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October 2006

Illinois Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Marketing and Promotions

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Monthly Highlight

October Highlight

We were very saddened to learn of the death of Mr. Roy Shaner, President of J.D. Mullen Company, Palestine, IL. Roy has been a faithful participant in the programs and services of the Illinois Department of Agriculture for over 25 years.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Roy's son, Jeff, and the entire Shaner family.
We will truly miss Roy.

PUMPKINS

Illinois Pumpkin Production by the numbers

1
Illinois’ ranking in acreage devoted to pumpkin production.

12,900
The number of Illinois acres harvested in pumpkins in 2005.
That figure represents 29 percent of the total pumpkin acreage in the United States.

496,000,000
The number of pounds of pumpkins produced in Illinois in 2005.

95
The estimated percentage of processed pumpkins in the United States that is grown in Illinois.

$16,049,000
The cash receipts that Illinois pumpkin growers received for their crop in 2005.


Top 10 Pumpkin-Producing Illinois Counties

County

Farms

Acres

Tazewell

48

3,438

Kankakee

16

497

Mason

6

360

Logan

3

186

Will

24

178

Marshall

7

149

Kane

13

131

Pike

7

120

Carroll

6

118

Woodford

9

108

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Recipes Of The Month

RECIPES OF THE MONTH

Compliments of Libby's Pumpkin

Morton, Illinois

LIBBY'S® Famous Pumpkin Pie

LIBBY'S® Pumpkin Roll

LIBBY'S® Iced Pumpkin Cookies

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

OCTOBER COMPANY HIGHLIGHT

Food Company Of The Month Food Company of the Month

Agribusiness Company Of The Month Agribusiness Company of the Month

Xcell International

Creme Brulée Flavors for the Holidays!

Our crème brulée mix now featuring extraordinary flavor and texture with foolproof results every time. Three new seasonal flavors available for a limited time including Pumpkin Crème Brulée Quick Mixx

We have been in business for over 13 years, and our rapidly expanding product line boasts over 350 items with new additions being made regularly.

While focusing mainly on our signature four and six compartment jars of seasonings and toppings, recent expansions have included individual containers of favorites such as our Bread Dipping Seasonings. We have also introduced over 28 varieties of spices and seasoning blends in new "grind it fresh" Grinder Jars, Crème Brulée Mix, Mousse Mix in three fabulous flavors and Cheesecake Mix in two varieties. Gift packs and kits are available containing many of our products.

To find out more about Xcell International, visit their website: www.xcellint.com

Xcell International
181 Shore Ct.
Burr Ridge, IL 60521
Phone: (630)323-0107
Fax: (630)323-0217
info@xcellint.com

Frey Farms Produce

Sarah Frey has been running the family-owned and -operated Frey Farms since the early 1980's. Known for its pumpkins, melons and fall ornamentals, Frey Farms also is a year-round supplier, providing other fresh fruits and vegetables. Sarah Frey is a ten-year Wal-Mart partner, tracing back to when she convinced a district manager to start buying melons for ten local stores. Today, she shares the company with her four brothers and has grown it into a national produce supplier, selling more than one million pumpkins a year to Wal-Mart.

The Frey Family of Companies is a family of growers, packers, shippers and marketers. The Frey Farms Produce headquarters is located in rural Wayne County northeast of Mt. Vernon, IL and is supported by strategic shipping locations in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Georgia, Florida and throughout the Midwest. The Frey family has been in the produce industry for several years serving independent and giant retailers alike.

The Frey Family services their customers by way of direct store delivery routes and shipments to major distribution centers. Frey Companies are leaders in innovation, research and technology. Their excellent staff is educated with the technical knowledge and personal skills needed to accomplish any and all business needs. Their customers appreciate the value of "Homegrown Freshness."

To find out more about Frey Family Companies, visit their website: www.freyproduce.com

Frey Family Companies
Rural Route 1 Box 89
Keenes, IL 62851
Phone: 618-835-2536
Fax: 618-835-2836

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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 Diamond Vineyards, Ltd.

