Trade show support program helps food companies expand their markets

Minnesota food companies have an opportunity to economically expand their market reach with the assistance of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).

The Agricultural Marketing and Development Division is offering food companies, and others who add value to agricultural products, discounted booth space in “Minnesota Pavilions” at several prominent trade shows, and reimbursement of some costs associated with exhibiting at other wholesale food trade shows that are new to the company. The MDA Trade Show Support Program aims to move more Minnesota agricultural products through the food chain, create and maintain jobs, and support economic development.

“Booth space is available at six shows that cover foodservice, retail, and ingredient sectors, and we hope to fill that space with companies looking to expand sales,” said Brian Erickson, MDA Agriculture Marketing Specialist. “These pavilions will be offered at domestic shows, and in the emerging markets of Vietnam, China and Korea, as well.”

Mike Traxler of Captain Ken's Foods, Inc., in St. Paul, agrees that exhibiting with MDA provides a tremendous advantage.

"We have participated in pavilions coordinated by MDA in the past, and they've always provided exceptional opportunities to expand our market," said Traxler.

Shows with an MDA Pavilion include:

· Natural Products Expo West, Anaheim, CA, (2/25 – 2/28/13)

· Food & Hotel Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, (4/24 - 4/26/13)

· SIAL China, Shanghai, China, (5/7 – 5/9/13)

· Seoul Food/Hotel, Seoul, South Korea, (5/14 – 5/17/13)

· National Restaurant Association, Chicago, IL, (5/18 – 5/21/13)

· Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), Chicago, IL, (7/13 – 7/16/13).

MDA can also provide cost-sharing for companies with fewer than 500 employees that are not interested in the trade shows listed; the companies can apply for reimbursement of eligible booth expenses associated with going to a new show.

Pavilion booth space and support funds are limited and offered to qualifying Minnesota companies on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact MDA’s Brian Erickson at brian.j.erickson@state.mn.us or 651-201-6539 for more information.

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