Presidential Export Initiative
Click here to see the President's newest Executive Order which seeks to assist in doubling U.S. exports in the next five years, something which would significantly boost Illinois' already strong standing in the world of global traders.

Give Virtual Trade a Try
The Bureau of Agriculture Marketing and Promotion is offering Illinois food companies an opportunity to make a foray into the world of virtual tradeshows. A virtual trade fair platform gives you immediate access from your computer to thousands of potential business partners worldwide, including clients, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers. All of the virtual trade shows are absolutely free to visitors. This means attendees have immediate and easy access to your corporate details, downloadable brochures and catalogues, featured products, promotional videos and websites for an entire year. Illinois is willing to offer interested companies a Silver Sponsorship for $325.

A Silver Sponsorship includes:

Two display banners

Up to 50 featured items

Up to 10 document uploads

Up to five video uploads; and

One live text chat function.

A virtual show is a one month interactive event, but remains online as an informative site for six months. For more information or to take advantage of our Bureau of Marketing discount, contact contact Kim Hamilton at kim.hamilton@illinois.gov or call her at 217.782.5809. Home.

IFT FOOD EXPO 2010, JULY 18TH - 20TH, 2010, Chicago (Institute of Food Technologists)
The IFT Food Expo is the premier US event for food ingredients and technology, and one of the most important food ingredient shows in the world. The expo is in conjunction with a major scientific conference held each summer in a different U.S. city. Thousands of food scientists, technologists, and business professionals will travel from around the world to search out new products, new sources, and new technologies. 42% of attendees are in R&D/scientific/technical job functions. 12% are vice presidents or higher. 86% make or influence their company’s buying decisions. Illinois sponsors a pavilion at a reduced booth price for Illinois food companies. Contact Jim Mackey at jim.mackey@illinois.gov or 217.782.2581.Home.

MIDWEST BUYERS MISSION, JULY 29TH - 30TH, 2010, Chicago EARLY REGISTRATION, JUNE 14, 2010, $100
Participants of the 2009 Midwest Buyers Mission reported an increase in actual on-site export sales of $5,925,000. In addition, U.S. suppliers generated 211 contacts with new foreign buyers. BUYERS MISSIONS allow U.S. suppliers to meet with prequalified international buyers without the time and expense of having to exhibit at international tradeshows or travel overseas. Recruitment Flyer and Pricing Contact Kim Hamilton at kim.hamilton@illinois.gov or 217.782.5809.Home.

FOOD EXPORT MARKETING FORUM, SEPTEMBER 27-29, 2010, INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL, Chicago, IL
Make an international impact with your food and beverage products in a cost-effective, convenient way by attending the Food Export Marketing Forum. The Marketing Forum will offer a series of educational sessions to help you learn more about 20 international markets and the growing demand for American products, keynote industry speakers discussing topics such as Market Intelligence, meetings with our international marketing representatives from over 20 markets around the world (gain insight into the opportunities for your food and agricultural products in these markets), networking with Food Export–Midwest, Food Export–Northeast, and State Agricultural Promotion Agency staff (learn more about export programs and services to help you succeed internationally) and a Buyers Mission where you are guaranteed one-on-one meetings with pre-screened, qualified importers. Obtain sales leads and receive valuable feedback from importers/ buyers about your product’s potential in their countries. Participants of the 2009 Buyers Mission at the Food Export Marketing Forum reported an increase in actual on-site export sales of $6.9 million with an additional $3.7 million in projected future sales. In addition, U.S. suppliers generated 267 contacts with new foreign buyers and established 119 new distributorships. For Early Registration, the deadline is August 6, 2010. The fee for the Buyers Mission and Marketing Forum is $350; the fee for the Marketing Forum only is $250. The Standard Registration Deadline is August 27, 2010. The fee for the Buyers Mission and Marketing Forum is $400; the fee for the Marketing Forum only is $300. Recruitment Flyer and Pricing Contact Kim Hamilton at kim.hamilton@illinois.gov or 217.782.5809.Home.

