My food story— —August —’24 14 COOPERATORS and cultural diversity of Food Export’s regions. A passion for barbecue is evident in the distinctive assortment of BBQ sauces that companies produce. An impressive variety of beans and legumes grow throughout the 23 states Food Export represents. Beans and legumes are high in protein and fiber and are a favorite of health-conscious consumers. Soybeans, often called the “miracle crop” because of their versatility, are one of the largest commodities grown. Dairy farming has been a way of life for generations of Americans ever since the first European immigrants settled on the United States’ green pastures hundreds of years ago. Not surprisingly, Food Export’s 23 member states are known for their top-quality milk and dairy products. The Midwest and Northeast are especially well-known for outstanding cheeses. Skilled cheesemakers produce traditional classics like Cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack, as well as a wonderful variety of artisanal, specialty, and farmstead cheeses made in small batches from farm-fresh cow, goat, or sheep milk. As a land of immigrants led by large multicultural cities like Chicago and New York, the Midwest, and the Northeast are diverse regions whose cultures have led to a rich assortment of ethnic foods. Companies offer many varieties of ethnic foods, including Native American, Asian, Indian, Italian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern. Many also have kosher and/or halal certifications, catering to multicultural consumers throughout the world who require them for religious reasons or are drawn to them for their quality and healthfulness. At Food Export, the organization stays abreast of changes in the agricultural and food sectors, offering educational opportunities to its suppliers and member states. “We want to set up our suppliers for success,” Food Export CEO/Executive Director Brendan Wilson said. “Food Export offers educational opportunities, funding mechanisms, introductions, proprietary market research, and more. This blend gives each of our suppliers the best chance at success in exporting.” Food Export takes suppliers on focus trade missions to different destinations around the world, conducts buyers missions both domestically and abroad, meets with suppliers and buyers at trade shows, both in the United States and out, conducts research, and offers advanced insight into markets for the different products produced by suppliers in the 23 states Food Export represents. From label design assistance to meeting a specific country’s standards to one-on-one introductions, Food Export works closely with each supplier. Food Export treats and understands each supplier at a personal level and the unique needs each company brings to the organization, thanks to their experience of more than 50 years in working with the USDA FAS, suppliers, and international companies. Food Export aims to maximize U.S. agricultural, food, and seafood suppliers’ success through programs and services in export education, market entry, and market promotion. These opportunities help U.S. companies remain competitive in the exporting industry and gain exposure for their brands in countries around the globe. In 2022, Food Export–Northeast helped 497 companies explore new markets that supported more than 3,100 jobs and 292 new sales opportunities across food and agricultural businesses. In 2022, Food Export–Midwest helped 587 companies explore new markets that supported more than 10,200 jobs and 320 new sales opportunities across food and agricultural businesses. “The work we do at Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast is personal to our suppliers and each member of our team,” Wilson said. “I believe it is the reason why so many American producers trust us to help them export their products.” Food Export Association of the Midwest USA (Food Export– Midwest) and Food Export USA– Northeast (Food Export–Northeast) represent the best in U.S. food, farm, and fishing products that companies in their member states export to nations across the globe. Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast, two non-profit organizations, are a cooperative effort encompassing 23 state agricultural promotion agencies and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Food Export works with suppliers from a cross-section of backgrounds, practice methods, and sectors. The organization looks to highlight the work of companies that utilize the latest in technology or have a unique perspective or history. Food Export’s expansive library of success stories showcases the achievements of American suppliers from the Northeast and Midwest through narratives outlining products, inGrowers in the Midwest and Northeast regions grow a variety of fresh produce, and the area is known for the processing of canned and frozen vegetables
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