Stay Connected: What Has Food Export Been Up To?

A lot has been going on at Food Export since the start of 2026! Take a glimpse at all the events we have attended and hosted this past winter. 

NASDA Winter Policy Conference 

From February 2-4, 2026, the Food Export team traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the NASDA Winter Policy Conference, alongside agricultural leaders from our 23 member states, federal agencies, congressional leaders, and industry stakeholders. 
 
Being part of these conversations allows us to stay closely aligned with policy priorities, while sharing our program successes and future opportunities to strengthen our support for U.S. food and agricultural exporters. 

USDA Posts Market Access Program Investments for Fiscal Year 2026 

Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast received new MAP funding for fiscal year 2026, representing an increase of approximately 2.3% over last year. This enables us to fully activate planning for the 2026 program year and continue delivering programs with measurable impact for food and agricultural suppliers across the Midwest and Northeast. 

Gulfood 2026 

Food Export expanded their presence at Gulfood 2026, demonstrating clear, measurable progress in advancing U.S. food and agricultural exports to the region. This year, Food Export supported 33 U.S. companies at the event, more than double last year’s participation. With representation across our 23 member states and a wide range of food and agricultural sectors, this growth reflects the rising demand for U.S. products in the region. It also signals something important: suppliers are building confidence in the Gulf region as a viable, long-term growth market – and using Food Export as the pathway. 

Food Export coordination on the ground, including Brendan Wilson, CEO/Executive Director, Anna Kizirian, Middle East In-Market Representative, and Kelly Kim, International Marketing Events Coordinator, ensured suppliers and buyers alike were supported throughout the event. 

Our hands-on approach helps move conversations beyond the show floor toward long-term relationship building and real-time export sales. Food Export remains focused on delivering practical, results-driven programs that help suppliers from our member states succeed in global markets. 

State Regional Trade Group Meeting 

Strong partnerships across states and regions help ensure U.S. food and agricultural companies have the support they need to succeed in global markets. Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast recently joined our regional counterparts at the annual State Regional Trade Group (SRTG) meeting, held Feb. 25-27 in Santa Cruz, California. 

This annual gathering gives the SRTGs and NASDA an opportunity to share insights from their regions and discuss strategies to help small- and medium-sized companies expand and thrive internationally. By coordinating our efforts, we are collectively better positioned to deliver consistent, high-quality support to suppliers across the nation. 

We thank our hosts at the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA), as well as the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA), NASDA, and USDA FAS for a great week of discussions and cross-collaboration. 

Natural Products Buyers Mission at Natural Products Expo 

In partnership with the Organic Trade Association, Food Export hosted their Natural Products Buyers Mission at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California. The event offered U.S. suppliers tailored, one-on-one meetings with international buyers interested in natural, organic and healthy lifestyle products. 

Food Show PLUS! at FOODEX Japan 

Once again, Food Export offered their Food Show PLUS! services at FOODEX Japan in Tokyo. The event is one of the largest food and beverage trade shows in Asia, serving not only Japan but many lucrative Asian markets. 

Seafood Buyers Mission at Seafood Expo North America 

The organization exhibited at Seafood Expo North America, one of the largest seafood trade events in the region, on March 16–18, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Attendees were able to visit their booth and learn how Food Export USA supports seafood exporters through funding, international buyer connections, and global market development programs. 
 
Ahead of the show, the Food Export team hosted an international Buyers Mission, giving suppliers the opportunity to meet one-on-one with pre-qualified buyers from more than 15 countries, including Brazil, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. 

Focused Trade Mission to Mexico for Cheese, Meat & Beverage

For the first time, Food Export hosted the Focused Trade Mission to Mexico for Cheese, Meat & Beverage, targeting U.S. suppliers of charcuterie products and beverages. The event offered a two-stop itinerary in Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta, featuring one-on-one meetings with qualified buyers, retail market tours, and market briefings by the Foreign Agricultural Service. 

Pet Food Buyers Mission at Global Pet Expo 

Also in March, Food Export organized the annual Pet Food Buyers Mission at the 2026 Global Pet Expo in partnership with the American Pet Products Association (APPA). The annual Global Pet Expo is considered one of the pet industry’s premier events featuring the most innovative pet products on the market today, resulting in a great platform to meet qualified buyers who seek quality products in the industry