7th ILLINOIS FOOD EXPO (FOR BUYERS), DRURY LANE THEATRE CENTER, Wednesday, October 13, 2010, Oakbrook Terrace, IL
The “7th Illinois Food Expo Food Show” will be held on Wednesday, October 13th, 2010, at the Drury Lane Theatre Center, Oakbrook Terrace, IL. The show hours will be from 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The cost to exhibit will be only $175 (without electricity) and $250 (with electricity).

Last year, 104 retail & foodservice buyers attended the show.

You will be allowed to prepare and sample you food product(s) in your 10 ft. x 10 ft. exhibit space. You will not be allowed any access to the kitchen at the Drury Lane Theatre Center. We continue to attempt to improve our list of food buyers to invite. As a point of information, at the Land of Lincoln Food Expo food show that we held in Springfield, IL in January, 2010, two representatives from the Kroger-Central Division, Indianapolis, one representative from the Schnucks Markets Corporate Office, St. Louis, one representative from Jewel-Osco Corporate Office, Itasca, and two representative from the Dominick’s Corporate Office, Oakbrook attended the food show. In addition, the Store Directors from eight Hy-Vee Stores were planning to attend the show (until the freezing rain hit Springfield and north on the day of the show). Hy-Vee has expressed interest in working more with Illinois companies. (NOTE: Until the Land of Lincoln Food Expo show in January, 2010, no buyer representative from any of those companies has ever attended one of our food shows in the past. We are very hopeful that they will attend this show.)

An “Interest in Participating” Form is here. Please complete and return this form as soon as possible. If you participate with us, you will be sent a list of over 2, 000 retail and food service food buyers that will be invited to the show. Contact Larry Aldag at larry.aldag@illinois.gov or 217.524-3012.Home.

AMERICAS FOOD AND BEVERAGE SHOW, OCTOBER 26-27, 2010, Miami, FLA
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is coordinating Illinois companies’ participation in the USA Pavilion at the Americas Food and Beverage Show, October 26-27, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, FL. The cost to exhibit is $1250 for a 10X10 booth space and pre-set one-on-one meetings with prospective international buyers. Booth package includes: carpeting, wastebasket, 6-foot draped table, 2 chairs, 110-volt outlet and company signage. Participation forms and checks must be received by July 30, 2010. Recruitment Flier and Pricing. Contact Kim Hamilton at kim.hamilton@illinois.gov or 217.782.5809.Home.

WOMENS LIFESTYLE CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 30, 2010, Peoria, IL
The 2010 Women’s Lifestyle Conference will be held Saturday, October 30th in the Peoria Civic Center, Peoria, Illinois, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Last year, over 12,000 women attended the one day conference & trade show. This is a great opportunity to sample and sell your product(s) to women in Central Illinois.

In 2009, 325 vendors participated.

The Show Management for this event contacted the IL Department of Agriculture again this year and offered a reduced rate to Illinois companies that we recruit to participate. Again this year, they are offering a reduced rate of $250 (plus $55 for electricity, if needed & ordered in advance). They are providing this special offer to the first 20 Illinois companies that sign up. You will be placed in an “Illinois Products” section at the show. (If you would go through the show managers to participate, you would pay $600 to participate.)

Again, the first 20 companies who respond will receive the reduced rate.

Prior to being approved, your company’s products will need to be approved by the Catering Department of the Peoria Civic Center (to avoid competition).

To participate, please complete and return the attached Vendor Application by fax or mail to…WEEK (see bottom of the Vendor Application for sending information). Contact Larry Aldag at larry.aldag@illinois.gov or 217.524.3012.Home.

2010 GREAT AMERICAN COOKING EXPO, NOVEMBER 13-14, Chicago, IL
The Expo will be held at the Arlington Park Racetrack, 2200 West Euclid Ave. Arlington Park, IL.

The Great American Cooking Expo is a consumer culinary show. Last year, approximately 3,500 consumers attended last year’s Expo.

