculture 28 25 217-782-6675 217-524-5960J&J Snacks Corp. 33 323-581-0171 323-583-4732Jelly Belly Candy Co. 33 707-428-2800 707-399-2363Magic Seasoning Blends 12 29 504-731-3590 504-731-3576Magic Seasoning Blends 33 504-731-3590 504-731-3576McCormick & Co. 7 31 410-771-7583 410-527-8203NASDA 18-19 32 305-871-7910 305-871-7904National WatermelonPromotion Board 29 37 407-657-0261 407-657-2213
Pacific Valley Foods 30 39 425-643-1805 425-747-4221Paramount Export Co. 33 510-839-0150 510-839-1002Purfresh, Inc. 2 41 510-580-0700Rose Packing Co., Inc. 33 847-381-5700 847-381-9424SIAL Paris 36 26 704-365-0041 704-365-8426Southern Champion Tray 33 423-756-6512 423-756-5163U.S. Meat Export Federation 20-21 44 303-623-6328 303-623-0297USA Poultry & EggExport Council 22-23 45 770-413-0006 770-413-0007
USA Poultry & EggExport Council 33 770-413-0006 770-413-0007
Well-Pict 24-25 48 831-722-3871 831-722-6340WillCrest Foods/Mark-K Ltd. 33 716-853-2012 716-853-2011Jasper Wyman & Son 12 52 207-546-2311 207-546-2074Yakama Nation Land Enterprise 11 50 509-865-2251 509-865-2198Young Pecan Company 33 322-568-0050 803-664-2344
AB Foods LLC 31 208-330-2500 208-336-4978Ag Alumni Seed 31 765-538-3145 765-538-3600Agri-Mark, Inc. 31 608-783-9755 608-783-9778American Indian Foods 31 406-259-3525 406-256-9980American Indian Foods 14-15 6 406-259-3525 406-256-9980America’s Classic Foods 31 805-927-0745 805-927-2280California AgriculturalExport Council 16-17 8 916-638-8986 916-638-8993
California Prune Board 31 925-734-0150 925-734-0525California TableGrape Commission 32 209-447-8350 209-447-9184
Clabber Girl Baking Powderc/o Hulman & Company 32 812-232-9446 812-478-7181
Cohen Produce Marketing 32 717-677-9111 717-677-6120Commercial Bakeries 32 416-247-5478 416-242-4129Dave’s Gourmet 32 415-401-9100 415-401-9107Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. 32 831-641-4329 831-641-4335Driscoll’s 32 831-763-5000 831-761-5988East West InternationalGroup, Inc. 32 440-349-2064 440-349-1769
Fresh Mark 26 18 330-832-7491 330-834-3690Graceland Fruit, Inc. 12 20 231-352-7181 231-352-4711Graceland Fruit, Inc. 32 231-352-7181 231-352-4711Hilltop Ranch, Inc. 27 21 209-874-1875 209-874-1877Hilltop Ranch, Inc. 32 209-874-1875 209-874-1877
9COVERSTORY
� Inside Notes .................3
� Advertising Index ........4
� From the Editor ............5
� Watch ...........................6
IN EVERY ISSUE
FEATURES� FLORIDA GRAPEFRUIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
U.S. Saves Florida Grapefruit From High-Stakes Glitch.
� CORPORATE PROFILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
� BUYERS GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
COVER STORY� LOCAL VERSUS GLOBAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
International traders should stand to gain in along-term commitment to provide the most deliciousand nutritious food from around the world.
A s we approach the end of the year, we also approach the Amer-ican mid-term elections. For those who have lived in parlia-mentary systems, the mid-term Congressional elections may
produce an odd result: the Congress, or at least one house of the Con-gress, is likely to switch parties, but President Barack Obama still hastwo years left in his term. So we may have a dose of divided government.Most Americans are just fine with that. They
believe Lord Acton was right when he said that“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute powercorrupts absolutely.” So Americans like oneparty to keep an eye on the other.Although it is common for the President’s
party to lose seats in a mid-term election, thisyear there is something more dramatic at work.President Obama and the Democratic majoritiesin the House and Senate have passed a greatdeal of legislation — notably the Health Insurance bill popularly dubbed“ObamaCare,” and they have done so in the face of polls that showmost Americans are opposed to these policies.Opposition to this expansion of government by the Democrats, com-
bined with disgust at the last Republican majority in Congress for losingall spending discipline, has led to the formation of a citizen movementknown as “The Tea Party,” named after the Tea Party staged in BostonHarbor in 1773 as a protest against the British tax on tea in the daysleading up to the American Revolution.There is a great sense of “buyer’s remorse” among Americans regard-
ing the election of Barack Obama. He was once seen as a kind of anti-dote to George W. Bush. He was thought to be smarter, cooler and ana-lytical. He could articulate the yearnings of Americans and couldapproach the rest of the world with friendship and respect.Almost two years into his presidency, there is a disconnect. Part of it
is that he has not succeeded in turning the economy around. That maybe an unfair expectation but, in America, politicians take credit for thesunshine, so it is not surprising they get blamed for the rain.Beyond a lack of success, though, the substance of his policies seems
to be moving America upon a road most Americans see as alien —toward bigger government and a more robust safety net. Many Ameri-cans suspect that Obama would like America to be more like Sweden.But Americans are not Swedes.Beyond his failures and beyond the substance of his policies, Ameri-
cans who once projected the personality of their choice upon an almost
unknown Barack Obama now see him as somewhat distant. Too cooland collected, not filled with the passion that connects with the “manon the street,” he seems detached, cerebral, and it is not even clear thathe enjoys the job anymore.The election of Barack Obama was an historic moment... the first
African American to be elected President of the United States. Beingblack did not hinder him in the election; it actually
helped him. His campaign successfully aligneditself with the great national mission of expand-ing our democracy. If the vote was once restrict-ed to white, male landholders, the rising to thehighest office in the land of an African Americanwas, symbolically, a completion of the Constitu-tion, a justification for the Declaration of Inde-pendence and a crown giving purpose to theblood shed at Gettysburg and in the Civil War.
Now, many Americans think he was just too inexperienced, too muchof an ideologue and too foreign from American concerns and mores.They think they made a mistake in electing him.The polls indicate massive shifts with the Republicans picking up
hundreds of state legislative seats, a landslide in the House of Repre-sentatives and among the nation’s governors; the Senate could switchcontrol as well, though that is hard because Republicans are starting atvery low levels and only one-third of the Senate seats are elected in anygiven Senate election. If it transpires, it would be a dramatic rebuke toPresident Obama and a rejection of his policies.Of course, it was not just Americans who looked to Barack Obama as
an agent of hope and change. People around the world — and their gov-ernments — thought he would be more willing to consult.Yet our sense is that the world has grown a little disappointed as well
— perhaps because consulting and speech-giving are not enough. Justas Americans do not want to be Sweden, the truth is that the worlddoesn’t want America to be Sweden either.The world needs an aggressive and strong America, one fighting to
keep stability in the world, while pressing for liberty to expand its influ-ence — an America that pushes for free trade, but also has the abilityand willingness to keep the sea lanes open.It is a delicate balance. As now-retired General and Secretary of State
Colin Powell once said of America: “One of the fondest expressionsaround is that we can’t be the world’s policeman. But guess who getscalled when somebody needs a cop.” �
Dose Of Divided Government
EDITOREDITORFROM THEFROM THE
EDITOREDITORFROM THEFROM THE
James E. PrevorEditor-in-Chief
Mr. Prevor invites your comments, questions and inquiries for products or supplies. You may call, write orfax Mr. Prevor by using the numbers on page 3 of this issue or by sending an e-mail message to [email protected]
Americans like one partyto keep an eye on the
other.
Summer 2010 � AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER 5
WATCHWATCHEXPORTEXPORTWATCHWATCHEXPORTEXPORT
Export Watch is a regular feature of AMERICAN FOOD AND AGEXPORTER. If you would like information on any or all the products
or companies featured here, please visitwww.americanfoodandag.com and fill out the Rapid Request
Response Form.
AnnouncementsAnnouncements
TransitionsTransitions
New ProductsNew Products
New PackagingDecreases Plastic UseRez-Tech Corp., a Kent, Ohio-based manu-facturer of PET and vinyl plastic contain-ers, utilizes new packaging-specific CAD-CAM software that enables significantlyless plastic to go into the manufacturingprocess due to improved jar geometry,design ribbing and stimulation andother design techniques. This maxi-mizes strength and performance forrequired stacking, while minimizingmaterial and cost.
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Natalie’s Orchid IslandJuice To Attend SIALNatalie's Orchid Island Juice Company will
attract the attention of juice lovers everywherewhen the company shows its juice line at theSIAL Food Show, October 17-22, in Paris,France. Recently selected as the Best Tastingorange juice in America by Good Housekeeping
magazine, Natalie's will be representing fresh-squeezedFlorida produce in the USA Pavilion. The company will also be offeringNatalie's Juice Blends, which include Blackberry Limeade, Orange MangoPeach, Pineapple Ginger Orange, Orange Raspberry, Cranberry Orangeand Sweet Florida Grapefruit and Honey.
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John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc.Elgin, IllinoisMarketing veteran, Howard Brandeisky, has
joined the company, which is a leading processor,marketer and distributor of nut-based snacks, asvice president of global marketing and innova-tion. In his new role, Brandeisky will lead mar-keting and innovation for the company's Fisher,Orchard Valley Harvest and Sunshine Countrybrands, as well as private label brands across
all channels in which the company competes. Hespent more than 20 years at Kraft Foods in a variety of brand man-
agement, new product development, strategy and finance roles.
Driscoll Strawberry Associates Inc.Watsonville, CAOscar Ramos has assumed the role of general man-ager of Driscoll’s of Chile. Previously the director ofoperations in Jalisco for Driscoll’s in Mexico, he hasextensive experience in operational and productionactivities.
6 AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER � Summer 2010
Pizza Inn ContinuesExpansion Into Middle EastPizza Inn, an international pizza
restaurant chain based in The Colony,Texas, with more than 300 restaurantsin 123 countries, has opened two new
restaurants in Saudi Arabia. Located in Riyadh andJeddah, the locations are the first to open as part of a recent Master
Licensee Agreement with United Food Company, a subsidiary of Abdul-lah Abunayyan Group. The agreement calls for the development of 44locations throughout Saudi Arabia and will bring the total number ofPizza Inn locations throughout the Middle East to more than 100.
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Korea Accepts FreshIdaho PotatoesAfter four years following the PCN (Potato
Cyst Nematode) find, Korea has finally rein-stated Idaho as an eligible state for shipping
fresh table-stock and chip-stock potatoes. The success cameas a result of a concerted effort on the part of the Idaho Potato Commis-sion (IPC), National Potato Council (NPC), and the United States PotatoBoard (USPB) through the national "phytosanitary initiative." The finaleffort to reinstate fresh Idaho potatoes was a visit by an inspector fromthe Korean Ministry of Agriculture in June, who spent a week viewing thequarantine areas, witnessing samples being taken and learning about theefforts that have gone on since the small find was initially reported.
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AnnouncementsAnnouncements
Purfresh TransportImpresses Citrus ImportersPurfresh, a Fremont, California-
based provider of clean technologiesthat purify, protect and preserve foodand water, announced that its client,
M-Products, was able to meet the high-quality stan-dards of citrus importers in the Far East, United States and Europe,
by using Purfresh Transport for its marine shipments ranging from 38 to45 days. Applauding the arrival of Mandarin oranges from South Ameri-ca, importers have requested the continued use of Purfresh's active cargoprotection solution.
