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May 2006

Illinois Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Marketing and Promotions

Quick Links

Quick Links

Food Company of the Month

Agribusiness Company of the Month

NEW Illinois Companies Added to the IDOA Database

Recipes Of The Month

NEW Events

Ongoing Events

May 2006

June 2006

July 2006

August 2006

September 2006

October 2006

November 2006

December 2006

Monthly Highlight

National Egg Month

The month of May seems to be filled with reasons to celebrate. From Mother’s Day to graduation there are many festive events. The month of May has also been declared National Egg Month to celebrate the many virtues of nature’s miracle food, the egg.

The egg is nature’s own miracle food - a high-quality protein and a wide assortment of nutrients in one little package. Versatile, convenient and economical, eggs give us many reasons to celebrate. Eggs are an excellent source of choline (for memory development), a good source of riboflavin (for producing energy) and the egg yolk contains lutein and zeaxanthin (to help prevent and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration). And, if those aren’t enough reasons to cel-egg-brate, egg yolks are one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D. So, let the celebration begin!

What celebration is complete without a dessert! To ensure a sweet celebration, add eggs to the grocery list. Whether you will be baking chocolate meringue cookies, a lemon cake, or a rich custard eggs will be part of your recipe. To help with all these celebrations, the American Egg Board has developed three sweet treats.

There are dozens of reasons to celebrate with desserts this May. So, as you begin planning your springtime celebration, don’t forget to celebrate nature’s own miracle food -The incredible edible egg. For additional recipes click on www.aeb.org .

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Monthly Company Highlight
Food Company Of The Month TEXTAgribusiness Company Of The Month TEXT

MAY HIGHLIGHT

Food Company Of The Month Food Company of the Month

Agribusiness Company Of The Month Agribusiness Company of the Month

Prairie Foods

Prairie Foods is home to Corn Crunch, a product made from only the highest quality corn grown in the prairies of America. The exclusive hybrid corn they use is non-genetically modified (non-GMO). They make sure that all of their corn is developed the old fashioned way, through traditional plant breeding. Corn Crunch is 100% natural. This is accomplished by hand selecting each farmer. They only choose farmers who meet the high qualifications and standards set for their end product -- Corn Crunch.

Once the corn has been harvested from rich prairie soils it is packaged and shipped to their "state of the art" manufacturing facility. There it passes through several processing steps. The corn is closely monitored during each step to ensure QUALITY. In fact, the corn is hand sorted just prior to going into the steam baking ovens. Once through these ovens, the corn is roasted in an exclusive mixture of oils and then seasoned with a special blend of flavorings and spices.

Connie Heffelmire, the owner from Pleasant Plains, is a fully integrated and friendly producer of consistent and superior quality corn snacks. They are open to developing new Corn Crunch flavors if the market opportunities exist. Buyers are treated like valued partners. They are willing to support the brand with sales and retail tools of proven impact. Their experience also covers international sales and logistics.

Corn Crunch is made from 100% naturally grown, non-geneticallly modified (non-GMO) corn. The product is lighter in color and texture and is seasoned with blends of the best ingredients available on the market. Corn Crunch is available in three flavors --Original Roasted, Cheddar Cheese and Ranch.

To taste Corn Crunch, visit their website: www.prairiefoods.com

Prairie Foods, Inc
100 East Third Street
Pleasant Plains, Illinois 62677
Fax: 217-626-2252
Phone: 877-626-1867 or 217-626-1867

H & B SPECIALTIES, INC.

H & B Specialties, Inc. is a unique company that specializes in high quality value-added grain. Our vision statement is "Quality Grain is the Customers Advantage". H & B Specialties, Inc. contracts directly with growers to produce high quality Identity Preserved Grain. They currently contract Food Grade Yellow Corn, Yellow Waxy Corn, High Starch Yellow Corn, Food Grade White Corn, White Waxy, and Blue Corn. As contractors, they certify high quality grain by working directly with individual growers during the planting, harvesting, and storage phases. They establish the quality standards which must be met and provide the necessary instruction and assistance required to meet these standards. Also, they coordinate the movement of grain to barge, container, or rail facilities for shipment to the ultimate destination.