The tasting room and gift shop is stocked with soaps, lotions, oils, body scrubs and candles of various sizes and scents from "Alice's Garden" (the Hicks family's exclusive line, all hand-poured by Alice herself). Choice wines are available by the case, bottle or glass. Tee-shirts embossed with the Black Diamond Vineyard logo are for sale in different sizes and colors. The Black Diamond kitchen is ready to create the delicious breads and dipping oils, sausage and cheese platters and assorted panini sandwiches offererd to our valued customers.

Black Diamond also offers handmade signature truffles by "Heavenly Sweets", many flavors created for, and only available at Black Diamond.

Confection Diva, Inc.

Sweet Margy Gourmet Toffee; Hand dipped milk or dark chocolate toffee - Individual pieces first hand dipped in milk or dark chocolate and then rolled in freshly dry roasted almonds. Gluten free. Available in 2 oz individual bars in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz bags or boxes.

Doreen's Pizza, Inc.

Doreen's Gourmet Pizza includes: Sausage pizza, Cheese, Pepperoni, Deluxe, Sausage jalapeno, and Vegetable. All pizzas are made by hand using fresh sausage (not precooked), fresh vegetables and 100% mozzarella (2%).

Ida's Gourmet Breads

Ida's Gourmet Breads: Zucchini Bread, Zucchini w/Nuts Bread, Apple & Spice Bread, Apples, Spice & Nuts Bread, Banana Bread, Banana w/Nuts Bread, Blueberry & Lemon Bread, Carrots & Spice, Carrots, Spice & Raisins. All varities available in 4oz., 8oz., and 16oz. Sizes.

Little Muddy Longhorn Lean

Longhorn Lean Hamburger and breeding stock for Registered Texas Longhorns. We will market Longhorn Lean Hamburger direct to consumers, in 1 lb. Packages, or will sell by 1/4 , 1/2, or whole beef.

M & G Foods

Grandpa Gs Brand Salsa: 1. Extreme Hot Salsa, 16 oz jar. 2. Extreme Sweet Hot Salsa, 16 oz jar. 3. Hot Mild Salsa, 16 oz jar. 4. Sweet Mild Salsa, 16 oz jar.

Middle Creek Ranch

Middle Creek Ranch breeds and markets Hereford seedstock genetics utilizing AI and embryo transfer to access the best bloodlines in the breed. Bulls, breeding females, and show heifers for sale year-round. We also breed and raise fainting pygmy goats and have kids for sale in late summer each year. Visitors are always welcome!

Mixed Nuts Inc.

Full line of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.

Octavia Tea

Octavia Tea offers gourmet teas both bulk by the pound and in elegant retail tins. We offer both whimsical flavors and traditional favorites. Teapots and accessories are also available. We specialize in certified organic and natural teas with a focus on wholesale to businesses.

Prairie View Cheese

Prairie View Brand Cheese: Prairie View Sweet Italian (TM) available in 16 oz. size, and Prairie View Alpine-Style Farmers Cheese available in 10 oz. size.

Zarlengo's, Inc.

All products are hand made at Zarlengo's in Chicago Heights, Illinois. We specialize in homemade Italian Ice using all "real" fresh or frozen fruits using no preservatives. Most varieties are fat free. We also have hand dipped ice cream, bars and sandwiches using only the best ingredients. We also have many flavors of homemade gelato using all natural ingredients.

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NEW EVENTS
NEW Events
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GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY RETURNS GRANTS TO HELP START NEW, INNOVATIVE AGRIBUSINESSES

More than $500,000 now available through state's AgriFIRST program

The Fiscal Year 2007 budget includes $564,480 for the Department of Agriculture's AgriFIRST program which promotes "valued-added" agricultural ventures, or projects that turn raw commodities into marketable products and enable farmers to earn a larger share of the consumer dollar. The program, which is part of Governor Blagojevich's Opportunity Returns program, helps defray the start-up costs of qualified projects. To be eligible for a grant, a project must "enhance the value of farm and agricultural products or by-products produced in Illinois." The program does not provide funding for technology research, promotion of proprietary products or compliance with the Livestock Management Facilities Act.