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Purfresh Transport ExtendsProduce Shipper MarketsPurfresh, Freemont, California,
announced results of commercial ship-ments and laboratory studies wherePurfresh Transport was used to protectkiwifruit, citrus, grapes, pumpkins andavocados. The findings confirm thatPurfresh Transport maintains product
quality, including fruit firmness, color and taste, anddemonstrates the product's superior ability to control ripening,
enhance food safety and reduce decay of fresh produce shipped aroundthe world.
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Price Break Offered ForExport Of Catalytic GeneratorsGlobal Cooling, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
announces that World Famous Catalytic Genera-tors and Ethy-Gen concentrate are available at spe-cial prices for export from the USA. The Catalyticmethod provides non-pressurized and safe ethyl-ene gas on a continuous basis for uniform ripen-ing and degreening. With the reasonable cost of
Catalytic Generators and Ethy-Gen liquid, there is noreason to use calcium carbide or ethephon. Ethy-Gen liquid is avail-
able in 1-quart bottles, packed 12 to a case.
Chef Seminar Puts U.S.Potatoes On Asian PlatesU.S. table-stock potatoes are popping up in new
forms and new dishes at restaurants throughoutAsia, thanks to an annual chef seminar organizedby the Denver, Colorado-based United StatesPotato Board (USPB). Just a few months follow-ing the second annual seminar, new menu addi-tions created by the participants bring the total
to at least 39 new potato-based dishes launched in 16 restaurantchains in the past 15 months. Held November 10-11, 2009, in Hong Kong,the seminar drew 27 chefs from leading restaurants in Hong Kong,Malaysia and Singapore.
Philippine Consumers SampleBulk U.S. Frozen PotatoesRetail sampling of prepared U.S. frozen potatoes took
place at 18 supermarkets in the Philippines in an effortto introduce shoppers to an impressive array of prod-ucts in a loose-serving format to which they are accus-
tomed, which allows them to pick the quantity and typeof each bulk variety they desire. The United States Potato Board (USPB),Denver, Colorado, conducted the activities to raise consumer awarenessabout the availability of frozen U.S. potatoes and to encourage home con-sumption. An estimated 8,000 consumers sampled the freshly cookedproducts, and purchases increased during the sample period 92 percent.
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Sri Lankan Producers MakeStrides With U.S. SeedTeam Seed of the Denver, Colorado-based
United States Potato Board (USPB) conducteda market visit to farms and growing regions inSri Lanka in May, 2010. Sri Lankan producersgrowing U.S. varieties are unanimous intheir approval of cultivars and selections
sources from the U.S. seed potato industry.There is a market for U.S. seed in September/October. The Sri
Lankan Department of Agriculture is interested in allowing nearly three-inch (maximum) diameter seed to enter the country on a trial basis.
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Summer 2010 � AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER 7
Greg Tyler, vice president of marketing for StoneMountain, Geor-gia-based USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), got hisfeet wet in the exporting industry while working on his masters
degree at the Athens-based University of Georgia (UGA). “One of my pro-fessors, Dr. Glenn Ames, suggested that I do an internship with USDA’s[United States Department of Agriculture] Foreign Agricultural Service[FAS] inWashington, D.C.,” he explains. Following that advice, Tyler tooksix months off from his graduate work to work for FAS coveringdairy/poultry programs and issues. The internship served as a spring-board into a full-time position with FAS, where Tyler worked for three-and-a-half years in international marketing before joining USAPEEC.Today, Tyler oversees USAPEEC’s marketing programs and the 13
international offices and consultants on staff. USAPEEC represents U.S.chicken, turkey, duck and eggs/egg products. Tyler has worked in hiscurrent position for 11 years, and has been with USAPEEC for a total of14 years. “The people are great in this industry, and dealing with somany different cultures keeps things very interesting,” he says.USAPEEC operates programs through its home office in the Atlanta area
and 13 international offices, which are spread around the globe. “Throughthese offices, we are running programs, which run the gamut from tradeand consumer promotions to retail, foodservice and meat and food-pro-cessing manufacturers programs in about 75 countries worldwide.
Industry InsightThe poultry industry has really grown during the past 5 to 10 years,
Tyler notes. “A big boost for us has been the push both domestically andinternationally for more healthful eating habits. Consumers recognizethat poultry meat is a low-cost/low-fat/high-protein source and thusconsumption around the world continues to climb.”Tyler predicts the industry will increasingly diversify not only its
product lines, but also the markets in which it supplies. He expects therewill continue to be a push by the industry to supply more internationalconsumers with further processed/value-added products in the higher-end consumer market. “However, there will be a demand for lower
cost/high protein commodity items and those will continue to be sup-plied to developing markets,” he adds.
Overcoming ObstaclesOne of the biggest challenges working in the exporting industry
involves finding a balance that is fair and equitable while allocatingfunds across 75 markets. “Our industry has such varied interests andmyjob is to make sure those interests are represented through USAPEEC’sprograms.” he says. “Some in our industry may want more of anemphasis placed on Russia, others on China, others on Africa.”Relying on the input from USAPEEC’s industry members as well as its
Atlanta and overseas staffs plays a major role in overcoming obstacles inthe exporting industry. “It is very much a team effort here at USAPEEC,and we work closely together to make sure we are all on the same pagewhen it comes to our programs,” he insists. Tyler emphasizes the impor-tance of taking a team approach to everything. “It takes working togeth-er for a common goal or goals to be successful.Tyler and his wife of 20 years, Gena, have three children: Jordan,
age 14, Caleb, age 11 and Sydney, age 8. “I’m very active in my church,the activities of my children and I play as much tennis as my kneeswill allow.”He sites dedication as a major force in driving his success. “I think as
an individual, the main accomplishment I have achieved in my 20 yearsin the business is finding a home at USAPEEC,” he says. “This is a greatorganization with a family feel to it and an industry that is very sup-portive of our staff and programs. Being in this job that I love so muchis a wonderful accomplishment.” �
Vice president of marketing for the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council takesa team approach to developing markets and expanding product lines.
By Amy Shannon
To receive more informationabout the USAPEEC, please visitwww.americanfoodandag.comand fill out the Rapid Response
Request Form — check box 830.
PROFILEPROFILEEXPORTEREXPORTERPROFILEPROFILEEXPORTEREXPORTER
USAPEEC’sGreg Tyler Focuses
On Teamwork
8 AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER � Summer 2010
When the G-20 summit convened in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,last year, America’s First Lady, Michelle Obama entertainedthe spouses of the world leaders who had gathered for the
event. The Associated Press highlighted the event, proclaiming in its head-line: “Michelle Obama Debuts as International Hostess.”The way she elected to debut was highlighted in the first paragraph of
the story: “First lady Michelle Obama was sharing her passion for eatingfresh, healthy and locally grown food with the spouses of world leaders ata dinner Thursday on a working farm.”At theWhite House, the Obama’s started a garden at the urging of well
known Chef Alice Waters, who spent months lobbying the Obama’s toemphasize fresh, locally grown food. Michelle Obama has made clearher opinions on the taste of food. At the harvest party she hosted for localchildren in the District of Columbia, she declared: “Well, I’ve learned thatif [food is] fresh and grown locally, it’s probably going to taste better.” Infact, on a recent vacation in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, theWhiteHouse let it be known that the meals served at the rented compound theObama’s stayed at were chock full of locally grown produce.Of course, the First Lady is not the inventor of the enthusiasm for local.
There is a cultural tilt to local that feeds off everything from protectionismto the notion that local purchasing can help reduce carbon output, andthus, help avoid global warming. The basic notion is that locally grown andlocally produced foods are tastier, better for the environment, help localworkers and are more healthful.Now all these claims are quite questionable: Although certain fruits
may be tastier if picked at their prime and not shipped long distances, onmany locally produced items, it makes no difference, and there is noassurance that something local is also riper. Besides which, if one wants totaste the item year-round, one has little choice but to bring it from otherclimatic zones.Whether local is better for the environment is variable. Commercial
transportation is exceedingly efficient, so it is often the case that the trans-
portation variable doesn’t make a difference — indeed, if consumersdrive their Range Rovers 15 minutes out of the way to get to a Farmer’sMarket so they can buy a pound of produce, they probably caused moreemissions than the shipping of the product across the ocean. Because theproduction of food has different environmental impacts depending onlocation— compare lamb grazed outdoors on land watered by nature, asin New Zealand, versus lamb raised on feed produced by tractors, as inthe UK — only a complete lifecycle analysis can say whether any givenproduct is better for the environment than any other product.Economically speaking, the beneficiaries of a “buy local” policy are
clear — the producers of the products being procured. Whether this isgood even within the locality is unclear. First, by constraining their supplychain and insisting on buying products only within a certain local region,the buyers of such local products will likely pay more than they wouldhave otherwise. So there is a loss of community spending-power, and thatmakes everyone poorer. In addition, resources such as land, water andpeople that could have been used for other purposes are now needed toproduce the food. This may not be a win for the community. Also, thereis a question of retaliation. If a community creates rules that prohibit cer-tain imports — from the next county, state or another country — thosevenues may well retaliate with severe costs to local producers.Finally, there is just no evidence that locally produced food is “more
healthful” than food from other places.Facts be what they may, the zeitgeist is screaming local, and the ques-
tion is where that leads international trade of foods. Indeed, it is rather oddto hear Michelle Obama waxing lyrical over local, since U.S. agriculturalexports are crucial to the U.S. economy. How are traders to address thelocal issue?One of the best responses came from Tom Reardon, a well-respected
professor at Michigan State University. This issue was being discussed ona well known digital newsletter that I write and edit, called Jim Prevor’s Per-ishable Pundit, and you can read theWeb site or get a free subscription at
Summer 2010 � AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER 9
LocalVERSUS
GlobalInternational traders should stand togain in a long-term commitment to
provide the most delicious andnutritious food from around the world.