H & B Specialties, Inc. is a company that has been contracting and merchandising Identity Preserved specialty corn long before it became the buzz-word in agricultural marketing circles. As an example, they introduced harvesting clinics to educate growers as to how to produce and deliver high quality grain. The grower earns a premium and the end-user gains a high quality product.

H & B Specialties, Inc. utilizes the expertise of Dan Heffelmire, President, who is experienced in serving the needs of clients who demand high quality grain.

H&B Specialties, Inc. has provided food grade quality grain products worldwide since 1995. For more information on available programs and complete market information visit their website: www.hbspecialties.com

H&B Specialties, Inc.
Dan Heffelmire
100 E. Third Street
Pleasant Plains, IL 62677-3597

Phone: 217/626-1867
Toll Free: 877/626-1867
Fax: 217/626-2252

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New Companies Added to MIS database

NEW Illinois Companies Added to the IDOA Database

Illinois is home to over 1,500 food and agribusiness companies. The Department of Agriculture (IDOA), Bureau of Marketing and Promotions has developed an online guide listing products that are produced, processed and packaged in Illinois. The listing can be found at: www.agr.state.il.us .

Company

Products

Black Kettle

Three all purpose sauces: super sweet, sweet with a kick, hot & spicy.  All are a sweet BBQ sauce with different levels of spice (heat).  We also market three spice rubs: low salt seasoned shake, seasoned shake, and slow rub.

Buxton's Garden Farm

"The Pumpkin People"
Thru out the year we harvest fruits, vegetables and of course pumplins, lots of pumpkins.  Buxton's Butters" offered in 16 flavors from apple to pumpkin.  The newest addition in products is called:  Buxton's Pumpkin, canned pumpkin.

Culinary Resource Group

Services the gourmet specialty sauce industry by offering product development and related consultation services.  We strive to be a turn-key answer to start-ups and support for existing manufacturers seeking line extensions or product reformulations.

Distinctive Foods LLC

Chicago Flats, Texas Flats and Butcher and Baker branded:  Kosher Gourmet Flatbread  in a variety of sizes and flavors (plain, sea salt, tomato basil, all flavor, jalapeno, rye, chipotle, garlic/sesame, savory citrus, and cheddar).  Pie Piper Products:  Pie Piper branded variety of frozen food service and vending products-cheesecakes (New York, chocolate chip, strawberry topped, chocolate swirl, german chocolate, grasshopper, turtle, oreo, raspberry), cheesecake boats, flavored cream cheeses, frozen pies (key lime, fruit pies), brownies (double chocolate, fudge), cinnamon apple crisp, chocolate dipped pretzels and krispies, quiches, Vienna mini bageldogs, Wunderbar (cheesecake on a stick), chocolate, raspberry, and peanut butter ganache cakes, and carrot cakes.  Also available in private label.

Flesor's Candy Kitchen

Headquartered in Tuscola, Illinois, Flesor's Candy Kitchen is a sister-owned company specializing in hand-made, hand-dipped specialty chocolates and other confections.  We make approximately 50 different pieces of candy for retail and wholesale markets, packaged in a variety of attractive ways - boxed or bagged.  Our Swiss chocolate and natural ingredients please individual connoisseurs.

Golden Prairie Popcorn

Ear of popcorn, vacuum sealed.  Put ear in microwave and watch it pop off the ear.  Season to taste.

H. C. Schau & Son, Inc.

Fresh food products all made in a USDA certified facility.  Freshly made deli sandwiches prepared for immediate consumption (i.e. poor boy subs, roast beef and cheddar on onion rolls, turkey and fontini cheese on square ciabatta bun, etc.).  Fully manufactured sushi line prepared fresh.  Fresh made salads and condiments (i.e. green salads, potato salads, salsas, diced jalapenos, etc.).  Distributor of fine meats (Vienna, Neuske, Crawford, etc.).  Redi-Pak salads, fresh produce, and Lakeview Farms dessert items.   Hot foods program-heat and eat meals (i.e. rotisserie chickens, roasted vegetable lasagna, grilled chicken strips). 