Illinois companies can participate in one of two ways this year, as follows:

OPTION #1
Pavilion Style Exhibit - Exclusively for IDOA Members
$250 (without electricity)
Each pavilion space will be equivalent to a 10' deep by 7' across area, just no side rail separating booths.
Each participant will receive an 8' high back drape, one 6' table either 42" or 30" high, a wastebasket, a company sign, your company name listed and linked on Cooking Expo website and 24 hour security.

OPTION #2
Standard 10 ft. x 10 ft. exhibit space
$495.00 (without electricity)
Each participant will receive an 8' high back drape, 3’ side drapes, one 6' table either 42" or 30" high, a wastebasket, a company sign, your company name listed and linked on Cooking Expo website, and 24 hour security.

The cost of electricity under either option is as follows: Standard - 1-1000 watt, 120v, 2 outlets, 10 amps - - $100.00 (when ordered 3 weeks prior to move in).

New for 2010 - - larger venue 70,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall; high profile location, families welcomed and preferred November dates, all to assist companies looking to increase sales and build brand exposure.

To participate or to receive additional information, contact Todd Lazzarotto, Director of Sales, The Great American Cooking Expo, 847-212-5266 Phone, 815-308-5332 Fax, or email Todd at tlazz@thecookingexpo.com. The website is here. Home.

RECRUITING FOR 2010 PLMA TRADE SHOW, NOVEMBER 14-16, Rosemont, IL
The Illinois Department of Agriculture will be organizing a state pavilion at the 2010 PLMA Private Label Trade Show. The PLMA Show is the premier event for private label products and continues to grow and improve every year. Participate with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and present your capabilities to buyers seeking products and processors to manufacture under their own brands. This show screens attendees to maintain a high ratio of qualified buyers and the show attracts both national and international visitors. Plan on sampling your products and highlighting your manufacturing, processing, packaging, and delivery capabilities. Spaces are limited-reserve yours now. Click here to get the flier. Contact Jim Mackey: jim.mackey@illinois.gov or 217-782-2581. Registration Deadline: August 25th, 2010 Home.

2010 ILLINOIS PRODUCTS SHOWCASE, NOVEMBER 18, 2010, Jacksonville, IL
On November 18, 2010 the Burea of Marketing--in partnership with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce--will be holding the 2nd Annual Products Showcase. Again, this year the event will be held at stately Hamilton’s Catering, 110 N East St. in Jacksonville, IL.

Last year we had 30 companies provide product sampling and sales to more than 300 consumers, generating more than $3,000 in sales. With additional marketing we anticipate and even larger turnout this year.

The event is scheduled to last from 4:00PM to 7:00 PM. THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EVENT--except for the product you sample and your time. This event provides a venue for participating Illinois companies to sell their wares prior to the holiday season.

To participate or to receive additional information, contact Bob Reese, at Bob.Reese@illinois.gov or call him at 217.524.9130. Home.

FOCUSED TRADE MISSION TO MEXICO FOR FOODSERVICE PRODUCTS, AUGUST 9-13, MEXICO CITY AND CANCUN
Contact Kim Hamilton at kim.hamilton@illinois.gov or 217.782.5809. Home.

FOCUSED TRADE MISSION TO BRAZIL AND ARGENTINA, AUGUST 23-27, 2010, BUENOS AIRES AND SAOL PAULO
Contact Kim Hamilton at kim.hamilton@illinois.gov or 217.782.5809. Home.

VIV ASIA, BEIJING, CHINA, SEPTEMBER 6-8, 2010
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has booth space available at VIV Asia. The show takes place in Beijing, China September 6-8, 2010. The Department has participated in this very important agricultural show for several years with a great deal of success. VIV China is the premier agricultural show in the Pacific Rim. Attendees from China, Viet Nam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Thailand will be present. Illinois companies participating in show have reported sales of over three million dollars since 2007. VIV China showcases the industry’s developments by the Feed-to-Meat concept. Feed-to-Meat brings together supply and demand within the complete animal protein chain. The Feed-to-Meat concept covers livestock production from breeding stock to feed manufacturing include grain storage and meat processing including slaughtering and meat packaging. For more information, contact Terry English at terry.english@illinois.gov or 217.785.0115. Home.