BY JAMES PREVOREDITOR-IN-CHIEF
tain vegetables) and obviously Mexico. Asusual, France, I think, is leading the way inmar-rying the modern food system with this tradi-tional food love and culture of “food regions.”They have programs (one governmental, one ofthe private sector), one of which is called“Reflets de France,” or “Reflections of France.”They SELL each region’s specialties (of manyfoods) ... ALL OVER FRANCE.So a “consumer” in Bordeaux will go to the
supermarket and pick up, savor, love, discuss,celebrate, the specialties of departments in theSouth, North, East, andWest. (It is never “local-vs.-non-local” that dominates their choices, orI have never seen this... it is the taste, the season,the tradition of specialty, and if the locality isproducing something good, they just pull it intothe general set of things they love.)These same persons will ooh and ahhh
over an orange from Israel, a mango fromIndia, and berries from Serbia. IF and ONLY IF
their local producers can produce the bestoption for taste (for things with taste differ-entials), they will buy it. They will eye it, sniff it,touch it, figure it out. Typically they willalready know what things the local folks cando well, and when, and just then judge amongthe local producers, assuming that anyoneworth his/her salt will do well the local tradi-tional thing, or if they introduce a new thing,they will have the common sense to makesure that it upholds the same quality traditionas the other things made.But, of course, these same consumers will
pick over bargains for produce and other foodsthat they are not looking for particular flavor ordifferentiation in, and if they are poor or lower-middle or even middle class, those things maybemost of what they buy. So they will combinelooking for cheap commodities, and looking forthe “regional home runs” ... whatever region,inside or outside France, that they can find. Isee the same behavior in China, the same inIndia, Mexico and Italy.In my personal life, I try to follow the food
ideas of these people, as I think that they know...a lotmore than I do about food. I go to the localfarmer’s market when I can because I know
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there are some local things around my Michi-gan area and SanDiego area that folks there dowell, and when they do it, and little by little, Ilearn who can do it.Second, it seems to me that the mix we now
see of “globalization” (just another way of say-ing what Jim said — the development first ofnational rather than local, then internationalrather than only national, markets with greatvariety of foreign produce and other products tochoose from) and the “buy local movement”are inevitable partners, neither will go away, andneither will beat out the other for the next 10-20years—and then the “markets” sidewill (again,as it already did once.. in the 1950s/1960s) win.For several reasons I note below:1. Consumers AND producers LOVE the
growth of national and international markets— the formation of national, and then thedevelopment of international markets — foreverything, and produce is part of that.When Iasked one famous berry grower in Michiganabout the buy local movement, he said, “WellTom, I can’t sell a lot of berries within 100milesof my operation.”I am sure that anyonewho is COMPETITIVE (on
quality or cost or both) and has a SHIPPABLE
product would say that. Producers want bigmarkets! They want FREE MARKETS, not quotas,tariffs, blockages and constraints; theywant theright to compete for their apples to get in andduke it out in Beijing with Chinese apples, theirgrapes and cherries to be sold in Japan, theiroranges to sit on French supermarket shelves.Having little local markets means that the
producer cannot get scale, return on herinvestment, and become more and morecompetitive to expand her market and grow.This is, of course, obvious. Consumers alsowant big markets. They want choice. Theywant to save money; they want to find thebest product. They want things in season,wherever that product is coming from. Theywant to buy from the most competitive (inquality, or cost, or both) producers... fromanywhere. That is why a local major retailerin Michigan told my class that the country oforigin label had nearly no effect on his sales;he noted that, by far, the regular consumerdoes not even register any of that. They wantquality, or price, or both, and assume thesupermarket chain has the sense to screenproduct to make sure they buy safe.2. Consumers AND producers LOVE the
growth of local markets — for the things thatlocal suppliers can produce with quality and/orgood price. I obsessively buyMichigan peachesand tomatoes in season, and go into a kind ofjuice-covered trance eating them by the bushel.
www.PerishablePundit. com. Professor Reardon,who works extensively in Asia, responded to aspecific piece I wrote about local with athoughtful letter, reproduced here in full:
Jim, At dawn here in Beijing I wanted to sendsome additional and/or confirming thoughts.First, let’s face it, the Chinese, the French and
the Italians (and I can add the Mexicans andIndians, and have actually listed what foodiesoften list as the great original cuisines) are thegreatest food cultures on earth, with the great-est variety, taste, refinement, obsession withfreshness, the history of each dish, mania forregional specialties.I have found that the average Chinese, Italian
or French person I know talks, thinks andknows asmuch about produce as the “industrypractitioners and experts” as one finds in Pro-duce Marketing Association meetings and soon. (I love PMA , so I am not showing direspectto the organization; I am just stating the obvi-ous for anyone who spends time in the greatfood culture countries.) I think that these coun-tries “have it right” in terms of local foods —they think “FOOD REGIONS.”At any time, in my offices in China or India,
or the university where I spend time in France, Ican just grab anyone... secretary, professional,local baker, trucker... anyone... and I can ask,“What’s in season and where is it from?” Any-one... anyone... will tell me in enthusiastic, vividand voluminous detail about what peaches ormangos are “coming in” (please remember thephrase... “coming in”) from what region.They can describe exactly when they start
“coming in,” and when they “are over” andaren’t worth a word or a chew. In my office inBeijing the other day, I watched everyone (not“food experts!”) crowd around a table at aworkbreak; wewere all cutting up, shouting, laughing.They were obsessing about ... Thai mangosteen(we had a few open and the crowdwas digginginto themwith a kind of food insanity), peachesfrom Xianjin (these will givemy home state Cal-ifornia a run for their money...), melons from alocal province (only 200 miles away), and anapple from the United States.They liked these things and paid their lower
incomes for them because they think they havegood TASTE. They CELEBRATED the regions theyare from. They did not say, “Oh, I am sorry, Ionly eat things grown 100 miles around Bei-jing! IF and ONLY IF the BEST version of that kindof produce were grown that close to Beijingwould they eat it, unless it is just some com-modity product that anyone can grow any-where about the same, unless they mess it up.I have seen the same scene in offices and
homes in France, Italy, India (for fruit and cer-
“The zeitgeist isscreaming local,
and the question iswhere that leadsinternational trade
of foods.”
eventually tire of that, and they embrace non-local product, and the local guy is wiped out. Isthis not a story we hear over and over and over,not just in agriculture?So I think that what will happen is that the
“buy local” movement will be caught from twosides in a pincer— the formerly non-shippable(ripe fruit, delicate greens, etc.) products willbecome increasingly cheap and shippable andundermine the advantage of any firm hoping tobe protected from competition by the transportbarrier— and the local firms that are produc-ing products that were by nature supposedly
producers, or the Chileans. I think those com-petitive companies would find the “buy local”movement in fact a way to TORPEDO the devel-opment of competitiveness in their industry...just like subsidizing soybean production etc.Subsidize the producer (that is what the “buy
local”movement boils down to), and, of course,the producer gets some short-term gains, but asusual, because thus protected from competi-tion, does not invest enough, stay safe enough,keep quality in mind, thinks she has a captivelocal consumer, and then lets quality decline orcosts creep up. The local consumers, of course,
Summer 2010 � AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER 11
These peaches are like the ones I ate as a boy inCalifornia. We all want that. Few consumersreally want to eat “pink baseballs” (my termsince a kid for the tomatoes found in mostsupermarkets at least until the recent trendtoward slightly better tomatoes).Consumers love to be able to “connect” with
farmers and the “land” through at least think-ing that “Hey, this is produced by the local folks,I feel part of their community; this is not some‘big farm to big box’ cage I am confined to...”and so on. This love and yearning for the localwill only grow and grow as several things hap-pen: (a) for defensive reasons, as it slowlydawns on us that “foreigners” are doing thingsmore andmore with the same or better qualitybut lower cost, and we panic and hug our localproduce to reassure that we are still somehowmore important and better than the “foreign-ers” are; (b) for proactive reasons, as the localproduce becomes better or cheaper or moreavailable as local producers, such as in delicategreens, scale up, and hopefully have a bigenough market to make enough money tomake the needed investments in food safety!Third, however, it seems tome that over time
the “buy local”movement will simply wither onthe vine. Not that I want it to (this letter is oddbecause when I am in any place, includingMichigan or China, I obsessively buy the localspecialties, frequent farmersmarkets, etc.) ... but... modern packaging and shippingmethods are... more andmore... making it possible to keep aproduct, even a delicate one, fresh even ifshipped, and allow harvesting when the prod-uct is ripe.Greenhouse technology is constantly
improving. My usual dinner in East Lansing isIndiana chicken, cooked in California Meyerlemons, with a salad of Mexican tomatoes andorganic arugula from a massive organic farmin California, andHawaiian or Brazilian papayaorMichigan or Chilean berries for dessert. I wasamazed a few years ago when I could get thedelicate — and I thought unshippable —Meyer lemons, arugula, and papayas, and afew years later, I think of that as commonplace.The LOCAL operations, in other places, becamemore and more competitive, and the shippingtechnology better and better, so that THEIR LOCALBECAME MY MEAL.As these technologies develop, the local pro-
ducers will lose any “automatic advantage” inthe local market. In fact, of course (as this isalready happening), the COMPETITIVE producersof delicate fresh produce will be PROMOTING thedevelopment of better packaging and shipping,so they can grow theirmarket beyond the local.That is exactly the story of the Michigan berry
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To receive more informationabout the Local and Global Food,
please visitwww.americanfoodandag.comand fill out the Rapid Response
Request Form — check box 831.
local (like organic arugula! Usually cited adecade ago as the super duper local-only prod-uct!) will compete with each other and a hand-ful per region and product will emerge victori-ous, maybe surrounded by a cluster of smallerfirms serving niches (that add up to say 10 per-cent of the main market for the product).This seems to me to be exactly what has
happened in organic greens in the U.S.... Thenthese local strong firms will use the increasingshipment and packaging technology to ship allaround (and will fight to keepmarkets free andopen) — and/or they will pepper the cities ofthe U.S. and other places with roboticizedgreenhouses that reproduce their product andship it locally by special train compartments inthe elevated trains that will replace freeways...— Tom ReardonProfessor, International Development and
Agribusiness/Food IndustryDepartment of Agricultural, Food and
Resource/EconomicsMichigan State UniversityEast Lansing, Michigan
Professor Reardon reminds us what would
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be lost in the joy of life if we constrained our-selves to only eat local, and he reminds us thatprotectionism— and that is, in fact, what localmandates turn out to be—will in the end hurtthe very local producers that those who advo-cate for hope to protect.In the end, the true sustainability of a farm, or
food producer, depends on the ability to com-pete — to compete on flavor, to compete onprice, to compete on consistency, to competeon food safety and so many other criteria.Industries sheltered from competition
become weak, and so traders can proudly pro-claim that they bring delicious and nutritiousfood to the people of the world and they helpgrowers and producers in every corner of theglobe to rise to compete with the best. It is anoble task, and the traders of the world shouldhold their heads high. �
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guage for consideration by the technicalworking group.U.S. arguments were compelling. The
result: the OECD interpretative brochure forgrading citrus in the European market wasupdated this summer to include grapefruitgrown in Florida.
A Standard-SetterThe United States is a founding member
of the OECD, an international organizationcomposed of 32 democratic countries withmarket-based economies. Shared goalsinclude achieving a rising standard of livingin member countries, as well as engagingwith non-members to contribute to thedevelopment of the world economy.Through its public policy research, ‘soft law’and peer reviews, the OECD, which cele-brates its 50th anniversary later this year,provides the United States an opportunityfor engaging with other countries on eco-nomic regulatory issues. �
U.S. Saves Florida GrapefruitFrom High-Stakes GlitchA Florida grapefruit by any other name would surely taste as sweet. But U.S. efforts came to the rescueof what 18th century naturalist Rev. Griffith Hughes once dubbed “the forbidden fruit of Barbados,” whileunderscoring the value of U.S. engagement in international organizations. By Yvonne Ribeiro-Yemofio
To receive more informationabout Citrus, please visit
www.americanfoodandag.comand fill out the Rapid Response
Request Form — check box 832.
Summer 2010 � AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER 13
Defending Sub-tropical CitrusFlorida grapefruit could have been reject-
ed for commercial sale in the Europeanmarket as a result of a proposed interpretivebrochure on citrus standards. The initialversion of the brochure excluded tropicaland sub-tropical grapefruit — 70 percent ofinternational citrus trade — and includedonly grapefruit more commonly found nearthe Mediterranean.But a recent U.S. win at the Paris, France-
based Organization for Economic Coopera-tion and Development (OECD) ensures thatFlorida grapefruit exports won’t be limitedor excluded.The potential impact on the Florida grape-
fruit industry is huge. Worldwide, the EU isthe largest importer of grapefruit, accountingfor half of its total volume. Exports of Flori-da grapefruit to the EU in 2009/10 totalednearly $47.7 million. U.S. commercial grape-fruit accounts for approximately 20 percentof world output.“A technical rule in a brochure could have
cost real jobs and exports in the Floridagrapefruit industry,” says Karen Kornbluh,U.S. Ambassador to the OECD. “We couldnot let this stand.”