HK Foods, Inc. / Kelley's Gourmet

Kelley's Gourmet manufactures a complete line of gourmet salad dressings and condiments including; Sweet and Tangy, Raspberry Poppyseed, and Stone Ground Mustard.

Interlinks International Commodities Corp.

Raw and refined sugar, meat (beef, chicken), dairy, wheat, rice, soybean, catering equipment (trays, bowls, dinnerware, pitchers, dispensers, wine buckets, thermal servers, serving bowls, crocks, serving spoons, condiment jars),  supermarket equipment (shopping baskets with plastic and wire handles, security mirrors, price markers, take a number machine, tagging guns, electronic sign boards).

K and J Candles, Tarts, and More

10 oz. 100% soy candles, jars made in the U.S.A.  Wicks are a natural soy base, no lead.  The wax is not hot and it can be used as a hand lotion.  We make a variety of scents with more to come.  The scents we have available for the candles we can also make in tarts.  Tarts are soy tarts used in a tart burner, simmering pot, or in a glass bowl on a candle warmer.   These cannot be used as lotion.  The scents available are;  baby powder, banana nut bread, black cherry, cappuccino brulee, carnition, cinnamon red hot, cucumber melon, gardenia, Georgia peach, honeysuckle, hot apple pie, Irish mocha, lanender, lilac, lily of the valley, pear berry, pumpkin pie, tomato leaf, sugar cookie, and wild watermelon.

Kens Gourmet Chili

Kens Gourmet Chili uses premium beef with low fat content.  All of my ingredients are natural.  At this time my chili is available as a frozen product in plastic containers and bags.

Lincoln Snacks

Poppycock brand premium caramelized pre-popped popcorn in original, cashew, peanut, chocolate, pecan, peanut butter and chocolate flavors.  Poppycock Just the Nuts branded deluxe nut mix, fancy cashews, premium four nut blend, and belgian dark chocolate flavors.  Fiddle Faddle brand pre-popped popcorn in caramel, heath, honey nut, and butter toffee flavors.  Screaming Yellow Zonkers & Screaming Zebra brand popcorn in crispy light butter-glazed and crispy butter-glazed popcorn with chocolate stripes.

Lost Creek Orchard

100 + apple varieties (many heirloom), 30 + varieties of peaches, plums, pears, nectarines, blueberries and blackberries - jams, jellies, butters, salsa, chow, honey and sorghum.  Many vegetables in season including sweetcorn, tomatoes, squash, melons and more.  Pumpkins, squash, gourds, Indian corn, and other fall decorative items.  Mums and Astors.  Weekend snackbar with pies, cobblers, real ice cream, other bakery items, BBQ (our own) and other sandwiches.  Apple cider and 4 varieties of slushies. Nature trails, barnyard animals, maizes, orchard tours and kiddie train by appointment or by chance.  Potted plants and trees, custom grafting of your favorite tree.

Natural Enrichment Industries (NEI)

Tricalcium Phosphate;  food-grade, kosher & hallal certified, FCC-V, ground to customer specification, packaged bulk pneumatic, 2,000 lb supersacks, or 50 lb bags.

Pasta By Sue

Discover pastas with robust aromas, cold infused extra virgin olive oils, savory flavored pasta sauces, inspired by the bounty of an Italian Harvest.  The perfect accompaniment to every meal and a healthy alternative to traditional side dishes.  My low-fat, almost egg and oil free pastas, will make your meals the centerpiece of dinner conversation.  We add no salt or sugar to our products.

Pelago Valley, Inc.

Pelago Valley introduces Authentic Italian Seasonings which come in 7 varieties: Chicken Vesuvio-Pollo Vesuvio, Steak Florentine-Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Italian Roast-Arrosto Italiano, Mild Seafood-Frutti di Mare Piccante, Spicy Seafood-Frutti de Mare Piccantissimo, Garlic Blend-Aglione, and Italian Dipping Herbs-Sapori d'Italia.  Based on authentic time honored family recipes, Pelago Valley has introduced fabulous spice blends to assist both the novice and the seasoned cook to add fabulous flavor to their home cooked meals  Using only natural herbs and spices along with salt and pepper, these seasonings add true excitement to any meal.   We use no MSG, sugar or preservatives.  Use our authentic Italian flavor for chicken, beef, or seafood.  Our Italian dipping herbs and garlic blend are wonderful accents for fresh, crusty, Italian bread.