Three types of AgriFIRST grants are available:

  • Technical assistance grants, which cover up to 75 percent of the cost of developing a "value-added" project. The maximum award is $25,000.
  • Competitive assessment grants, which pay up to 50 percent of the cost of feasibility studies, business and marketing plans and consulting services, with a cap of $300,000 per project.
  • Capital grants, which cover up to 10 percent of a qualified project's construction cost, including the purchase of land, buildings and equipment. The amount received cannot exceed $5 million.

The deadline to apply for a grant this fiscal year is 5 p.m., Dec. 15, 2006. Application forms are available on the Illinois Department of Agriculture's website at www.agr.state.il.us or by calling Kim Janssen at 217/785-5848.

Gov. Blagojevich's Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois' history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn't work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions - each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.

Kim Janssen

kim.janssen@illinois.gov

217/785-5848

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Food Export Association of the Midwest USA (Food Export - Midwest)
NEW Name for MIATCO!

After more than 30 years of assisting Midwestern food and agricultural companies with their exporting needs, MIATCO has changed its name to Food Export Association of the Midwest USA (Food Export - Midwest). The new name makes it easier for companies to associate their organization with food exporting and more accurately describes their services. They are also taking this opportunity to enhance, simplify, and customize their services.

Fortified by their strategic partnerships with Food Export USA - Northeast (Food Export - Northeast), experienced export consultants, and international marketing experts, Food Export - Midwest will continue to provide invaluable export assistance to facilitate trade between Midwestern food companies and international importers. Their programs and services cover a broad range of exporting assistance - exporting education, market entry, and export promotion.

Food Export - Midwest and Food Export - Northeast are more committed than ever to promoting the export of Midwestern and Northeastern food and agricultural products to the world and helping U.S. companies in that pursuit. For more information, visit their web site at www.foodexport.org or www.foodexportusa.org

Food Export Association of the Midwest USA

info@foodexport.org

312/334-9200

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MARKET BUILDER PROGRAM

Finding the right market for your product is the key to exporting success! Exporters who are looking to secure their product in an international market, find new distributors or importers, and receive valuable feedback about their product, can now use the assistance of Market Builder –the service designed to meet an exporter’s market development needs and wants.

Food Export Association of the Midwest USA

info@foodexport.org

312/334-9200

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IDOA Database Update Under Way!

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is currently updating our database records.  A copy of your company's information has or will be emailed, faxed or mailed to the contact listed on our database 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 as soon as possible.

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

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ONGOING EVENTS
Ongoing Events
HORIZONTAL LINE

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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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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

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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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October 2006
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5 - 7

One-On-One Matchmaker Meetings with Pre-Selected International Natural Product Buyers

Baltimore, Maryland

MIATCO and Food Export USA-Northeast are offering an unparalleled, low cost opportunity to U.S. natural product exporters to meet with visiting importers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers from 7 different markets or regions. Participating companies can capitalize on international trade liberalization, increased demand for high-quality products, and impressive growth of the international natural products sector.

Will Smith
MIATCO

wsmith@miatco.org

312/334-9225

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9 - 12

Illinois Grain Tour

Statewide

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is inviting international grain leaders to participate in an educational and informational buyer's tour of Illinois' Grain Industry. The tour will take place October 9-12, 2006.

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.

Kim Hamilton

kim.hamilton@illinois.gov

217/782-5809

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24

Branded Program Workshop

Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois

Looking for a way to expand your international marketing budget?

Every year, hundreds of U.S. companies access millions of dollars through the Branded Program. The Branded Program is a federally-funded program that reimburses qualified food & agricultural companies for up to 50% of their eligible international marketing expenses.