The Specter of IncreasedExport CostsFor two years, experts from the U.S. citrus
industry had been working with an OECDTechnical Working Group to ensure that aninterpretive brochure on citrus fruits wouldinclude sub-tropical grapefruit. The draftbrochure failed to include photos andexplanatory language for surface defectsassociated with grapefruit from sub-tropicalzones, such as Florida.Yet photos and species-specific descrip-
tions are critical to ensuring that producepasses inspection with the appropriate grad-ing. A government inspector decides whatgrade imported fruit matches according to
its quality. If an exporter labels the grapefruitgrade 1 or 2, but the inspector — on thebasis of a visual inspection that does notaccount for surface variations typical ofFlorida grapefruit — were to conclude that itwere a lower grade, the fruit could be con-sidered “fraudulently labeled.” The fruitwould then have to be re-exported,destroyed, or subject to a fine, incurringadditional costs in any of these cases.The alternative of sending non-labeled
fruit to the EU would also jeopardize thoseexports. Fruit without labels falls under theGeneral Marketing Standard and risks beingclassed at a lesser grade. Large retailers thatrequire higher quality produce would notbuy it and the result would be a significantloss in sales.
Communication, Collaborationand Coordination are KeyWhen early this year it looked as if the
brochure would go forward without the nec-essary changes, the U.S. citrus industrycalled on U.S. State Department diplomats atthe U.S. Mission to the OECD to help.The Mission joined forces with the Paris,
France-based United States Foreign Agricul-tural Service (USDA FAS) and the U.S.-basedUSDA Agricultural Marketing Service. Forseveral months, they worked behind thescenes with the OECD Secretariat and otherMember states on possible approaches toresolve this problem.The U.S. Government’s commitment to
resolving the issue garnered progress. WithU.S. support, the OECD proposed to hold aspecial joint OECD/UN Economic Commis-sion for Europe (UNECE) meeting on May25, 2010, in Geneva, Switzerland, to revisitthe issue. At this meeting, the United States— supported by representatives of the U.S.citrus industry — presented its position onthe interpretive brochure and brought for-ward new photos and explanatory lan-
14 AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER � Summer 2010
INTERTRIBAL AGRICULTURE COUNCIL100 N. 27th St., Suite 500, Billings, MO 59102 • Tel: 406-259-3525 • Fax: 406-256-9980 • [email protected] • www.AmericanIndianFoods.com
All products exported have theMade/Produced by American Indianscertified trademark, receive equal pro-motion and attention and are promot-ed in overseas trade shows by therespective producer of each product.The Council utilizes the respective
trade show catalogs produced by showsponsors and has representatives of theparticipating product company orenterprise on hand to demonstrate theproduct and answer questions about itsproducts. AIF also has a chef on hand todo Native Taste Seminars that illustratehow to utilize American Indian prod-ucts in meal preparation as well as howto present or lay the American IndianFoods out in the case of restaurants.The Council plans to participate in
six international food shows in 2010. Itwill also host several Native Tastes Sem-inars and a press mission in Washingtonand Oregon for press from the countriesit is visiting. It will be sponsoring onereverse trade mission for buyers from
overseas countries to come to the Unit-ed States and meet the participatingIndian producers.American Indian Foods (AIF), a pro-
gram of IAC, began in 1998 under con-tract with the U.S. Department of Agri-culture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Ser-vice (FAC). The partnership was devel-oped as a platform for American Indianfood businesses to showcase their prod-ucts and share their tribal cultures.American Indian Foods come from
coast-to-coast in the United States andare grown on pristine lands of theNative American Nations or come fromtheir natural waters. Many of the prod-ucts sold are still harvested in waysdefined hundreds of years ago. NativeAmerican communities are a close-knitgroup and many of them gather familiesand friends together annually to har-vest, celebrate and give thanks.
he American Indian Foods (AIF)Program administered by theIntertribal Agricultural Council
(IAC) assists in marketing products pro-duced by Tribes or Individual TribalMembers. The Council focuses on pro-moting the American Indian use ofAmerican Indian resources for the ben-efit of American Indian people.AIF exports beef strips, chilis, pop-
corn, wild rice, fry bread, garden pro-duce, berries and berry products, buffa-lo meat, seafood/fish, mushrooms,jerky, oysters, apples, cranberries, sea-sonings and other agricultural products.All products exported are traditionalAmerican Indian foods that are grownor produced in Alaska, Arizona, Florida,Montana, New Mexico, Nebraska, Min-nesota, South Dakota, Maine, Oregon,Massachusetts and Washington.Each product is labeled by the
respective tribe or individual Indianillustrating the respective homelandwhere the product is produced.
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PRODUCT LISTAPPLES
BEEF STRIPS
BERRIES
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MUSHROOMS
OYSTERS
POPCORN
VEGETABLES
WILD RICE
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CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXPORT COUNCIL915 L St. C409, Sacramento, CA 95814 • Tel: 916-863-0311 • Fax: 916-863-0304 • [email protected] • www.caec.net
as well as fresh vegetables from Cali-fornia and Arizona and pecans fromArizona and New Mexico.”CAEC is involved with a wide range
of programs — each with a differentangle. “We’re always interested indeveloping new markets for our prod-
ucts,” says Klose. CAEC is currentlyseeking input from importers andother trade individuals that handlethese products on ways to expand cur-rent programs to better suit the needsof the market or for suggestions of newmarkets for these products.
he California Agricultural ExportCouncil (CAEC) is a non-profitorganization that works with
California and western U.S-based agri-cultural associations to market and pro-mote California-, Arizona- and NewMexico-grown and produced foodproducts. Coordinating activities close-ly with the Foreign Agricultural Service(FAS) of the U.S. Department of Agri-culture (USDA), CAEC manages promo-tional and research projects in selectedmarkets worldwide. Activities focus onthe promotion of either individual prod-ucts or generic California activities thatleverage the image of California andU.S. agricultural products.Formed in 1995 to support the
international marketing efforts of vari-ous California-based agricultural pro-ducer organizations, CAEC is involvedin several umbrella activities, includingtrade-show pavilions, California Weekfoodservice and retail promotions andsponsorship of international delega-tions to California.Fred Klose, CAEC executive director,
explains that the organization wasformed because “Many smaller com-modity groups didn’t have all of theresources to access government ser-vices, so many of them joined togetherto form one body that would handlean assortment of services.” CAEC hasgrown to include the California FigAdvisory Board (CFAB), CaliforniaFresh Apricot Council (CFAC), Califor-nia Medjool Date Council, CaliforniaNew Potatoes (CNP), California OliveOil Council (COOC), PomegranateCouncil and Western Growers (WG).CAEC has several main target mar-
kets the principal ones being Canada,Japan and China. “Our sole purpose isto assist our members in gaining accessto overseas markets and to promotetheir products in international mar-kets,” Klose adds. “We export an arrayof California-grown commodities,including figs, Medjool dates, apricots,pomegranates, olive oil and potatoes,
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Contact the California Agricultural Export Council for information on California food products,recipes and promotional support.
915 L Street #C409 I Sacramento, CA 95814 I [email protected] I www.caec.net
(916) 863-0311
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18 AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER � Summer 2010
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OFSTATE DEPARTMENTS OF AGRICULTURE
1156 15th Street, NW, Suite 1020, Washington, D.C. 20005 • Tel: 202-296-9680 • Fax: 202-296-9686 • [email protected] • www.nasda.org
ounded in 1915, the NationalAssociation of State Departmentsof Agriculture (NASDA), based inWashington, D.C., is a non-prof-
it, non-partisan association of public offi-cials comprising the commissioners, sec-retaries and directors of the 54 U.S. stateand territorial departments of agriculture.In order to support U.S. food produc-
ers in the global marketplace, NASDA isdeeply involved in trade promotion activ-ities designed to support exporters of U.S.food and agricultural products.These activities are conducted in close
cooperation with the U.S. Department ofAgriculture’s (USDA) Foreign AgriculturalService (FAS). NASDA also works closelywith its four affiliated state-regional tradeassociations Food Export Northeast, FoodExport Midwest, the Southern U.S. TradeAssociation, and the Western U.S. Agri-cultural Trade Association.NASDA alsodirectly sponsors export pavilions at theNational Restaurant Association Show(NRA) and the Americas Food & BeverageShow.NASDA’s American Food Fair is an
annual feature at the NRA show everyMay in Chicago, Illinois. The 2011 eventwill be held May 21-24.The Americas Food and Beverage
Show, featuring NASDA’s US pavilion, isthe only food exhibition with a WesternHemisphere focus and provides unparal-leled opportunities to discover new prod-ucts, companies, ideas and innovationsfrom around the world.
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20 AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER � Summer 2010
U.S. MEAT EXPORT FEDERATION (USMEF)1855 Blake Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80202 • Tel: 303-623-6328 • Fax: 303-623-0297 • [email protected] • www.usmef.org
meat and underutilized cuts used for pro-cessing. They carry out market develop-ment activities in more than 80 countriesin the primary areas of:• Marketing - Creating demand in
international markets for U.S. meatthrough promotions, trade seminars, con-sumer education, advertising and publicrelations.• Trade Servicing - Working to bring
buyers and sellers together by conductingboth market and product research.• Market Access - Providing the U.S.
government and industry with the marketintelligence necessary to secure, maintainand develop fair and reasonable access tointernational markets.Officially formed in 1976, USMEF is
now well into its fourth decade of devel-oping international markets for U.S. pork,beef, lamb and veal, adding value to adiverse range of U.S. agricultural products.USMEF receives funding and supportfrom the beef, pork, corn and soybeanproducers through their commoditycheckoff programs, as well as from meatprocessors, exporters and distributors, andthe U.S. Department of Agriculture. Inconcept, USMEF began with a team of
livestock producers visiting Osaka, Japan,for a food exhibition in 1970. After itsofficial formation in 1976, USMEFfocused mostly on Europe and Japan, butsoon found opportunities in other Asianmarkets. USMEF’s Asian expansion waswell-timed, receiving assistance from theTargeted Export Assistance (TEA) programpassed by Congress in 1985. The BeefCheckoff and Pork Checkoff programswere also established as part of the 1985Farm Bill, giving the nation’s livestock pro-ducers an avenue by which they couldpromote beef and pork in both domesticand international markets.After augmenting the presence of
USMEF in Asia, Philip Seng was promot-ed to president and CEO in 1990. As hisresponsibilities grew beyond Asia tocover the entire globe, he quickly sawthat neighboring markets offered thenext great opportunity for expandingU.S. meat exports. USMEF opened anoffice in Mexico City several yearsbefore the NAFTA accord, doing thepreparatory work so that once this mar-ket became more favorable, the U.S. redmeat industry would be able to capital-ize on these opportunities.Developing technology allowing ship-
ment of high-quality chilled products hasbeen critical to USMEF’s success in sever-al key markets. Tariffs have declined forthe most part, but a variety of non-tarifftrade barriers continue to inhibit trade inmany markets. Mexico is probably thebest example of how tariff reduc-tion/removal can improve the flow of redmeat products, as Mexico quickly becamethe largest volume and value market forU.S. beef and the largest volume marketfor U.S. pork and lamb.The USMEF sees exports as an increas-
ingly more critical component of the prof-itability of American agriculture, and theyenvision continued expansion of exportmarkets and continued commitment toeffectively marketing U.S. productsabroad. They look forward to workingwith partners all around the world toincrease exports and sales of quality U.S.meat products.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation(USMEF) works to increase thevalue and profitability of the U.S.