Pick-A-Pepper Candy

We manufacture and sell spicy, gourmet candy and peanuts.  They are available in a variety of flavors and levels of heat.

Plank's Apple Butter

Apple Butter.  Mustards; jalapeno (hot & mild), habenero, honey-mustard, roasted garlic, dill, horseradish, and tangy mustard sauce.  14 fruit butters and 6 flavors of pancake syrups.

Precision Tank & Equipment Co.

Manufactures stainless steel and mild steel non-pressurized tanks, from 200 to 30,000 gallons in size.  We fabricate tanks for numerous industries, to include:  fertilizer, ag chemical, fire brush trucks and tankers to 3,500 gallons, municipalities, and vacuum truck based liquid and dry.  PTE also fabricates and sells a complete line of ag applicators, compressed air foam systems (CAFS), high clearance post machine sprayers.

RGW Candy Company

Current product line includes: Carmels, Cinnamon-Sugared Pecans, Peanut Brittle, Peppermint Bark, Pretzels, R.G.W. Mints, Toffee, Toffee Crunch Bark, Caramel Apples (plain, nut, chocolate) seasonal, Snow Caps ( Chocolate-covered Strawberries) seasonal.   Candy demonstrations and tours available.

Stiengtunt Vineyards & Winery

We grow 30 varieties of grapes on the farm.  At the present time we bottle 10 varieties of wine for sale.

Szaft Drinks, Inc.

Szaft is an original, individually crafted beverage , with real whole fruit in each bottle.  No concentrates, artificial flavors or colors, or unpronounceable ingredients.

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Recipes Of The Month

RECIPES OF THE MONTH

Triple Chocolate Floating Islands

Coconut Macaroon Parfait

Lemon Blueberry Cake Roll

Chocolate Hazelnut Meringue Cookies

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ICONS

Illinois Department of Agriculture
www.agr.state.il.us
agr.markets@illinois.gov

Illinois Global Partnership, Inc.
www.illinoisglobal.org

MIATCO
www.miatco.org

NEW EVENTS
NEW Events
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IDOA Database Update to Begin

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is currently updating our database records.  A copy of your company's information will be emailed or faxed to the contact listed on our database withing the next week or two.  This information allows us to help buyers locate suppliers in Illinois as well as communicate in a timely manner with companies regarding sales opportunities they can participate in such as shows, promotions, and other related activities.  Our goal is to annually update our information.  

Your company’s information will be included in our On-line Buyers Directory as well as included in lists distributed through individual inquiries from buyers looking for suppliers of specific Illinois products.  We also offer a Trade Lead Service that allows for electronic distribution of leads that originate from various sources to your desktop in a timely manner.   These trade leads usually are international in nature but we are currently looking at expanding this program in the domestic area.  The leads normally contain information such as type of product the buyer wants to purchase, quantity, packaging specifications, method of payment, transportation details and contact information.

Your company will also be informed through periodic email messages about our other programs and services that include:  Marketing Perspectives; On-line Buyers Directory; Domestic Marketing Assistance; Illinois Products Logo Program; Trade Shows; Promotional Events; Industry Tours; Seminars; and Grant Opportunities.

Listing on the database is FREE !  There are minimal fees associated with the various trade shows and promotional events throughout the year, but participation in these events is up to each individual company.

Any company – Food or Agribusiness – that produces, packages, processes or is headquartered in Illinois is eligible to be listed in our database and participate in our programs and services.