What expenses are covered?

  • Trade show expenses from select domestic shows and all overseas shows (this includes booth and all rentals, demo person, translator, production of sell sheets and freight to and from the show)
  • Travel to overseas shows (coach airfare on a US carrier, federal per diem for hotel, meals and incidentals) for two company employees
  • Modification to Labels when required by importing government law (design, translation, plate costs and a year's worth of packaging)
  • Production of advertising, press kits, point-of-sale material and giveaways up to $1 reimbursement per item.
  • In-store demonstrations
  • Freight costs for sample shipment

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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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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25

2006 Women's Lifestyle Show

Peoria Civic Center
Peoria, Illinois

The 2006 Women's Lifestyle Show will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2006 at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Over 9,000 households attend this show that targets women. Illinois food companies and agribusinesses can sample and sell food products. Non-food items can also be sold. The cost to participate is $415. (If food is sampled, add an additional $35 for a public health permit.) The show is coordinated by Mr. Jay Goldberg, Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment, a division of Progressive Innovations, Ltd.

Larry Aldag

larry.aldag@illinois.gov

217/524-3012

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November 2006
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1 - 3

Canadian Specialty Food Trade Mission

Toronto, Canada

The specialty food market is particularly strong in Canada. Its many multi-ethnic communities foster a rapidly growing specialty food sector which is demanding diverse new and fresh products, especially those in the ethnic, specialty and organic food categories. As in the United States, Canada has a large population of affluent, aging, and well-traveled consumers who care about the environment and seek healthy, authentic foods.

Food Export Association of the Midwest USA

info@foodexport.org

312/334-9200

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8 - 10

IFE Americas / ECRM

Miami, Florida

Illinois Department of Agriculture is coordinating Illinois companies’ participation at the IFE Americas Show in Miami, Florida. IDOA has reserved booth space in the U.S. Pavilion. IDOA will pay 50% of the booth cost for you. Through a partnership with ECRM (Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing), IDOA will offer to Illinois food companies a value-added package that includes your booth space and 30 pre-set meetings with pre-qualified international retailers, distributors, and importers. These meetings with leading buyers will take place on the show floor before, during, and after show hours, and are facilitated through ECRM’s eFusion software and secured areas of their web site.

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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Nov. 30
through
Dec. 2

Food and Hotel China Food Show PLUS!

Shanghai, China

China has the promise to become a powerhouse in the Asian hospitality industry and is expecting continued growth over the next few years. China received 23.5 million inbound tourists, an increase of 4.36% compared with the same period last year, and foreign exchange from the tourism industry reached US$14.68 billion, increasing by 4.1% over the same period of the previous year. This is your opportunity to capitalize on international trade liberalization and increased demand for food safety and high quality in the expanding Asian hospitality market.

Food Export Association of the Midwest USA

info@foodexport.org

312/334-9200

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All Month

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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6 - 7

3rd Statewide Conference On Organic Production And Marketing

Bloomington, Illinois

The University of Illinois sustainable agriculture program in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, and UI Extension are planning the 3rd statewide conference on organic production and marketing. The conference is scheduled for December 6-7, 2006, at The Interstate Center in Bloomington, Illinois.

Dan Anderson
University of Illinois

aslan@uiuc.edu

217/333-1588

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Vietstock 2006 Expo & Forum in Vietnam

Phu Tho Indoor Stadium
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The Illinois Dept. of Agriculture (IDOA) has blocked space at IndoChina's largest international trade show for the feed and livestock industry, Vietstock 2006. The show, December 6-8 in Phu Tho Indoor Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City, is expecting some 5,000+ trade show attendees to include: farmers, feedmillers, meat processors, veterinarians, distributors and retailers.