2010 ILLINOIS DAIRY TOUR, SEPTEMBER 26-30, VARIOUS LOCATIONS STATEWIDE, Culminating in Madison, Wisonsin at World Dairy Expo
For more information, contact Bobby Dowson at bobby.dowson@illinois.gov or 217.782.4755 or Lyle Flach at lyle.flach@illinois.gov or 217.816.6243. Home.

RECRUITING FOR 2010 GRAIN TOUR -- ILLINOIS STATEWIDE -- OCTOBER 10 THRU OCTOBER 14, 2010
The Illinois Dept. of Agriculture (IDOA) is organizing the Illinois Grain Industry Tour for international guests, for September/October, 2010. The Grain Tour is held annually during harvest, usually in early October. Participants are recruited from Illinois Department of Agriculture offices in Mexico and Hong Kong. During this tour, visitors will have an excellent opportunity to visit outstanding Identity Preserved Grain companies. They will also meet nationally-known Illinois grain industry leaders, tour ethanol plants, visit Illinois and Mississippi River terminals, assess rail and truck facilities, see facilities at the University of Illinois, visit the Chicago Board of Trade and tour family grain operations. Tour participants will also visit agribusinesses including some of the best grain equipment companies in the world. The visitors will collect information that will help them better manage their own grain operations. The Bureau of Marketing encourages everyone interested in the latest grain industry technology to take advantage of this four-day event. For more information, contact Terry English at terry.english@illinois.gov or 217.785.0115. Home.

SIAL PARIS FOOD SHOW -- OCTOBER 17-21, 2010 -- Paris, France
ONE BOOTH REMAINING!! The Illinois Department of Agriculture is coordinating Illinois companies’ participation in the USA Pavilion at SIAL Paris 2010. 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. SIAL 2008 welcomed 5,500 exhibitors from five continents and attracted over 147,000 trade visitors from 185 countries and 1,500 journalists from 45 countries; half of them belonging to international press. Exhibiting at SIAL 2010 can substitute for several weeks of round-the-world travel to meet with your current and potential customers. All of the big names in retail attend plus SIAL 2008 attracted 21,000 food service visitors. IDOA has reserved booth space in the USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service-endorsed USA Pavilion. The Illinois Department of Agriculture will pay 50% of the booth cost for you including VAT. Your cost to exhibit is $5731 for a standard booth or $6304 for a corner booth. Corner booths are limited and will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Booths are 12 square meters. Sign up now before the April 30, 2010 Deadline – *Spaces are limited* Recruitment Flier and Pricing Contact Kim Hamilton at kim.hamilton@illinois.gov or 217.782.5809.Home.

2010 FIGAP/VIV LATIN AMERICA SHOW, OCTOBER 21-23, 2010, Guadalajara, Mexico
Latin America's animal protein industry has a lot to offer for international suppliers in the Feed-to-Meat chain. Poultry, pig and dairy production are on the rise; as a result, feed production is growing annually at 5 percent. Therefore, local livestock producers are facing many challenges. New technologies and production methods are vital to comply with the increasing consumer demand for safe and healthy food. Business opportunities can be found throughout the full supply chain, but specifically in the fields of genetics, animal health, feed ingredients/additives, slaughtering/meat processing equipment and technology.

2010 FIGAP/VIV América Latina is in the heart of one of the most accessible livestock industries in Latin America: Mexico. Mexico is a good place to start or expand business with its vast home market of 106 million consumers. Guadalajara, the country's second largest city, is capital of the state of Jalisco, which is one of the leading states for poultry and pig production. FIGAP/VIV América Latina takes place in the Expo Guadalajara venue. Exhibiting in a 9-booth Illinois pavilion. Contact Bobby Dowson at bobby.dowson@illinois.gov or 217.782.4755. Home.

VIETSTOCK 2010 EXPO AND FORUM, NOVEMBER 10-12, 2010, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietstock 2010 Expo & Conference – Vietnam’s #1 International Feed, Livestock & Meat Processing Show will return to Ho Chi Minh City at the new Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre, November 10-12. Hosted by the Department of Livestock Production, the 4th Vietstock Expo and Conference is expected to attract over 5,000 farmers, integrators, feed millers/mixers, veterinarians, processors, and retailers from across Vietnam and surrounding countries. The show will be for any company supplying any of the following to the industry: animal health supplies, feed production and management, poultry and egg production, meat processing, dairy and cattle production & swine production and processing.

Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world and the world’s 2nd fastest growing economy, its GDP is growing at a rate of 7% annually since 2005. Agriculture makes up nearly 20% of the country’s Gross National Product. Pork is the meat of choice and the Vietnamese government is subsidizing the Ag industry to keep it viable and strong. Vietnam is a good place to start or expand business to supply its nearly 86 million people and South Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City is the epicenter for the country’s Agriculture. Come join us in this exciting market. Contact Bobby Dowson at bobby.dowson@illinois.gov or 217.782.4755. Home.

MIDWEST BUYERS MISSION HELPS SNACK COMPANY BREAK INTO NEW MARKET
In July 2008, Anton-Argires, Inc., located in Alsip, IL in Congressional District 1, participated in Food Export-Midwest’s Midwest Buyers Mission. The Mission included one-on-one meetings between U.S. suppliers and foreign buyers to help build business relationships and, ultimately, generate new export sales. During the Mission, the company met with international buyers from seven countries and established one new distributorship to the Caribbean. As a result of the meetings, Anton-Argires generated new actual export sales to Vietnam totaling $16,000. This marked the company’s first sale to Southeast Asia.

Anton-Argires was established in 1949 and is a second generation family owned enterprise which sells nuts, dried fruit, and gourmet popcorn.

Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast are private, non-profit associations of Midwestern and Northeastern state agricultural promotion agencies that use federal, state, and industry resources to promote the export of Midwestern and Northeastern food and agricultural products. Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast administer many services through Market Access Program (MAP) funding from the USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service.Home.

PET FOOD COMPANY MAKES SALES THROUGH BRANDED PROGRAM FUNDING SUPPORT
Evanger's Dog & Cat Food Company, Inc. of Wheeling, IL, in the 10th Congressional District, utilizes Branded Program funds to advertise their products in international markets. As a result of their advertising in Germany, Canada and Poland, the company has been able to increase their export sales 5-10%. The company also uses the Branded Program to exhibit at international tradeshows to make contacts with buyers. According to Holly Sher, President of Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company, Inc., “Every trade show we've participated in has been beneficial in at least one way. We've never left a show without a new contact or empty handed. We have also been able to afford to do more advertising which has helped increase sales. This is all thanks to Branded Program.”

The company has also been able to hire more employees to help support the growth of the company. Since 2002, Evanger’s staff has grown from eleven to over 75. Nine of these employees we hired as a direct result of their participation in the Branded Program. The company is also seeking a larger facility in the Chicagoland area. “The Food Export Branded Program has helped Evanger's Dog and Cat Food Company become a well-known and respected company in the pet food industry. We are very glad to be a part of this program and may not be as successful without it,” Sher said.

Evanger's Dog & Cat Food Company, Inc. produces dry and canned gourmet dinners for dogs and cats made from innovative recipes. Their products are made in the U.S.A., natural with no preservatives or salt added including kosher products endorsed by the Chicago Rabbinical Council.

COLBY INTERNATIONAL MAKES NEW EXPORT SALE TO KOREA THROUGH FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUYERS MISSION
April 28-30, 2009, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast hosted the Food Export Marketing Forum. The event included the Food and Beverage Buyers Mission and a series of educational sessions to help U.S. suppliers gain insights into opportunities for their food and agricultural products in foreign markets and, ultimately, increase export sales. Fifty U.S. suppliers participated in the Buyers Mission, making actual on-site sales of more than $1.9 million. Of these sales, 29 were first-time export sales. Projected sales for the next 6 to 12 months were more than $3 million. In total, the companies made 261 contacts with new buyers and established 119 new distributorships.