We need your company’s Profile Form returned to us by June 1, 2006 or sooner

Fax it to:
217/524-5960

Mail To:
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Marketing and Promotion
State Fairgrounds, P.O. Box 19281
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9281

Company Profile

Delayne Reeves

delayne.reeves@illinois.gov

217/524-9129

ITEM

Illinois Food Broker Survey - Mailed May 1st

The Bureau has initiated and mailed a survey to learn more about the food brokers in Illinois.The survey was mailed to sixty-one food broker companies in Illinois. The survey will identify what types of products each broker represents and also what types of businesses the brokers service. The survey will also identify those brokers who sell to retail accounts, food service and/or industrial accounts.  The Bureau receives requests for names of food brokers and wants to use the survey to identify the appropriate, available food brokers per each given Illinois food company need.  The results of the survey will be available around June 15th. If you would like to receive a copy of the results of the survey contact Larry Aldag.

Larry Aldag

larry.aldag@illinois.gov

217/524-3012

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ONGOING EVENTS
Ongoing Events
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Buy Illinois Network

The Buy Illinois Network is intended to help Illinois business owners market their products and services, which in turn stimulates more in-state, business-to-business commerce.

Larry Aldag

larry.aldag@illinois.gov

217/524-3012

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Trade Show Survey

Throughout the year, the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Marketing & Promotion sponsors various pavilions at trade shows around the world. The Department defers 50% of the booth costs at sponsored shows. In an effort to determine which shows would bring the largest benefit to Illinois companies, we are asking for your input. Please indicate which show(s) your company would be likely to participate in with the Department. Your suggestions will be taken into consideration when determining future activities.

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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Food Export Helpline

Ever needed one-on-one export assistance but didn't know where to turn? This unique MIATCO service provides midwestern companies with customized, one-on-one assistance on a wide variety of export-related topics. Whether you have a quick question about exporting or need long-term assistance, MIATCO's Food Export Helpline can be of service! For enrolling in this free service, our counselor can also conduct a top 25 market report for you product!

Participation Agreement

MIATCO

info@miatco.org

312/334-9200

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Branded Program:  Double Your International Marketing Plans

The Branded Program assists small food and agricultural companies to promote their products overseas by reimbursing up to 50% for marketing activities such as advertising, trade show registration costs, public relations, package and label modifications and more.

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

ITEM

Illinois Products Cookbook - Grown From the Heart in the Heartland

This cookbook represents a collection of recipes highlighting Illinois food products.  The participating companies have put forth a cadre of enticing products, not to mention recipes that we are sure you will want to create.

IDOA Marketing

agr.markets@illinois.gov

217/782-6675

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MONTH HEADING
May 2006
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7 - 9 FMI
Chicago, Illinois

FMI is North America’s largest food distribution show. Not only will you meet with 5,000 international food buyers from more than 133 countries, but 30,000 domestic attendees will be looking for food, beverage, and agricultural products.

Kim Hamilton

kim.hamilton@illinois.gov

217/782-5809

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16 - 17 Skyline's Profitable Exhibiting Seminars
Earth City, Missouri

What if you could improve the results of your next trade show in only two hours? What if all you had to do is sit, relax and learn from the best in the business, at no cost to you? Sound too good to be true? That is exactly what has been happening across the country at Skyline's new Profitable Exhibiting Seminars .

Skyline Exhibits and Graphics Mid-America
Earth City, Missouri

www.skyline.com

800/328-2725

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20 - 23 NRA
Chicago, Illinois

The NRA Show is the largest single gathering in the world of food service and lodging professionals that include corporate executives, owners/operators, franchisees, managers and purchasing agents of food service, hotel/motel operations, cruise lines, airlines/commissary, entertainment/concessions, military, and contract food service.

Kim Hamilton

kim.hamilton@illinois.gov

217/782-5809

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May 26 - June 22 US Food Festival with Wellcome Supermarkets
Hong Kong

USDA's Hong Kong Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) and other US agricultural trade associations are planning a large-scale US foodstuffs promotion with Wellcome stores (subsidiary to the Dairy Farm Group) in Hong Kong during May 26 – June 22. The promotion theme will be based around the attributes "healthy", "delicious", and "safe", and will feature the new USDA Food Pyramid as a cohesive theme promoting a balanced diet and lifestyle.

PowerPoint Presentation

Hailey Hui

idoahk@hkstar.com

011.852.2504.0123

ITEM

28 - 31

SIAL China
SIAL China Food Show Plus!