Vietstock is a biannual event that is slated to boast 130 + exhibitors from 24 countries. More than 40% of the exhibitors will be international organizations from (to name a few): China, UK, USA, Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, France, Korea, Italy, and the Netherlands. The show is increasing in size as Vietnam's demand for meat production is expected to grow 25% by 2010. Products to be exhibited include: vaccines, feed additives, antibiotics, feed and livestock equipment, poultry equipment, genetics, and meat products and packing equipment.

The IDOA offers 2 options for participation:

  • Company rep. attending and sharing a booth with brochures/product samples - $625.00
  • Company rep. attending in their own full booth space - $1,250
The Vietstock 2006 website is www.vietstock2006.com.

Bobby Dowson

bobby.dowson@illinois.gov

217/782-4755

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January 2007
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8

Land of Lincoln Food Expo

Northfield Center
Springfield, Illinois

Illinois Food Manufacturers…Promote Your Food Products to Downstate Food Buyers!

The "1st Land of Lincoln Food Expo" will be held Thursday, February 8th, 2007, at the Northfield Center, Springfield, IL. Illinois food manufacturers are invited to exhibit to promote their food products to retail and foodservice food buyers. This is not a consumer show. The following businesses will be invited to the Expo to visit with the participating Illinois food companies and sample their food products: major retailers, independent retailers, large and small wholesale suppliers, retail and foodservice distributors, convenience store distributors and wholesalers, food brokers, restaurants, hospitals, food service operators, catering companies, colleges & universities, primary & secondary education, state institutions, dieticians and others.

The Expo will be held from 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Illinois food companies can exhibit for only $90, (which will include a 10 ft. frontage x 8 ft. deep booth space, 1 - 6 ft. skirted & draped table, electricity, 2 chairs, waste basket and a company sign).

Only sixty-nine (69) booth spaces will be available to Illinois food companies. The Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Marketing & Promotion is coordinating this promotion.

Larry Aldag

larry.aldag@illinois.gov

217/524-3012

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18 - 20

Canadian International Food & Beverage Show

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Canada is the top market for U.S. consumer food products and one that has been growing steadily over the past 10 years. Canadian purchases of U.S. agricultural products now account for more than 60 percent of total Canadian imports. In 2005, U.S. agricultural exports to Canada reached a record $10.6 billion, accounting for 17 percent of U.S. agricultural exports worldwide.

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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March 2007
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Illinois Products Expo

Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds
Springfield, Illinois

The "9th Illinois Products Expo...A Food and Cooking Extravaganza" will be held on March 3-4, 2007, in the Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL. The Expo is open to the public. The cost to attend the Expo is only $3.00 (children 10 and under - free).

Over seventy Illinois food companies (and a few non-food companies) will be participating. These food companies will provide free food samples and most of these products will also be available to purchase at the Expo.

A few non-food items, such as soy & herb candles, agricultural-based soaps, lotions, etc., will also be on display and available to purchase.

The "Illinois Wine and Cheese Garden" will once again be a featured attraction at the Expo. At least ten Illinois wine companies will participate. They will sell wine samples (for a nominal fee) and wine by the glass and by the bottle.

The hours of the Expo are:
March 3 - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
March 4 - 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

A Weber Genesis® Silver-C LP gas grill (retail value-$649.00) and numerous "Illinois Products" gift baskets will be given away as door prizes.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Marketing and Promotion is coordinating the event.

Larry Aldag

larry.aldag@illinois.gov

217/524-3012

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7 - 9

VIV Asia

Bangkok, Thailand

The VIV's feed to meat concept covers the entire animal protein chain, from primary production to finished products. The is a great opportunity for Illinois feed and livestock companies to gain access to the Asian markets.

www.viv.net

Terry English

terry.english@illinois.gov

217/785-0115

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13 - 16

Foodex 2007

Tokyo, Japan

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will sponsor an Illinois Pavilion within the U.S. Pavilion at Foodex Japan 2007. This important event, scheduled for March 13-16, 2007, annually attracts over 90,000 visitors in Tokyo, Japan. FOODEX Japan is the largest food and beverage show in Asia, which serves not only Japan’s $600 billion food market but many lucrative Asian markets.

