Food Export Midwest/Northeast encouraged new and existing exporters to build their international sales through trade show presentations this summer, at the International Dairy Deli Bakery (IDDBA) Show in New Orleans in June and the International Food Technologists event (IFT FIRST) in Chicago in July.
“We are building long-term relationships with associations and trade show organizers,” said Teresa Miller, chief program and partnership officer, Food Export. “Historically, these relationships have been focused primarily on our Buyers Missions. We are developing these relationships year-round, through export education, Branded Program participation and other activities.”
IDDBA is a nonprofit trade association for food retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, brokers, distributors, and other industry professionals. Its annual show had more than 1,000 exhibitors, a record number, plus 10,000 attendees. Presenters included Kevin Costner, Michael Strahan, Carla Hall—and Food Export.
Ron Tanner, Food Export’s partnership coordinator, spoke on How to Export with Government Funding, focusing on how companies can prepare to export, opportunities to meet with international buyers throughout 2025 and the Branded Program.
IFT FIRST took place in Chicago from July 14 – 16. The event is a mix of food science conference and trade show, with 1,000-plus ingredient suppliers. Food Export’s Tanner was part of the Community Conversations platform, which featured 30-minute presentations followed by audience participation. Tanner’s subject was How to Build Export Sales with Support from USDA and State Regional Trade Groups.
“It is an honor to be part of the prestigious programs at these important trade shows,” Tanner said. “Food Export is working to get export opportunities in front of trade show participants and association members to nurture the next wave of U.S. exporters.”