Shanghai, China

SIAL China is “the event” in China for professionals in the food, beverage, and wine and spirits industries. In 2005, the show brought over 18,000 trade visitors from across Asia.

Participation Agreement

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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MONTH HEADING
June 2006
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11 - 13 IDDBA Show
Orlando, Florida

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will be organizing a state pavilion at this year’s IDDBA Dairy-Deli-Bake Show, June 11- 13, 2006. The IDDBA Show is the premier supermarket dairy, deli, and bakery show in the industry and continues to grow and improve every year. Participate with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and we will pay 50% of the booth cost for you!

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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11 - 15 Specialty Food Trade Mission to Western Canada
Vancouver, B.C. & Calgary, Alberta

Western Canada takes the lead in developing Canadian trends, which slowly move to Eastern Canada. British Columbia has the second largest specialty food market in Canada, behind only Quebec, and is the leader in natural and organic products. The brokers and distributors in Western Canada are open to working with smaller companies and pioneering new product lines. Additionally, many offer national representation.

Participation Agreement

Lisa Stout
Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

lisa.stout@datcp.state.wi.us

608/224-5126

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11 - 18 CAFTA-DR Trade Mission
Miami, Florida & Dominican Republic

U.S. agricultural exports to Central America and the Dominican Republic totaled $1.6 billion in 2003. Removing trade barriers between the United States and Central America and the Dominican Republic will create important new export opportunities for U.S. farmers,  ranchers and processors. The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that CAFTA-DR could boost U.S. agricultural exports by $1.5 billion when fully implemented. Central America will provide access to over 40 million consumers in potential growth markets.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 15th

Kim Hamilton

kim.hamilton@illinois.gov

217/782-5809

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23 - 25 Food Ingredients Buyers Mission
St. Louis, Missouri & Orlando, Florida

MIATCO and Food Export USA-Northeast are offering a great, low cost opportunity to U.S. food ingredient exporters to meet with visiting buyers from nine different markets or regions. Participating companies will benefit from international trade liberalization, increased demand for food safety, high-quality, and impressive growth of the international food processing industry.  The meetings will be held on June 23 in St. Louis, MO and on June 24-25 in conjunction with the IFT show in Orlando, Florida.

Participation Agreement

Yumeka Anderson
MIATCO

yanderson@miatco.org

312/334-9217

ITEM

25 - 27 IFT Show
Orlando, Florida

Due to popular demand, the Illinois Department of Agriculture is sponsoring an Illinois Pavilion at the 2006 IFT Food Expo, June 25-27, 2006, in Orlando, Florida. The IFT Show is the premier ingredient show in North America and continues to grow and improve every year. Participate with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and we will even pay 50% of the booth cost for you!

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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4 - 8 Pork Tour
Illinois

The Illinois Dept. of Agriculture (IDOA) is organizing the 14th annual Illinois Pork Industry Tour for international guests, scheduled for June 4-8, 2006. This project is planned enroute to the World Pork Expo, featuring the world’s largest pork specific trade show, June 8-10 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Bobby Dowson

bobby.dowson@illinois.gov

217/782-4755

ITEM

TBD USLGE Mission
Illinois

Bobby Dowson

bobby.dowson@illinois.gov

217/782-4755

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MONTH HEADING
July 2006
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8 2006 Fancy Food Buyers Mission & Maple Syrup Promotion
New York, New York

Food Export USA-Northeast and MIATCO are offering an unparalled, low cost opportunity to U.S. specialty food exporters to meet with visiting buyers from eight different markets or regions. Participating companies will benefit from international trade liberalization, increased demand for high-quality, and impressive growth of the international specialty food sector.

Yumeka Anderson
MIATCO

yanderson@miatco.org

312/334-9217

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24 Midwest Buyers Mission
Chicago, Illinois

This mission provides you an opportunity to meet with over 20 buyers from 18 countries in your choice of three cities—Chicago, Milwaukee, or Kansas City. Last year U.S. suppliers that participated in the Midwest Buyers Mission established new distribution relationships resulting in over $1 million in export sales.

