ADVERTISEMENT

    Ohio hosts Midwest Buyers Mission for food export businesses

    Ohio food and agricultural companies recently met with international buyers at this year’s Midwest Buyers Mission at the Embassy Suites Airport hotel in Columbus.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The Midwest Buyers Mission is part of an initiative to help Ohio’s small- and medium-sized businesses grow through export sales. This year’s event, which took place July 27, was hosted by the Export Association of the Midwest USA and the Ohio Department of Development’s Global Markets Division.

    “Events like the Midwest Buyers Mission allow small companies to make international sales with low starting costs, removing some of the biggest roadblocks to exporting,” says Scott Kuehn, director of the Global Markets Division. “Ohio benefits from being able to offer food companies access to the customized programs and services Ohio has to offer as a Food Export Association member state.”

    Buyers (importers and retailers) expressed interest in a variety of product categories, including ethnic foods, organic foods, specialty/gourmet foods, and pet food.

    Potential exporters met with buyers from 20 countries: Algeria, Belgium, Canada, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Mexico, Nicaragua, Palestine, Philippines, Singapore, Trinidad & Tobago, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.

    Not only do buyer missions allow companies to build their exports, but they also give them an opportunity to show products and gain international business feedback through networking and business meetings− without the hassle of having to exhibit at international tradeshows or travel overseas.

    Additionally, food companies have access to a variety of Food Export Association events, like export education seminars and focused trade missions.

    Ohio has the opportunity to host international food buyer missions on a biannual basis. In 2009, Ohio companies reported nearly $500,000 in sales made at the buyer mission.

    Food and agricultural companies interested in more information about export assistance opportunities can email Global Agriculture Program Manager Tim Sword at [email protected].

    For more information about the Food Export Association of the Midwest USA, visit FoodExport.org.

    Photo by michaelphale via Flickr.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    Flavortown Fest Has Been Canceled

    Guy Fieri won't be partying it up in Columbus this summer after all. The Flavortown Fest, originally slated for June 1 and 2 at the CAS lawn, has been cancelled.

    Cheap Eats: 5 Happy Hours for $5 and Under

    Columbus is good at a lot of things, but...

    The Confluence Cast: Tacos by the Truck

    The capital city’s food scene is often heralded. However, its taco truck scene has been often overlooked. Elwood Ellis, a freelance writer for Columbus Underground and self-proclaimed Taco Connoisseur, is trying to change that.

    The Sweet Treats Dessert Festival Returns! (SOLD OUT)

    The Sweet Treats Dessert Festival is back for its 8th year! Join us at The Turbine Hall at the Power Plant on Sunday, January 28th.

    The Top 25 Columbus Restaurants of 2023

    There are far too many amazing restaurants in Columbus...
    ADVERTISEMENT