beef, pork, and lamb industries byenhancing demand for their products inexport markets through a dynamic part-nership of all stakeholders. Simply put,USMEF is “Putting U.S. Meat on theWorld’s Table.”With 93 employees around the world,
USMEF has experts in every aspect oftrade, including marketing and promo-tions, market access, sanitary and phy-tosanitary issues, market analysis and con-sumer research. They highly value havingexperienced people on the ground in keymarkets. Headquartered in Denver, Col-orado, they operate offices in Tokyo,Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul,Taipei, Singapore, Mexico City, Monter-rey, Brussels, Moscow and St. Petersburg.Additionally, they have special marketrepresentatives covering the areas ofChina, Europe, the Middle East, Centraland South America and the Caribbean.The Federation assists exporters of all
types of pork, beef, lamb and veal prod-ucts, promoting everything from the high-est-value, chilled muscle cuts to variety
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22 AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER � Summer 2010
USA POULTRY & EGG EXPORT COUNCIL (USAPEEC)2300 West Park Place Boulevard, Suite 100, Stone Mountain, GA 30087 • Tel: 770-413-0006 • Fax: 770-413-0007 • [email protected] • www.usapeec.org
SINGAPOREMargaret Say, DirectorMaria Cheong, Asst. Director541 Orchard Rd.Suite 15-04 Liat Towers, Singapore 238881(Covers ASEAN region)Tel: 65-6737-1726Fax: 65-6737-1727E-mail: [email protected]
RUSSIAAlbert Davleyev, DirectorTatyana SolovyovaNatalia Kiryushina, Assistants20 Kulakova St. Bldg. 1AMoscow, Russia 123592(Covers Russia, Belarus)Tel: 7495-781-9200Fax: 7495-781-9201E-mail: [email protected] site: www.usapeec.ru
CHINARichard Hu, Marketing ManagerRoom 419, Bldg. A,Heqiao MansionNo. 8A Guanghua Rd.Chaoyang District, Beijing 100026 China(Covers Northern China)Tel: 8610-6581-1255Fax: 8610-6581-2922E-mail: [email protected]
Carl Shi, Marketing Manager1809-1810 Overseas Chinese Mansion129 Yanan Rd. West,Shanghai, 200040 China(Covers Southern & Central China)Tel: 8621-6249-2625Fax: 8621-6249-1653E-mail: [email protected] site: www.usapeec.org.cn
JAPANIzumi Amano, Eri Matsudac/o Motix Co., Ltd.Albergo Nogizaka Suite 7029-6-28 Akasaka, Minato-ku,Tokyo 1070052 JAPANTel: 81-3-3403-8288 Fax: 81-3-3403-8289E-mail: [email protected] site: www.usapeec-jp.com
KOREALan SohnSohn’s Market Makers, 1st Floor,647-19 Shinsadong, Kangnam-kuSeoul, Korea 135-896Tel: 822-543-9380 Fax: 822-543-0944E-mail: [email protected] site: www.usapeec.co.kr
MIDDLE EAST/CISSimon BakhtArab Marketing & Finance Inc. (AMFI)Ras Beirut, Mansour Jerdak St.Tabbara Bldg. 4th FloorP.O. Box 113-5028Harma Beirut 1103-2010. LebanonTel: 961-1-740378, 741223Fax: 961-1-740393E-mail: [email protected] site: www.usapeecme.com
AMFI Saudi ArabiaAl Bandriah Centre5th Floor, Suite 50128th St. Pepsi Cola St., P.O. Box 3492,Al-Khobar 31952 Saudi ArabiaTel/Fax: 966-3-8823265
AMFI AzerbaijanHussein EffendievNizami St. 91, Suite 44Postal Code 370000P.O. Box 189, Baku, AzerbaijanTel/Fax: 99-412-933731Mobile: 994-50-2106058
AMFI JordanHala KhouryGarden StreetTla Al-Ali, Amman, JordanTel: 962-6-5530232Fax: 962-6-5510157Mobile: 962-79-5524065E-mail: [email protected]
SOUTH AFRICAZelda SharpZodiac Marketing6 Dieu Donna, Pinotage St.Meyersdal, Johannesburg,South Africa 1448(Covers Africa)Tel: 27-11-867-7082Fax: 27-86-612-5407Mobile: 27-82-900-5199E-mail: [email protected]
EUROPELisa LindbladRindi Marketing(Covers EU and Balkans)Donners Plats 1, 621 57 Visby, SwedenMobile: 46-703-822100E-mail: [email protected]
UKRAINE/MOLDOVA/CENTRAL ASIABella Ablayeva, Kazan, RussiaTel: 7-8342-966777Tel/Fax: 7-8342-362126E-mail: [email protected] site: www.usapeec.kz
ith 15 employees in the UnitedStates and 13 internationaloffices and consultants, the USAPoultry & Egg Export Council
(USAPEEC) works to increase U.S. poultryand egg exports by opening and developingmarkets around the world and serving asthe industry’s voice on trade policy issues.USAPEEC works with exports of U.S.-pro-duced chicken, turkey, duck and eggs, incommodity and further-processed value-added forms.Founded in 1984 through a grant from
the Southeastern Poultry and Egg Associa-tion, USAPEEC became an independententity in 1985. Under the direction of ourmore than 200 member companies, weoffer a wide range of services and benefitsto industry members, including serving asan information clearinghouse; offering mar-ket research and international marketaccess; advertising and promotion; tradeservicing, leads and educational programs;coordinating trade contacts and meetings;providing sales data and building the imageof U.S. poultry and egg products. All activi-ties are export related.The Council operates programs in
approximately 75 countries worldwide.
HONG KONGSarah Li, DirectorCecilia Chu, Asst.Director2010 Hang Lung Centre, 2-20 Paterson St.Causeway Bay, Hong Kong(Covers Hong Kong, South China, Taiwan)Tel: 852-2890-2908Fax: 852-2895-5546E-mail: [email protected] site: www.usapeec.org.cn;(Taiwan) www.usapeec.org.tw/
MEXICOJosé Luis Cruz, DirectorMonterrey OfficeAgricultural Trade OfficeBlvd. Diaz Ordaz #140-Piso7Monterrey, N.L., Mexico CP 64650Tel: 52-81-8333-7582Fax: 52-81-8333-3731E-mail: [email protected] Lilia De LeonMexico City OfficeMatias Romero 216Col. De Valle ,Mexico, D.F. CP 03100Tel: 525-55-5980-6090Fax: 525-55-5980-6085E-mail: [email protected] site: www.usapeec.org.mx
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24 AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER � Summer 2010
WELL•PICT209 Riverside Drive • Tel: 831 722-3871 • Fax: 831 722-6340 • [email protected] • www.wellpict.com
with strawberries and raspberries available12 months out of the year, and blackber-ries available from May through August.They maintain their availability by utiliz-ing different growing regions in California,Mexico and Florida, matching specificproprietary varieties to the most suitablegrowing area to produce staggered har-vest times that keep supply comingthroughout the year. Our export availabil-ity for each region can be seen below.
• Canada: Strawberries, Raspberries,Blackberries – year-round
• Dubai: Strawberries, Raspberries,Blackberries – year-round
• South Africa/Johannesburg – Straw-berries, Raspberries, Blackberries –April thru June
• Japan: Strawberries, Raspberries –June thru Nov.
• Australia: Strawberries, Raspberries –April thru June
• Singapore: Strawberries, Raspberries– April thru June
t’s that time of year that every-one’s been waiting for, because itmeans Well•Pict’s full line of pre-
mium berries are in full bloom. Idealgrowing conditions in the states have cre-ated a bumper crop with larger sized,high-quality berries filled with amazingflavor.One of the things to look for is
Well•Pict’s new larger and even moredelicious raspberries, which are currentlyin prime production. This new proprietaryvarietal was first planted last year in Wat-sonville, California, and this year promis-es even bigger raspberries (if that’s possi-ble!) and will be headed to stores in themonths ahead. In addition, raspberryavailability will be increased thanks to alonger growing season for these amazingplants, without compromising any of thesweet, juicy flavor that Well•Pict Berriesare known for worldwide.As is always the case during these
sunny, summer months, Well•Pict’s fullline of premium berries is readily available
and shipped the very same day they arepicked, without ever breaking the coldchain. Not only does this increase shelflife, but it guarantees they’re as fresh ashumanly possible, immediately ready foryour store shelves upon arrival. It’s nosecret that quality berries can boost pro-duce department and store sales overallduring the summer, so you’ll want toplace your orders to ensure immediatedelivery.Well•Pict exports premium fresh
strawberries, raspberries and blackberries,
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• United Kingdom: Strawberries,Raspberries, Blackberries – June thruOct.
• Philippines: Strawberries – April thruJune
Shipping worldwide, Well•Pict’s fine-tuned export programs are designed toensure that the berries arrive with thedesired characteristics specifically orderedfor that market. Special crews are utilizedto maintain consistency over the hand-selection process. No berries leave thepacking house without double checkingthat the specific market instructions havebeen carried out. With this attention todetail, along with a bold, international printadvertising campaign that highlights thebeauty and flavor of the product, it’s nowonder that demand for Well•Pict’s supe-rior berries has increased year after year.Since 1969, Well-Pict Berries has
grown and shipped premium, proprietaryvariety strawberries, raspberries andblackberries, available today in bothorganic and conventional lines year-
round. In addition, Well•Pict is proud toprovide superior service based on trust,dedication, ingenuity and the ability tohonestly listen to customers to meet theirindividual needs.Well•Pict’s Facebook, Twitter and
email responses continue to be wonder-ful, giving them important feedback as itlooks to best serve their customers.You’re invited to keep them coming byvisiting Well•Pict’s website atwww.wellpict.com or call Dan Crowley at(831) 722-3871.
