Food Export Launches 2026 Program Year - Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and Food Export USA

Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast are proud to announce the official launch of the 2026 Program Year on Aug. 1, 2025, opening registration for exporter education programs, market entry activities, and the Branded Program application portal for suppliers across 23 member states.

Backed by federal funding and an ambitious global vision, Food Export’s 2026 offerings have been carefully designed to support small- and medium-sized food and agricultural companies in accessing new international export opportunities, with a special emphasis on market diversification, retention, and ROI.

“The 2026 Program Year reflects the most strategically aligned and globally responsive set of offerings we’ve ever launched,” said Teresa Miller, Chief Program and Partnership Officer. “We’ve expanded our reach into growth markets like India and Africa, while continuing to enhance the exporter journey with more bundled services, better buyer targeting, and next-level support.”

2026 Highlights: Innovation Meets Impact

Growth Market Strategy: New trade missions and Buyers Missions focused on India, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, including a Focused Trade Mission to West Africa for consumer-oriented products and regional buyers.
More Branded Opportunities Explained: Enhanced Branded Program messaging to help suppliers and their importers better utilize matching funds for marketing, labeling, and market expansion in strategic regions. Suppliers can work with their importers on crafting marketing strategies in international markets and receive Branded Program funds for these efforts.
Feeder Missions: Redesigned entry-level opportunities like Buyers Missions at “Summer in the Cities” and Focused Trade Missions to Canada, Mexico, and Central America—paired with educational prep and post-event support.
Pet Food and Seafood Expansion: Pet food expanded offerings at Food Show PLUS!™ and Product Showcase services at international pet food trade shows in 2026. Seafood exporters will benefit from tailored tracks at the National Restaurant Association Show, IFT FIRST, and designated missions in the Middle East, Taiwan, and Europe.
Bundled Education and Services: Most events now include pre-event webinars, Market Scans, and Export Navigator support to boost confidence and drive results.
Globalized Events: Enhanced presence at major global shows like Gulfood, SIAL Paris, and Natural Products Expo West with regional buyer recruitment and Food Show PLUS!™ services.

Applications for the 2026 Branded Program—offering 50% cost reimbursement for international marketing activities—open Aug. 1. The 2026 Branded Program Manual is also available at foodexport.org.

Most program year activities, including Focused Trade Missions, Buyers Missions, Food Show PLUS!™, and educational offerings, are live for registration beginning Aug. 1 at foodexport.org.

“From first-time exporters to seasoned suppliers seeking new markets, Food Export offers the roadmap and resources to succeed globally,” Miller added. “We’re here to help every step of the way.”

To become a supplier or learn more, visit foodexport.org or email info@foodexport.org. Food Export’s dedication to delivering outstanding value remains stronger than ever. Food Export is committed to continuous improvement and providing suppliers with value that exceeds the price. Visit foodexport.org to learn more.

Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations or alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact us. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online https://www.ascr.usda.gov/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer.

Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast reserve the right to deny services to any firm or individual which, in the sole opinion of Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast, does not comply with FAS, MAP or Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast regulations or policies, or otherwise offer the best opportunity to achieve its mission of increasing food and agricultural exports. Submission of any false or misleading information may be grounds for rejection or subsequent revocation of any application or participation. Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast are equal opportunity employers and providers.