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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MONTH HEADING
August 2006
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11 - 20 Illinois State Fair (ISF)
Springfield, Illinois

Illinois State Fair

statefair@agr.state.il.us

217/782-6661

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11 - 20 ISF IDOA Tent
Springfield, Illinois

During the Illinois State Fair, the Illinois Department of Agriculture Tent showcases the various Bureau's of the Department. These displays feature personnel, equipment, and literature explaining the purpose and services provided by the Department of Agriculture.  Incorporated into this tent are various agriculture related service groups, both state and federal. These organizations provide information and materials on their services.

Mike Cunningham

mike.cunningham@illinois.gov

217/782-9114

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11 - 20 ISF Illinois Products Promotion
Springfield, Illinois

Each year, the Bureau of Marketing and Promotions coordinates the promotion and selling of Illinois food products during the Illinois State Fair. Companies can sample and sell their Illinois food products in the tent. It is located on the east side of the fairgrounds near the Hobby, Arts and Crafts Building. Some non-food agricultural products, such soy candles, herb products, soaps made form corn & soybeans, etc., can also be displayed & sold.

Larry Aldag

larry.aldag@illinois.gov

217/524-3012

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11 - 20 ISF The Heartland's Gazebo
Springfield, Illinois

The Gazebo area spotlights Illinois companies and products with cooking demonstrations and subsequent samplings of the prepared recipes. This area has a very transient audience, but the sampling allows time to personally visit with people from all over Illinois about the company and its products. During last year's fair, there were an estimated 250 individuals that viewed each demonstration and sampled the prepared recipe.  The Bureau is looking for entities or companies that may have an Illinois product that they would like to demonstrate and sample.   Bureau staff is also available to demonstrate and sample as a representative of an Illinois company.

Delayne Reeves

delayne.reeves@illinois.gov

217/524-9129

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11 - 20 ISF Kid's Ag-tivity Tent
Springfield, Illinois

The Bureau of Marketing and Promotions coordinates a tent filled with ag-tivities for kids and their parents. They can play in the corn and soybean boxes, gather eggs, ride the little green tractors, and much more.  The Bureau is looking for entities or companies that may have an interactive or hands-on exhibit or game they would like to feature in the Kid's Tent.

Karen Fraase

karen.fraase@illinois.gov

217/785-7799

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12 Presentation by John Kraus from the French Pastry School in Chicago

Hobby, Arts and Crafts Building
Illinois State Fairgrounds
Springfield, Illinois

Join Chef John Kraus, Instructor at The French Pastry School, as he shares his expertise while he demonstrates how to create a moist almond pumpkin financier with roasted pumpkin. This demonstration is open to the public and will feature Illinois pumpkins.

John Kraus biography

French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Lisa Groesch

lisa.groesch@illinois.gov

217/782-0767

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13 ISF Cooking with Eggs Contest

Springfield, Illinois

New to the 2006 Illinois State Fair is the Cooking with Eggs Contest scheduled for SUNDAY, AUGUST 13 at the Hobby, Arts and Crafts Building on the State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois. The Illinois Egg Council will sponsor the contest. Entries will be accepted from 9:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. with judging beginning at 10:00 a.m. Awards will be presented at 12:45 p.m.

Karen Fraase

karen.fraase@illinois.gov

217/785-7799

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15 ISF Agriculture Day Awards Luncheon

Springfield, Illinois

Outstanding farm families from various agricultural organizations are honored for their dedication, commitment and progress towards agriculture at the Ag Day Awards luncheon on the Director's Lawn. People from the agriculture community attend the luncheon to celebrate and enjoy the Illinois State Fair activities.

Karen Fraase

karen.fraase@illinois.gov

217/785-7799

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15 ISF Ag Day Recognition of Centennial / Sesquicentennial Farm Families from FY06

Springfield, Illinois

Sesquicentennial and Centennial Farm families, certified during the last year, are honored during the Ag Day Awards luncheon.