26 AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER � Summer 2010
SUGARDALE, INC.1888 Southway St., Massillon, OH 44646 • Tel: 330-832-7491 • Fax: 330-830-3174 • [email protected] • www.freshmark.com
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developed early in our history has beenconstant and inclusive, characterizingboth Sugardale people and Sugardaleproducts.Sugardale’s commitment to move
the company toward a higher level oftechnical expertise is also a commit-ment to succeed where it counts themost — with our customers. The focuson technology enables us to deliver thehighest possible level of customer ser-vice quickly and successfully. Whetherbuilding applications to streamlinelabeling or delivery, improving manu-facturing efficiency or delivering newproducts to the consumer, we remainfocused on delivering a quality productto every customer, every time.Sugardale, which sells direct to com-
panies overseas and through distributorsin each market we service, currentlyexports to Japan, Canada, Mexico,Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and someCentral American countries.
bacon, pre-cooked bacon, bacon top-pings and dry sausage (pepperoni),which are provided to retailers by ourSugardale Foods and Superior’s BrandMeats divisions. These same productsalso play an important role in the Sug-ardale division, a major and long-estab-lished part of the business. For manyyears, Sugardale Foods has worked withdistributors of prepared foods and end-users throughout the United States toprovide outstanding service to institu-tional consumers.The marketing knowledge and expe-
rience gained by each division areshared throughout the company for thebenefit of all Sugardale customers. Weconsistently meet or exceed require-ments of retailers and wholesalers forproduct quality specifications and deliv-ery dependability.The Sugardale edge began with a
family meat market whose success wasbuilt on quality. The quality standard
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ugardale employs 2,000 peopleand has facilities in Massillon,Canton and Salem, Ohio. Ourmodern, state-of-the-art facili-
ties achieve the highest standards offood safety and quality control, and allare U.S. government-inspected and incompliance with stringent federal food-safety regulations.We have an 88-year tradition of sup-
plying top-quality meat products to thegrocery and foodservice industries. Sug-ardale is committed to providing qualityproducts with a customer-focused phi-losophy. An expert meat manufacturer,we are a strong and experiencedprovider that is also innovative andleads the way with industry technolo-gies. Service, custom-designed prod-ucts, quality and competitive pricing arethe hallmarks of our commitment to ourcustomers.Sugardale’s products include a full
line of hams, deli meats, wieners,
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HILLTOP RANCH, INC.13890 Looney Road, Ballico, CA 95303 • Tel: 209-874-1875 • Fax: 209-874-1877 • [email protected] • www.hilltopranch.com
expansions in September 2006 andSeptember 2008. In December 2009,a 4.5 acre solar energy system wasinstalled that supplies approximately 75percent of the power used for process-ing. This is one of many steps takentoward sustainability.Hilltop’s corporate philosophy has
always been to provide growers andcustomers with accurate information tohelp them make educated businessdecisions. A reputation for honesty withgrowers and customers has helped thecompany reach where it is today.Consistently providing quality that
meets or exceeds customer expecta-tions has helped promote the HilltopRanch brand. Knowing their customers’individual requirements assures that
illtop Ranch Inc. is one of theworld’s largest almond proces-sors, handling over 25,000tons and shipping to over 65
countries. Its integrated operationsinclude farming, hulling, shelling, clean-ing, sizing, sorting, grading, lab analysis,packing, trucking and exporting.Hilltop’s product-line includes
in-shell almonds, whole naturalalmonds (CCOF organic and conven-tional) and manufactured almonds suchas blanched sliced, slivered, splits, dicedand meal.The company, founded in 1980 by
David and Christine Long, became analmond handler in 1984 and has grownsteadily. A new processing plant wasbuilt in 2002, followed by major
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quality as well as documentation meetor exceed customer expectations.Hilltop exports directly from the UnitedStates, through exclusive distributorsin a few select countries, and frombonded warehouses in Europe.Exports make up about two-thirds
of shipments for Hilltop Ranch. Themore widespread use of the Internethas made the flow of informationquicker and more direct. Hilltopreceives and welcomes e-mails everyday from companies interested inpurchasing almonds directly fromthe United States. At their website,www.hilltopranch.com, you can findextensive information on almonds,including harvest videos, processingvideos, and market info.
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28 AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER � Summer 2010
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE801 Sangamon Ave., Springfield, IL 62702 • Tel: 217-782-5809 • Fax: 217-524-5960 • [email protected] • www.agr.state.il.us
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llinois is known for its diversityof product offerings. Its exportfocus is on livestock and live-stock genetics, grains, feed and
feed ingredients, agricultural equipment,bakery products, candy, ingredients,meat and meat products, snack foods,beverages, dairy products, prepared andfrozen prepared foods, ethnic foods,condiments, spices, seasonings andsauces.
World trade represents a significantpart of Illinois’ agricultural economy andthe state’s companies are recognizedworldwide for its quality foods. Illinoisranks third in the nation in agriculturalproducts, with annual exports of morethan $5.5 billion, and fourth among allstates in processed foods, with annualexports of more than $2.5 billion.Illinois’ top trading partners includeCanada, Mexico, Taiwan, China, Japanand Indonesia. Top export commoditiesare soybeans and products, feed grains
and products, live animals and meat,wheat and products.
With 2,307 food processingestablishments, some of the largest foodcompanies, including subsidiaries, arelocated in Illinois and include Tyson,Armour Swift-Eckrich, Tootsie Roll,Wrigley, ADM, Quaker, Keebler, Tate &Lyle, Pepsico, Kraft, Nabisco, CornProducts International, M&M/Mars andEntenmann’s.
The Illinois Department of Agricul-ture’s Marketing and Promotion staffengage in various promotional activitiesbenefiting the state’s food and agribusi-ness sectors. Their mission is tointroduce buyers and sellers together.
The roots of the Illinois Departmentof Agriculture go back to 1819, whenthe Illinois Agricultural Association wasformed just months after Illinois becamea state. The only known record of thisorganization comes from letters writtenby early settlers. The department gained
its current status as a regulatory andpromotional agency in 1917 under theCivil Administrative Code. Today, theAgriculture Department administers a$109 million budget and employs morethan 600 people statewide.
Separate bureaus administer pro-grams and services directed atconserving the state’s land and waterresources; protecting the health andwelfare of livestock and companionanimals; overseeing state and countyfairs; regulating seed, feed and fertilizerproducts; ensuring the financial stabilityof grain dealers and warehouses;promoting Illinois food and agriculturalproducts; and operating the state’shorse-racing programs.
Since 1968, the Illinois Departmentof Agriculture, headquartered in Spring-field, Illinois, has actively and aggres-sively engaged in international marketdevelopment and product promotion forthe state’s food and agribusiness sectors.
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NATIONAL WATERMELON PROMOTION BOARD3361 Rouse Road, Suite 150, Orlando, FL 32817 • Tel: 407-657-0261 877-599-9595 • Fax: 407-657-2213 • www.watermelon.org
enjoyed year-round by itself or addedto a wide variety of desserts, drinksand recipes.
The Board offers tools for store-leveltraining and materials for in-storepromotion of watermelon, and it hasconducted consumer research, whichis highlighted in its retail kit. NWPBpromotes the product to consumers byshowcasing recipes, a kids’ section andpreparation and nutrition informationon its Web site.
NWPB utilizes funds from theMarketing Assistance Program (MAP)of the U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA) for consumer awareness andretail promotion campaigns. It cur-rently has offices in Canada and theUnited Kingdom and will soon open
offices in Mexico. The Board, whichoffers promotional assistance in anycountry that imports U.S. watermelon,expects sales growth to continue andexports to Europe and Asia to increase.
Over the years, NWPB has seenincreased global interest in andappreciation for high-quality U.S.watermelon because of its consistencyand the continued development ofnew varieties.
International promotion is currentlya small portion of NWPB’s totalpromotional activities, but it sees theexport sector as a high-growth area aswatermelon consumers worldwidebecome more aware of the healthbenefits, taste and quality of U.S.watermelon.
he National WatermelonPromotion Board (NWPB)works to increase consumer
demand for watermelon throughpromotion, research and educationalprograms. In 1989, watermelongrowers and shippers formed thenon-profit organization based inOrlando, Florida. Since then, NWPBhas developed marketing programsto boost watermelon sales. Throughhigh-profile publicity on television,radio, newspapers and magazines, theBoard has showcased watermelon as ahealthful, refreshing, versatile fruit.
Thanks in part to NWPB efforts,watermelon is not just for picnicsanymore. It has won a regular place onconsumers’ shopping lists and is
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Summer 2010 � AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER 29
30 AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER � Summer 2010
PACIFIC VALLEY FOODS2700 Richards Road, Bellevue, Washington 98005 • Tel: 425-643-1805 • Fax: 425-747-4221 • [email protected] • www.pacificvalleyfoods.com
ativity set them apart as a company thatwill do what it takes to give their customerswhat they need.The company exports frozen French
fries and potato products, frozen andcanned vegetables, frozen berries, frozen
family-owned and operated busi-ness for more than 30 years, Pacif-ic Valley Foods makes a difference
to customers with their extraordinary levelof personal attention, service and qualityproducts. Innovation, flexibility, and cre-
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waffles and pancakes, bagels, tortillas,dehydrated potatoes, frozen meat andpoultry. Frozen potato items comprisetheir strongest export product line. Overthe past 30 years, U.S. frozen French frieshave become a popular food enjoyed byconsumers in almost every corner of theworld. The U.S. produces the highestquality French fries from abundant potatogrowing regions throughout the states.Pacific Valley continues to diversify its
product lines, grow its private label brandsand expand its exports to new countries.Ninety percent of the company’s currentsales are international, while 10 percentare in the U.S. domestic market. Thecompany has sales throughout everycountry in Asia, with additional sales inMexico, Central and South America.Pacific Valley exports directly from Wash-ington and has strategic distributors innumerous countries. It also has overseasoffices located in some of the company’slargest export markets.Pacific Valley travels overseas to visit
prospective buyers in addition to exhibitingin trade shows around the world. Thecompany advertises in international as wellas U.S.-based publications. It has been aparticipating member of W.U.S.A.T.A.(Western United States Agricultural TradeAssociation) for more than 15 years andworks closely with the Agricultural TradeOffices overseas, as well as U.S. state andfederal agricultural departments. The com-pany participates with overseas buyinggroups through the Washington StateDepartment of Agriculture, WashingtonState Governor Trade Missions as well asFederal Trade Missions.
Summer 2010 � AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER 31
AMERICANAMERICAN
EXPORTEREXPORTEREXPORTERFood and AgFood and Ag
2010BUYERSGUIDE:LISTING OFEXPORTERS
AB FOODS LLC1555 Shoreline Drive, Suite 320Boise, ID 83702 USAPhone: 509-865-2121Fax: 509-865-2827E-mail: [email protected] site: www.abfoodsusa.comContact: Todd Larimer, Export Sales ManagerBusiness Type: Breeder, Exporter,Packer, Processor
Customer Type: Foodservice, ProcessingIndustrial, Retail, Wholesale
Product Line: AB Foods produces the high-est quality beef and pork products underthree premium brand names: Snake RiverFarms (American raised Waygu beef andKurobuta pork), Double R Ranch and St.Helen’s beef, Rancho El Oro— a Double RRanch “Signature” (top third of USDAchoice). AB Foods is the only U.S. producerwith both ISO and HACCP qualification inevery step of its supply chain.Brand Names: Snake River Farms, Double RRanch, St. Helen’s Beef, Rancho El Oro
AG ALUMNI SEED702 State Road 28 ERomney, IN 47981 USAPhone: 765-538-3145Fax: 765-538-3600E-mail: [email protected] site: www.agalumniseed.comContact: Jane Lewis, Sales ManagerBusiness Type: Broker, Distributor, GrowerProduct Line: Hybrid popcorn seed. Productof the USA.
