In a world that is ever more competitive, fish and shellfish suppliers can lean into Food Export USA–Northeast’s market knowledge, cost-share marketing funding and programs to meet qualified buyers to help you make waves in the international seafood market.

Gain Market Insights & Intelligence

Exporter Education Programs: Food Export USA–Northeast knows that education is key to success in the world of international trade. That is why Food Export offers a range of exporter education programs designed to equip you with the insights and strategies you need to thrive in the global seafood industry. Plus, with the flexibility of online training, you can learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere. Explore a variety of options, from free Webinars and Seminars to the Export Advisor Program and more.

Elevate Your Marketing Budget

Branded Program: The Branded Program is a foundational offering from Food Export USA–Northeast that can help you extend your international marketing reach without breaking the bank. With this program, you can receive up to 50% reimbursement for qualified marketing expenses. Imagine the possibilities when you can effectively promote your seafood products to international buyers while saving on marketing costs. In 2024, there may be limited funding, so stay ahead of the curve and apply early to secure your spot in the program.

The Branded Program is often thought of as the trade show reimbursement program. However, it can help support a wide variety of marketing activities, including:

• Development of Company Videos: Give buyers a view into your facility or products.
• Creation of Digital Sales Collateral: Including pricing sheets and brochures.
• Social Media Content: Ranging from influencer marketing to digital advertising, content management, and international (in-market) dedicated accounts.
• Marketing Support for your Importer: Participate in restaurant or retail promotions through your importer.
• Compliant Packaging and Labeling: Selling overseas requires market compliant packaging. Create labels for new products, make updates to non-compliant labels, cover the costs of plate fees, graphic design, the labor to re-label your products, and more. You can submit each year for printing runs of the same SKU.
• Website Optimization: Ensuring that your website is international audience friendly is key, so consider export-targeted landing pages, translation services, search engine optimization (SEO), and product locator tool installation.
• Freight costs for samples: Getting your products into the hands of buyers is the best way to build relationships and showcase your high-quality seafood products.

Develop New Buyer Relationships (Without Your Competitors Knowing)

When it comes to expanding your horizons in the international market, nothing beats the impact of in-person Buyers Missions, Food Show PLUS!™ and Focused Trade Missions. Even events not specifically for fish and shellfish suppliers present opportunities to learn about markets and connect with buyers.

1. Exclusive Access to International Buyers: When you join an event not specific to the seafood industry, you’re likely to find yourself in an exclusive position, away from direct competitors. This exclusivity can be a golden opportunity to capture the undivided attention of international buyers. Showcase your products and offerings by leaving a lasting impression on potential buyers who may not have initially considered Northeast U.S. seafood.

2. Tailored Experiences for Maximum Impact: At Food Export–Northeast’s Food Show PLUS!™ and Focused Trade Mission events customization is key. Dedicated In-Market Representatives are on site, ready to assist you in creating an experience that aligns with your unique needs and objectives. It all starts with a one-on-one kickoff call where Food Export listens to your input and preferences. From there, In-Market Representatives invite buyers matched to your interests. These tailored experiences ensure that every interaction counts. It’s a personalized, low-cost opportunity to forge connections and generate new sales leads with qualified buyers from across the globe.

To make the most of these exclusive opportunities, consider joining Food Export–Northeast on a global event that promises to propel your seafood business to new heights in 2024.

• Foodservice Buyers Mission at NRA Show – May 17–19, 2024

In partnership with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), Food Export will be hosting a Foodservice Buyers Mission at the National Restaurant Association Show. Maximize your time and investment by participating in this unique opportunity to meet with pre-qualified hotel, restaurant, and institutional buyers from around the world. Meeting slots are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your spot here.

• Food Show Plus!™ at Food Taipei 2024 – June 26–29, 2024

Taiwan, a lucrative market for U.S. businesses, ranks as the eighth largest trading partner for agricultural goods. According to the USDA Agricultural Trade Office in Taiwan, Taiwan seafood imports increased by 20% from 2021 to 2022. Learn more about how to meet with buyers at Food Taipei here. 