The Buyers Mission included one-on-one meetings with pre-screened, qualified importers. The meetings enabled participants to obtain sales leads and receive valuable feedback about their product’s potential in other countries. Colby International, an export management company that represents companies in the Midwest including Lisle, Illinois, in the 13th Congressional District, as well as other parts of the U.S., participated in the Food and Beverage Buyers Mission. “Buyers Missions are a great source for new trade leads. We made new buyer contacts in Korea, Singapore, and Mexico and made an initial sale to the buyer in Korea for more than $40,000 after the Mission. We expect this to become an ongoing sale and potentially include more of our products,” explained Jason Folb, Owner of Colby International.

The Educational Sessions provided U.S. companies with information on 20 international markets and their growing demand for American products. In addition, participants met with international marketing representatives from more than 20 markets worldwide. Folb added, “The Forum was a great source for trade leads, provided a very good overview of international markets, and educated companies on the resources available to help with exporting.”

Colby International is a food export company with both brokerage and trading arrangements with U.S. suppliers and customers. They have exclusive supply agreements and access to products across both retail and foodservice channels in all temperature classes.

Online Product Catalog-Promote Your Products to International Buyers Without Leaving Your Desk and it’s FREE
Food Export’s online product catalog is an effective way to promote your products to qualified buyers from around the world. By including your products in this virtual directory, overseas buyers easily locate your company and learn about products you have to offer. It’s targeted promotion to help build your export business. You upload your product information and photo into the online product catalog within Food Export’s Export Marketing Resource System. You can easily change or create a new posting if you introduce a new product, line extension, or flavor. Each of your products can have a separate entry. It’s simple and there’s no charge. Food Export’s In-Market Representatives promote the online product catalog to qualified buyers around the world. These buyers search the system based on product category, company name, brand name, label claims, market segments, or other criteria. Once they find you, the system generates an e-mail sent directly to you with an easily identifiable subject line. For additional information or to register, log onto www.foodexportalliance.org, click on upcoming activities and click on Online Product Catalog under ongoing activities. Home.

Branded Program-Get Reimbursed For 50% of Your Qualifying Agricultural Export Promotional Expenses
Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast’s Branded Program is a cost-share funding program that supports the promotion of branded and private label food and agricultural products in foreign markets. Participant companies receive 50% cost reimbursement for a wide variety of eligible international marketing and promotional activities. To pre-qualify for the program or for additional details, log onto www.foodexportalliance.org, click on upcoming activities, click on Branded Program under ongoing activities to learn more. Home.

Market Builder-Request Custom Market Research for Your Export Products
Discover your products’ sales potential in international markets with the Market Builder Program. This service provides customized, in-market research to help you determine if a market is right for your product. Exporters can find new distributors or importers, receive valuable feedback about their product and gain industry insights on topics such as the distribution process and import regulations and restrictions for 18 international markets. You can use both Market Scan and Rep Finder or just one component. Market Scan: $400; Rep Finder: $500; Market Builder Package (Market Scan & Rep Finder): $750. For additional information or to register, log onto www.foodexportalliance.org, click on upcoming activities, click on Market Builder under ongoing activities to learn more. Home.

Food Export Helpline-Customized Export Assistance is Just a Phone Call Away and it’s FREE
Food Export Helpline answers your technical and logistical questions on a wide variety of exporting related topics from connection to collection and it’s just a toll-free phone call away! Whether you are new to exporting or you have exported for years, there are always specific issues and questions that are unique to your company, products, and export markets. With the Food Export Helpline, you will speak with an industry expert who will put his more than 20 years of experience to work for you. For additional information, to register, or to see some of the questions the helpline can assist you with, log onto www.foodexportalliance.org, click on Getting Started in Exporting, go down to What’s The Next Step, click on Midwest. Home.

Farm-to-School Network Rolling Up Its Sleeves
Farm to School brings healthy food from local farms to school children nationwide. The program teaches students about the path from farm to fork, and instills healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime. At the same time, use of local produce in school meals and educational activities provides a new direct market for farmers in the area and mitigates environmental impacts of transporting food long distances. More than 30 million children eat a school lunch five days a week, 180 days a year. If school lunch can taste great, and support the local community, it is a win-win for everyone. Home.

P.O. Box 19281, State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL 62794-9281