AGRI-MARK DAIRY PROTEINS1401 Main Street, West Suite 103Onalaska, WI 54650Phone: 608-783-9755
Fax: 608-783-9778E-mail: [email protected] site: www.agrimarkwheyproteins.comContact: Peter Gutierrez, Vice President -
Global Ingredient SalesBusiness Type: Exporter, ManufacturerProduct Line: Non caking food grade wheypowder used in biscuits, cookies, chocolates,confectionary, starter media, young animalfeed rations, WPC80 used in baby food,athlete nutrtion, medical nutrition,processed meats, surimi, egg replacement inbaked goods, aged cheddar cheeseBrand Names: Agri-Mark Whey Proteins,Cabot Cheese, McCadam Cheese, DairyAmerica
AMERICAN INDIAN FOODS100 North 27th Street,Suite 500Billings, MT 59101 USAPhone: 406-256-3525Fax: 406-256-9980E-mail: [email protected] site: www.americanindianfoods.comContact: Nathan Notah, Program DirectorBusiness Type: Agent, Grower, Manufacturer,Trade AssociationCustomer Type: Foodservice, Retail,Wholesale
Product Line: The goal of “American IndianFoods” is to put Tribally-owned businessesin contact with buyers interested in food &agriculture products. To experience theseauthentic Native American tastes, be sureand watch for the “Made by American Indi-ans” trademark. All authentic AmericanIndian producers.Brand Names: American Indian Foods
AMERICA’S CLASSIC FOODS, LLC1298 Warren RoadCambria, CA 93428 USAPhone: 805-927-0745Fax: 805-927-2280E-mail: [email protected] site: www.amcf.comContact: Monty Rice, PresidentBusiness Type: Distributor, Exporter,Processor
Customer Type: Foodservice, ProcessingIndustrial, Wholesale
Product Line: Ice creammix (powder), icecream freezers, restaurant equipment,restaurant food supplies, smoothies,frappeccino, and custom powder mixprocessing. Exporting since 1994Brand Names: ACF Spacema
CALIFORNIA PRUNE BOARD3840 Rosin Court, Suite 170Sacramento, CA 95834 USAPhone: 916-565-6232Fax: 916-565-6237E-mail: [email protected] site: www.californiadriedplums.orgContact: Richard L. Peterson,
Executive DirectorBusiness Type: State Marketing & TradePromotion
Product Line: California Prune Board is amarketing order and promotion organiza-tion for California pitted and whole prunes,prune juice, concentrate, paste, puree, pow-der and diced prunes.Brand Names: Various
Certified Organic and Kosher approved.Also offer Crackers, Sugar Wafers, FruitCrëmes, Single Serve Snack Packs. 0 transfat, 100 calorie packs, flexible packagingoptions with wide variety of products.Brand Names: Taste Delight, Cookie Shop
DAVE’S GOURMET, INC.2000 McKinnon Ave., Bldg 428 #5San Francisco, CA 94124 USAPhone: 415-401-9100 Fax: 415-401-9107E-mail: [email protected] site: www.davesgourmet.comContact: Dave Hirschkop, PresidentBusiness Type: ManufacturerProduct Line: Makers of organic premiumpasta sauces and a wide array of sizzlinghot sauces, along with other specialtycondiments and spicy nuts.
DOLE FRESH VEGETABLES COMPANYP.O. Box 2018Monterey, CA 93942 USAPhone: 831-641-4329 Fax: 831-641-4335E-mail: [email protected]: Darrell Yoshimi, Manager,
International SalesBusiness Type: Exporter, Grower, PackerProduct Line: Lettuce, carrots, cauliflower,celery, broccoli, asparagus, berries, mixedvegetables.Brand Names: Dole, Bud, Sun Giant
DRISCOLL STRAWBERRYASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED345 Westridge DriveWatsonville, CA 95076 USAPhone: 831-763-5000 Fax: 831-761-5988E-mail: [email protected] site: www.driscolls.comContact: Kenny Kusumoto, Export
Sales ManagerBusiness Type: Exporter, Grower, ShipperProduct Line: Berries: strawberries, red andgolden raspberries, blackberries, blueberries,organic berries. Long-stem strawberries.Brand Names: Driscoll’s, Berry Valley
EAST-WESTINTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.4920 Som Center RoadMoreland Hills, OH 44022Phone: 440-349-2064 Fax: 440-349-1769E-mail: [email protected] site: www.eastwestdevelop.comContact: Jiunn-Der Wu, PresidentBusiness Type: Distributor, ExportManagement, Exporter
Customer Type: Foodservice,Retail, Wholesale
Product Line: East-West International
CALIFORNIA TABLEGRAPE COMMISSION392 West Fallbrook Ave., Suite 101Fresno, CA 93711 USAPhone: 559-447-8350Fax: 559-447-9184E-mail: [email protected] site: www.grapesfromcalifornia.comContact: Susan Day, Vice PresidentBusiness Type: State Marketing & TradePromotion
Product Line: California table grapes.
CLABBER GIRL CORP.900 Wahash AvenueTerre Haute, IN 47808 USAPhone: 812-232-9446Fax: 812-478-7181E-mail: [email protected] site: www.clabbergirl.comContact: Eric Gloe, Vice President SalesBusiness Type: Exporter, ManufacturerCustomer Type: Foodservice, ProcessingIndustrial, Retail
Product Line: Baking powder, baking soda,cornstarch, gelatins, cheesecake, puddingand mousse mixes, flavor ice pops, encapsu-lated ingredients.Brand Names: Clabber Girl, Rumford,Hearth Club, Davis, Fleischmann’s
COHEN PRODUCE MARKETING1865 Center Mills RoadAspers, PA 17304 USAPhone: 717-677-9111Fax: 717-677-6120E-mail: [email protected] site: www.cohenproduce.comContact: Sandy Cohen, OwnerBusiness Type: Agent, Broker,Exporter, Shipper
Product Line: Fresh fruit mostly apples,pears, cherries, grapes and citrus. Also rawhoney.Brand Names: Five Star, Saja, Black Stallion,Rice, Nature’s Best
COMMERCIAL BAKERIES CORPORATION45 Torbarrie RoadToronto, ONM3L 1G5 CanadaPhone: 416-247-5478 Fax: 416-242-4129E-mail: [email protected] site: www.commercialbakeries.comContact: Anthony Fusco Jr., Vice PresidentBusiness Type: Exporter, ManufacturerCustomer Type: Foodservice,Retail, Wholesale
Product Line: Leading manufacturer of Con-ventional, Premium, All Natural, Gourmetcookies and Sandwich Crëmes. Productsinclude chocolate chip, oatmeal, animalshaped cookies, maple crëmes sandwichcrëmes made with pure maple syrup.
Group, Inc. was established in 1979 inOhio, USA specializing in marketingUS-made foods and beverages. Some of ourpopular products are: Gourmet Foods —seasonings, pasta sauces, salad dressings,salsa, cheese sauce; Snack Foods & Desserts— Tortilla chips, popcorns, dry nuts,cheesecakes; Ingredients: almonds, pecans,walnuts, pistachio, frui cans, cheese andBeverages — wines, cocktail mixes,nutritional drinks, concentrate coffee.Brand Names: Al-Rita, Arandas, InfusionHot Sauce, Mondo, Moute, Muy Fresco,Savory Collection, Serenity
GRACELAND FRUIT, INC.1123 Main StreetFrankfort, MI 49635 USAPhone: 231-352-7181 Fax: 231-352-4711E-mail: [email protected] site: www.gracelandfruit.comContact: Brent Bradley, VP,
Sales and MarketingBusiness Type: Grower,Manufacturer, Processor
Product Line: As the world’s largest providerof infused dried fruit and vegetables, Grace-land Fruit serves the industrial ingredientmarket with more 45 different varieties thatadd natural color, delicious flavor, andhealthy benefits to new applications andexisting products. Graceland’s extraordinaryproduct line includes cherries, plump blue-berries, redder cranberries, delicious apples,sweet corn, bright peppers and savory broc-coli. In addition to its infused dried prod-ucts, Graceland’s Soft-N-Frozen™ fruits areavailable in a variety of flavors includingblueberry, raspberry, strawberry and mango.They remain remarkably soft to the bite and“scoopable” while providing rich naturalcolor and taste in frozen products. Grace-land’s Fridg-N-Fresh® ingredients have thecolor, flavor and appeal of fresh vegetableswith the benefit of an extended shelf life inthe refrigerator case. Products are availablein several piece sizes including whole,sliced, diced and bits.Brand Names: Graceland Fruit
HILLTOP RANCH, INC.13890 Looney roadBallico, CA 95303 USAPhone: 209-874-1875 Fax: 209-874-1877E-mail: [email protected] site: www.hilltopranch.comContact: Paul Ewing, Director of SalesBusiness Type: Exporter, Grower,Manufacturer, Packer, Processor
Product Line: Whole natural, manufacturedand inshell almonds.
32 AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER � Summet 2010
LISTING OF EXPORTERS
Summer 2010 � AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER 33
LISTING OF EXPORTERS
J & J SNACK FOODS CORPORATION5353 Downey RoadVernon, CA 90058 USAPhone: 323-363-7963Fax: 909-218-3117E-mail: [email protected] site: www.jjsnack.comContact: Joe Wilk, Director of Southern
California SalesBusiness Type: Distributor, Exporter,Manufacturer, Packer, Supplier
Customer Type: FoodserviceProduct Line: J&J Snack Foods Corp.manufactures and distributes nutritionalsnack foods. The company’s principal snackfood products are soft pretzels, frozen juiceand desserts, funnel cake, churros andcookie products; which it marketsnationally to the foodservice and retailsupermarket industries.Brand Names: Super Pretzel®. Top PePeChurrds®, Pretze Fillers®, CountryHome Bakers®, Minute Maid Soft FrozenLemonade®
JELLY BELLY CANDY COMPANYOne Jelly Belly LaneFairfield, CA 95688 USAPhone: 707-399-2718Fax: 707-399-2363E-mail: [email protected] site: www.JellyBelly.comContact: Kay Kauffeld, Sales AssistantBusiness Type: ManufacturerProduct Line: Jelly Belly jelly beans, theoriginal Gourmet Jelly Beans since 1976,use natural ingredients to create true-to-lifeflavors (real fruit purees, real milk chocolate,real coffee, etc). Flavors are added to thecenter and the shell, and all jelly beans arekosher certified. Fifty official flavors (withnew flavors each year), multi-flavoredmixes, gummies, fruit jells, chocolates, mel-locremes, gumballs, sugar-free and more.Brand Names: Jelly Belly, Sunkist FruitGems, Beanboozled, Sport Beans,Lollibeans, Big Bean, Beanatural
MAGIC SEASONING BLENDSP.O. Box 23342New Orleans, LA 70183Phone: 504-731-3590Fax: 504-731-3576E-mail: [email protected] site: www.chefpaul.comContact: Anna Zuniga, Director of
Export SalesBusiness Type: ManufacturerCustomer Type: Foodservice, Processing
Industrial, RetailProduct Line: Chef Paul Prudhomme’s AllNatural seasoning blends (19 varieties),Magic Pepper Sauce, Magic Sauce Marinades(4 varieties) for sale to retail,foodservice and industrial customersworldwide. Exporting since 1985 out of a125,000 square foot blending facility inNew Orleans, Louisiana, USA.Brand Names: Chef Paul Prudhomme’sMagic Seasoning Blends®
PARAMOUNT EXPORT COMPANY175 Filbert Street, Suite 201Oakland, CA 94607 USAPhone: 510-839-0150Fax: 510-839-1002E-mail: [email protected] site: www.paramountexport.netContact: Nick Kukulan, PresidentBusiness Type: ExporterCustomer Type: Foodservice,Retail, Wholesale
Product Line: Fresh Fruit and VegetableDivision: Full line of fresh fruits andvegetables from California, Washington,Oregon and Florida. Single products ormixed loads by air or sea shipment.Inspected, selected and shipped to fillcustomer requirements. Food and BeverageDivision: Specializing in hotel, restaurantand retail supply of fine food and beverageproducts. Consolidating shipments for airand sea shipments of chilled, frozen or dryproducts. Specialized labeling to meetimport requirements.