• Focused Trade Mission to Mexico City, Mexico – July 9–10, 2024

Identified as a potential growth market for American lobster exports, specifically with the high-end foodservice segment, Mexico is one of the world’s largest consumer markets for U.S. agricultural products. In 2021, the U.S. ranked among the top five global seafood import markets, importing a total of US$163.7 billion. The strong economic ties between the U.S. and Mexico foster familiarity with U.S. business practices, and Mexican consumers trust U.S. products for their consistent quality. Learn more about how to meet with buyers in Mexico here.

• Focused Trade Mission to Taipei, Taiwan – August 13–14, 2024

The U.S., currently the 12th largest seafood supplier to Taiwan, with a 1.5% market share, has significant growth potential in the region. U.S. exporters enjoy several advantages, including a strong consumer reputation, a thriving modern retail industry eager for imported food products, and a health-conscious consumer base. Learn more about how to connect with buyers in Taiwan here.

• Food Show Plus!™ at Fine Food Australia – September 4–7, 2024

Fine Food Australia, the nation’s premier trade exhibition for 37 years, connects businesses in the food service, hospitality, and retail industries. With its open market, minimal import restrictions, and a growing economy, Australia offers compelling opportunities for U.S. seafood exporters. Join this event to leverage these prospects and connect with international buyers, particularly as a seafood supplier, in this dynamic market. Learn more about how to meet with buyers at Fine Food Australia here.

• Focused Trade Mission to Singapore – September 30–October 1, 2024

With a population of 2.5 million, Singapore’s annual seafood consumption averages 110,000 metric tons, with over 80% of this supply coming from imports. Additionally, Singapore serves as a transshipment hub for seafood to various countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, India, China, the U.S.S.R., and Japan. Expanding U.S. exports to Singapore is promising, particularly for high-value species sought after by hotels and restaurants catering to international visitors. The country’s import-dependent food industry, driven by strong consumer spending, high incomes, and urbanization, offers a multibillion-dollar market opportunity. Discover how to connect with buyers in Singapore here.

• Focused Trade Mission to Jakarta, Indonesia – October 3–4, 2024

Indonesia is the fourth most populous nation in the world, with a population of approximately 273 million in 2022. The country is dominated by productive age (15 to 64 years) consumers, which account for 67.7% of the total population. These consumers are increasingly seeking new products with a focus on health and nutrition. Furthermore, the fish and shellfish market is projected to grow annually by 5.69% (CAGR 2023-2028). Discover how to connect with buyers in Indonesia here.

• Focused Trade Mission to Dubai, UAE – December 4–6, 2024

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains a promising export market with a strong preference for U.S. food products. The United States holds an 8% market share in the region, making it the third largest supplier of food products. UAE residents increasingly favor fish and seafood due to their health-conscious approach and a desire to reduce meat consumption. The UAE stands as a prime destination for premium seafood, with growing demand for items like lobsters, scallops, and high-quality fish. Between 2021 and 2025, per capita consumer expenditure on fish and seafood is expected to rise by 3.1%, reaching $201.9. Learn more about connecting with buyers in Dubai here.

About Food Export USA–Northeast

With its extensive programs and educational offerings, Food Export USA–Northeast (Food Export–Northeast) is recognized as the preeminent expert and cost-effective resource for Northeast seafood and agricultural suppliers looking to sell their products overseas. Founded in 1973, Food Export–Northeast is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively with its 10 member states’ agricultural promotion agencies from Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont, to facilitate trade between suppliers and worldwide importers and to promote the export of food, agricultural and seafood products from those states. Since its founding, the organization has helped Northeast seafood suppliers gain access to a broad range of export markets, supported overseas in-market educational and promotional programs, and offered emerging suppliers access to funds to help grow their export business. The organization is funded through the Market Access Program (MAP), administered by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.

Learn more about Food Export and the work the organization does for the Northeast seafood industry here. Contact us.