As Earth Month unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard the planet. The April 2024 issue of The Global Food Marketer covers the latest trends in global sustainability, key insights for U.S. exporters, upcoming events, a new Liaison Outlook segment, and more.  

2024 Global Sustainability Trends 

Nations, businesses, and consumers alike are increasingly attuned to the impacts of climate change. As a result, new guidelines and trade rules are being implemented worldwide to address the environmental, economic, and social impacts of current consumption and production practices on the global food market. 

For U.S. suppliers, it is crucial to stay current on these regulatory updates and adapt to any changes that may impact current or future export transactions. This issue provides valuable industry insight on how American companies can stay up to date on sustainability trends and drive meaningful change through their own compelling narratives. Learn more about resources like the U.S. Sustainability Alliance (USSA) and The American Advantage in this month’s issue.  

Guide for U.S. Exporters: Enhancing Sustainability and Seizing International Opportunities 

By adopting sustainability strategies tailored to specific markets, exporters can enhance product appeal, build trust with international buyers, and position their brands as leaders in sustainability. Some key strategies highlighted in this issue include: 

• Emphasize the United States’ commitment to sustainability. 
• Ensure that your products carry reputable certifications to build trust with international buyers. 
• Engage in transparent communication of sustainability commitments. 
• Communicate implementation of the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. 

In addition, this issue covers some market-specific strategies to enhance your success in environmentally conscious markets like Japan, the EU, Canada, and the Middle East.  

The Inaugural Summer in the Cities Buyers Mission 

Food Export is excited to announce the Summer in the Cities Buyers Mission – a two-city flagship event. The Buyers Mission will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 29 and 30, 2024 and in Boston, Massachusetts on July 31 and August 1, 2024. The event will allow suppliers to meet with approximately 20 qualified buyers from around the globe, alongside Food Export’s dedicated In-Market Representatives. To register, visit 2024 Summer in the Cities Buyers Mission – Grand Rapids, 2024 Summer in the Cities Buyers Mission – Boston, or contact your state’s liaison for more information. 

Read the April issue for more upcoming global events, or visit https://www.foodexport.org/events/.  

Liaison Outlook 

The Liaison Outlook is a new segment highlighting recent events attended by Food Export liaisons and exciting opportunities on the horizon. This issue reflects on the Specialty Food Buyers Mission at the January 2024 Winter Fancy Food Show and the perspectives of Food Export Liaisons Deborah Ingravallo and Cindy Curtis. Click here to hear more about their experience and advice for the Specialty Food Buyers Mission at the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show coming this June.  

Supplier Q&A  

This issue covers frequent questions from suppliers like:  

1. How do I find buyers for my products? 

2. What are the top three things I need to do to prepare for exporting? 

3. What changes do I need to make to my products for export markets?  

4. What is the difference between a Buyers Mission and a Focused Trade Mission? 

Click here to read the full Q&A.  

Conclusion 

By embracing global sustainability trends, U.S. exporters can drive their long-term business success and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient planet. Several companies within the Food Export Branded Program have made changes to their business structures to incorporate sustainable practices. Learn more about these stories and Food Export’s Commitment to Supporting Sustainable Solutions in the April issue of The Global Food Marketer.  

Food Export equips exporters with comprehensive resources to navigate the complexities of international trade and sustainability. From exporter education to global events, Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast maintain a vast database of tools and resources to help you kickstart and supercharge your export journey.