ROSE PACKING COMPANY, INC.65 South Barrington RoadBarrington, IL 60010 USAPhone: 847-381-5700Fax: 847-381-9424E-mail: [email protected] site: www.rosepacking.comContact: Jim Vandenbergh, Vice PresidentBusiness Type: Exporter, Manufacturer,Packer, Processor
Product Line: Fresh and processed pork.Specializing in smoked cured pork, ham,Canadian bacon, breakfast sausage, ethnicsausage and back ribs.Brand Names: Rose and Millrose FarmsBrands
SOUTHERN CHAMPION TRAY220 Compress StreetChattanooga, TN 37405Phone: 423-756-5121Fax: 423-756-5163E-mail: [email protected] site: www.scray.comContact: William R. Hoover,
Export ManagerBusiness Type: Exporter, ManufacturerCustomer Type: FoodserviceProduct Line: Southern Champion Tray is apaperboard packaging manufacturer
with over 400 stock products designedspecifically for the bakery and foodservicemarket. Cake and pastry boxes, food trays,carry-out boxes, fast food containers and drinkcarriers are just a few examples. Also producehigh-end custom packaging fora variety of industries.Brand Names: Southland Food Trays
USA POULTRY & EGG EXPORT COUNCIL2300 West Park Place Boulevard, Suite 100Stone Mountain, GA 30087 USAPhone: 770-413-0006Fax: 770-413-0007E-mail: [email protected] site: www.usapeec.orgContact: Greg Tyler, Vice President of MarketingBusiness Type: Trade AssociationProduct Line: Chicken, turkey, duck, eggs andegg products, and further processed poultryproducts.
WILLCREST FOODS / MA-K LTDP.O. Box 66Buffalo, NY 14240 USAPhone: 716-853-2012Fax: 716-853-2011E-mail: [email protected] site: www.willcrest.comContact: Joanne KaminskyBusiness Type: Broker, Distributor,Manufacturer
Customer Type: Foodservice, RetailProduct Line: Original Buffalo Wing Sauce,Apple Boost powder, applesauce, apple bites,salsa, salad dressings, mustard, pasta sauces,cheese.Brand Names: Original Buffalo Wing Sauces,Apple Boost, Savory Collection
YOUNG PECAN, INC.P.O. Box 5779Florence, SC 29502 USAPhone: 843-292-8109Fax: 843-664-2344E-mail: [email protected] site: www.youngpecan.comContact: Helen Watts, Executive Vice PresidentBusiness Type: Exporter, Manufacturer, Packer,Processor, Shipper
Customer Type: Foodservice, ProcessingIndustrial, Retail, Wholesale
Product Line: Export all sizes of shelled pecansand inshell pecans.Brand Names: Young Pecan
AALMONDSEast-West International Group, Inc.
APPLES/ETCAmerican Indian FoodsCohen Produce MarketingParamount Export CompanyWillcrest Foods / Ma-K Ltd
APRICOTSParamount Export Company
ASPARAGUSDole Fresh Vegetables CompanyParamount Export Company
AVOCADOSParamount Export Company
BBAKED GOODS/BREADJ & J Snack Foods Corporation
BAKERY PRODUCTSAmerican Indian FoodsAmerica’s Classic Foods, LLCClabber Girl Corp.Commercial Bakeries CorporationEast-West International Group, Inc.J & J Snack Foods CorporationWillcrest Foods / Ma-K Ltd
BEANSAmerican Indian FoodsParamount Export Company
BEEFAB Foods LLCAmerican Indian FoodsParamount Export Company
BERRIESAmerican Indian FoodsDriscoll Strawberry Associates, Incorpo-ratedGraceland Fruit, Inc.Paramount Export Company
BROCCOLIDole Fresh Vegetables CompanyGraceland Fruit, Inc.Paramount Export Company
CCANDYJelly Belly Candy Company
CANNED FRUITEast-West International Group, Inc.
CARROTSParamount Export Company
CATTLE: BEEFAmerican Indian Foods
CAULIFLOWERDole Fresh Vegetables Company
CELERYDole Fresh Vegetables CompanyParamount Export Company
CHEESE/PRODUCTSParamount Export Company
CHERRIESCohen Produce MarketingGraceland Fruit, Inc.Paramount Export Company
COFFEE/TEA PRODUCTSAmerican Indian Foods
CONDIMENTSDave’s Gourmet, Inc.East-West International Group, Inc.Willcrest Foods / Ma-K Ltd
CONFECTIONERYCommercial Bakeries CorporationJelly Belly Candy Company
CONSULTINGEast-West International Group, Inc.
COOKIES/CRACKERSCommercial Bakeries Corporation
CORNAmerican Indian FoodsEast-West International Group, Inc.
DDAIRY PRODUCTSAgri-Mark Dairy ProteinsAmerica’s Classic Foods, LLCEast-West International Group, Inc.Paramount Export Company
DEHYDRATED PRODUCTSAmerica’s Classic Foods, LLCGraceland Fruit, Inc.
DELI FOODSRose Packing Company, Inc.
DESSERTS/PASTRIESAmerica’s Classic Foods, LLCClabber Girl Corp.East-West International Group, Inc.J & J Snack Foods Corporation
DRIED FRUITSCalifornia Prune BoardGraceland Fruit, Inc.Paramount Export Company
DRINK MIXESAmerica’s Classic Foods, LLC
DUCKUSA Poultry & Egg Export Council
EEGGSUSA Poultry & Egg Export Council
EQUIPMENT &MACHINESAmerica’s Classic Foods, LLC
ETHNIC FOODSAmerican Indian FoodsCommercial Bakeries Corporation
FFISH, FRESH WATERParamount Export Company
34 AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER � Summer 2010
2010 BUYERS GUIDE: LISTING BY COMMODITIESAMERICANAMERICAN
EXPORTEREXPORTEREXPORTERFood and AgFood and Ag
FISH, SALT WATERParamount Export Company
FLAVORINGSAmerica’s Classic Foods, LLC
FOOD ADDITIVESAmerica’s Classic Foods, LLC
FROZEN FOODSJ & J Snack Foods Corporation
FROZEN MEALSAmerica’s Classic Foods, LLC
FROZEN MEATSAmerica’s Classic Foods, LLCRose Packing Company, Inc.
FRUIT CONCENTRATESCalifornia Prune Board
FRUIT JUICESCalifornia Prune BoardParamount Export Company
FRUITS, MISCELLANEOUSAmerican Indian FoodsCalifornia Prune BoardCohen Produce MarketingGraceland Fruit, Inc.Paramount Export Company
GGARLICCohen Produce MarketingMagic Seasoning BlendsParamount Export Company
GELATINClabber Girl Corp.
GRAINS, PROCESSEDJ & J Snack Foods Corporation
GRAPEFRUITCohen Produce MarketingParamount Export Company
GRAPESCalifornia Table Grape CommissionCohen Produce MarketingParamount Export Company
GROCERYCommercial Bakeries CorporationParamount Export Company
HHAYAmerican Indian Foods
HEALTH FOODSAmerica’s Classic Foods, LLCCommercial Bakeries CorporationParamount Export CompanyWillcrest Foods / Ma-K Ltd
HERBSMagic Seasoning Blends
HONEYCohen Produce Marketing
LISTING BY COMMODITIES
Summer 2010 � AMERICAN Food and Ag EXPORTER 35
IICE CREAMAmerica’s Classic Foods, LLC
JJAM, JELLIES AND PRESERVATIVESAmerican Indian FoodsParamount Export Company
KKIWIFRUITParamount Export Company
KOSHERCommercial Bakeries CorporationJelly Belly Candy CompanyWillcrest Foods / Ma-K Ltd
LLEMONSCohen Produce MarketingParamount Export Company
LETTUCEDole Fresh Vegetables CompanyParamount Export Company
MMACADAMIASJ & J Snack Foods Corporation
MAPLE PRODUCTSCommercial Bakeries Corporation
MEATAB Foods LLCAmerican Indian FoodsRose Packing Company, Inc.
MEAT, PROCESSEDAB Foods LLCParamount Export CompanyRose Packing Company, Inc.
MELONSParamount Export Company
MEXICANJ & J Snack Foods Corporation
MILK POWDERAgri-Mark Dairy Proteins
NNECTARINESCohen Produce Marketing
NUTSDave’s Gourmet, Inc.Hilltop Ranch, Inc.Paramount Export CompanyYoung Pecan, Inc.
OONIONSParamount Export CompanyORANGESCohen Produce MarketingParamount Export Company
ORGANICSAmerican Indian FoodsParamount Export CompanyWillcrest Foods / Ma-K Ltd
PPACKAGE MIXESClabber Girl Corp.
PACKAGINGSouthern Champion Tray
PASTAParamount Export Company
PEACHESGraceland Fruit, Inc.Paramount Export Company
PEARSCohen Produce MarketingParamount Export Company
PECANSEast-West International Group, Inc.Young Pecan, Inc.
PEPPERSAmerican Indian FoodsMagic Seasoning Blends
PICKLES, ETC.Paramount Export Company
PISTACHIOSEast-West International Group, Inc.
PIZZA, ETC.J & J Snack Foods Corporation
PLUMSParamount Export Company
POPCORNAG Alumni SeedAmerican Indian FoodsEast-West International Group, Inc.Paramount Export Company
PORKAB Foods LLCParamount Export CompanyRose Packing Company, Inc.
POTATOESAmerican Indian Foods
POULTRYParamount Export CompanyUSA Poultry & Egg Export Council
PREPARED FOODSCommercial Bakeries CorporationJ & J Snack Foods Corporation
PRUNESCalifornia Prune Board
RRAISINSParamount Export Company
RICEAmerican Indian Foods
SSALSADave’s Gourmet, Inc.East-West International Group, Inc.Willcrest Foods / Ma-K Ltd
SAUCESDave’s Gourmet, Inc.East-West International Group, Inc.Magic Seasoning BlendsWillcrest Foods / Ma-K Ltd
SAUSAGESAB Foods LLCRose Packing Company, Inc.
SEAFOODAmerican Indian Foods
SEASONINGSEast-West International Group, Inc.Magic Seasoning Blends
SEEDSAG Alumni Seed
SERVICES, MISC.California Table Grape Commission
SHELLFISHParamount Export Company
SNACK FOODSAmerican Indian FoodsCommercial Bakeries CorporationEast-West International Group, Inc.J & J Snack Foods CorporationParamount Export Company
SPECIATLY ITEMSJ & J Snack Foods Corporation
SPICESEast-West International Group, Inc.Magic Seasoning Blends
STRAWBERRIESDriscoll Strawberry Associates, IncorporatedGraceland Fruit, Inc.
SUGARJ & J Snack Foods Corporation
TTANGERINESCohen Produce Marketing
TRADE LEADSCalifornia Table Grape Commission
VVEGETABLES, DEHYDRATEDGraceland Fruit, Inc.
VEGETABLES, MISC.Paramount Export Company
WWHEATJ & J Snack Foods Corporation
WHEY POWDERAgri-Mark Dairy Proteins
WINES, ETC.East-West International Group, Inc.