Japan is an $8 billion export market for U.S. food, beverage and seafood products. With a food self-sufficiency rate of only 40%, Japan is one of the most import-dependent markets in the world. As a result, high Japanese demand for foreign food and beverage products remains a constant, regardless of overall market conditions.

Recruitment materials and information on booth packages will be available soon.

Kim Hamilton

kim.hamilton@illinois.gov

217/782-5809

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The International Food and Drink Exhibition (IFE)

ExCeL
London, England

The fourteenth biennial IFE held in 2005 was a resounding success, with figures showing a 14% increase in visitors with more than 26,000 food and drink industry professionals in attendance. IFE attracts over 3,000 international visitors from 98 countries, providing exhibitors with great opportunities for export.

IFE07 offers visitors an exciting family of attractions, including seminars on international consumer trends, new product and innovation showcases and three international restaurants which will create a fresh event to meet the needs of the evolving food and drink market.

IFE07, the largest dedicated international food and drink event in the UK, will deliver new international ideas to the UK market and international buyers to UK suppliers.

Mike Luca

mluca@reedexpo.com

203/840-5875

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28 - 30

SIAL Montréal
USA Pavilion

Palais des congrès de Montréal, Québec, Canada

As the #1 market for U.S. consumer food products, Canada is the ideal market to target U.S. food and agricultural exports with its close proximity, common language and similar culture. In 2005, total U.S. exports of agricultural products to Canada reached a record $10.5 billion (more than two-thirds of total Canadian agricultural imports). Promote your products to buyers not only from Canada, but 80 other countries at this world-class gathering of food and beverage professionals in North America.

Kelly Wheatley
IMEX Management, Inc.

kellyw@imexmgt.com

704/365-0041

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FMI / U.S. Food Export Showcase

McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois

FMI is North America’s largest food distribution show. Not only will you meet with 5,000 international food buyers from over 100 countries, but 30,000 domestic attendees will be looking for food, beverage, and agricultural products. As an Illinois Pavilion participant at FMI/U.S. Food Export Showcase, your company can be part of the largest state-sponsored area at the show (44 booths, 4400 square feet).

NEW FOR 2007: IDOA will again have a prime location at the front of the show floor within the South Hall directly off the main concourse.

Recruitment materials and information on booth packages will be available soon.

Kim Hamilton

kim.hamilton@illinois.gov

217/782-5809

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10 - 12

SIAL China

Shanghai, China

SIAL China 2005 welcome 53 countries with 56 exhibiting groups. Exhibitors and collective pavilions from 60 countries are expected on SIAL China 2006.

Chinese food manufacturers and importers will be attending SIAL China 2006 creating a unique platform for business opportunities in imports and exports!

SIAL China 2006 will also be the meeting point for international visitors who will meet their clients and seek new partnerships. With a far reaching impact on Asia Pacific region, SIAL China 2006 will welcome buyer delegations from Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and other major China trade partners!

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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19 - 22

National Restaurant Show (NRA) / American Food Fair

McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois

The American Food Fair will join the National Restaurant Association (NRA) to provide Illinois companies top exposure to the lucrative $511 billion restaurant and hospitality industries. 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. The show includes more than 2,000 exhibitors and 75,000 attendees from 50 states and 108 countries. More than 3,800 international buyers attend the show.

Recruitment materials and information on booth packages will be available soon.

Kim Hamilton

kim.hamilton@illinois.gov

217/782-5809

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IFT FoodSmarts Expo

McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois

Thousands of food professionals from across the globe make their way to IFT each year to network with peers and purchase new products, technologies, applications and services. The IFT Show is the premier ingredient show in North America and continues to grow and improve with each passing year.

Sarah Potter

sarah.potter@illinois.gov

217/782-2581

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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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