Illinois Centennial and Sesquicentennial Farms Program

Delayne Reeves

delayne.reeves@illinois.gov

217/524-9129

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24 Branded Program Workshop
Rosemont, Illinois

The Branded Program assists small food and agricultural companies to promote their products overseas by reimbursing up to 50% for marketing activities such as advertising, trade show registration costs, public relations, package and label modifications and more.

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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MONTH HEADING
September 2006
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27 - 29 VIV China
Springfield, Illinois

The Illinois Department of Agriculture has booth space available at the "VIV China 2006". VIV China 2004 attracted over 17,000 visitors. VIV China has grown into the second largest international show in South East Asia, second only to it's sister show VIV Asia. Approximately 75% of the total forecasted international floor space has been reserved.  This show targets the livestock industry from producer to processor.  Exhibitors include: livestock breeding, animal health, feed ingredients and additives, feed equipment, farm equipment, meat processing, meat ingredients and slaughtering equipment.

Terry English

terry.english@illinois.gov

217/785-0115

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19 - 21 FIGAP '06

Expo Guadalajara
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

This will be a great opportunity to meet cattle, swine, poultry & other livestock producers from several Mexican states and many different Latin countries that will be looking for inputs from exhibitors in the biennial show.

Bobby Dowson

bobby.dowson@illinois.gov

217/782-4755

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22 - 26 SIAL Paris
Paris, France

SIAL is the world’s #1 food products exhibition attracting importers and distributors not only from the European Union but also from the rest of Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Last year, SIAL welcomed 5,256 exhibitors from 99 countries and attracted over 136,374 trade visitors from 183 countries and 1,400 journalists from 58 countries, half of them belonging to the international press.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 19th

Kim Hamilton

kim.hamilton@illinois.gov

217/782-5809

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25 Illinois Food Expo

Drury Lane Theatre Center
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois

The Expo is a “closed show”. Only specific retail and food service food buyers and other buying “decision makers” are invited to attend to sample the Illinois food products and visit with the participating food company representatives.  Over 2,000 special food buyers representing major retailers, independent retailers, large and small wholesale suppliers, retail & foodservice food distributors, convenience store distributors and wholesalers, food brokers, restaurants, hospitals, colleges-universities, schools, state institutions, dieticians & others will be invited to attend the Expo.

Interest In Participating Form

Larry Aldag

larry.aldag@illinois.gov

217/524-3012

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TBD Illinois Grain Tour

Illinois

 

Terry English

terry.english@illinois.gov

217/785-0115

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8 - 10 IFE Americas / ECRM

Miami, Florida

 

Kim Hamilton

kim.hamilton@illinois.gov

217/782-5809

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12 - 14 Private Label Manufacturer's Association Show (PLMA)

Rosemont, Illinois

The PLMA Show has been the premier event for private label products for over 25 years.  With over 2000 booths, it is the largest show of its kind. Meet qualified buyers from:  Costco Wholesale * Cub Foods * Jewel-Osco * Kroger * Meijer * PetSmart * Sam’s Club * 7-Eleven * Target * Whole Foods  And International buyers from:  Argentina * Australia * Brazil * Canada * China * Costa Rica * Mexico * Israel * The United Kingdom and more!

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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American Month in SuperSal Supermarket Chain

Israel

The FAS Tel Aviv Office and SuperSal, the largest supermarket chain in Israel, are jointly organizing an American Month for processed food and non-food products. The event is scheduled for November 2006. SuperSal was founded in 1957 and is the oldest retail chain in Israel. The chain owns 220 stores throughout the country. Sales in 2005 exceeded $1.9 billion and the number of workers exceeded 9,000 employees.  American manufacturers, traders and exporters of food and non–food products who are looking for new market opportunities are invited to offer their products to a developed, modern and fast-growing market.

Gilad Shachar
US Embassy - Israel

gilad.shachar@usda.gov

972-3-519-7324

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December 2006
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FOOTER

Illinois Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Marketing and Promotions

State Fairgrounds, P. O. Box 19281
Springfield, Illinois  62794-9281
Phone:  217/782-6675
Fax:  217/524-5960
Email: 
agr.markets@illinois.gov
Website:  www.agr.state.il.us

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