Contact: Lisa Stout (608) 224-5126
MADISON — Wisconsin cranberries on Japanese dinner tables? Mexican chefs serving Wisconsin cheese?
Wisconsin foods are in demand worldwide but the costs involved with international marketing may be a potential barrier for some Wisconsin companies. Fortunately, companies can tap into those markets with cost-sharing available through the Food Export Association of the Midwest’s annual Branded Program. The program reimburses small Midwestern and Northeastern companies up to 50 percent of approved promotional expenses such as tradeshow exhibition fees, brochures, advertising, and label changes.
“The high-quality and great variety of Wisconsin’s agricultural products are enjoyed by consumers throughout the world,” said Secretary Rod Nilsestuen, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. “The Branded Program can help Wisconsin companies tap into these markets which will strengthen the Wisconsin brand, create demand for our food products abroad and ensure a healthy agricultural economy.”
Eligible food and agricultural products include specialty foods and beverages, cheese and dairy products, pet food, supplements, flavorings and ingredients, feed companies, and other value-added food and agricultural products.
Midwest participants collectively receive close to $7 million annually in reimbursements. The Branded program reimburses eligible companies between $2,500 and $300,000 for eligible marketing activities. In 2009, 22 Wisconsin companies received $977,000 in Branded program funds.
“Wisconsin companies that haven’t yet applied for branded funds are missing a great opportunity to expand their marketing and sales to international markets,” said Lisa Stout, agricultural marketing consultant for the state agriculture department. “Eligible expenses for reimbursement include advertising, in-store promotions, public relations, product literature, freight costs to ship samples, overseas trade shows, exhibition fees at certain U.S. trade shows and package and label modifications for overseas markets.”
Direct questions about qualifications, marketing plans, eligible reimbursements, and the application process to Lisa Stout, (608) 224-5126; Food Export – Midwest, (312) 334-9200 or check online at http://www.brandedprogram.org/. The Branded Program, which runs from January 1 through December 31, increases exporting opportunities for small food and agricultural U.S. suppliers. Applications are now being accepted for 2010 activities.
Food Export Association of the Midwest USA (http://www.foodexport.org) is a private, non-profit association of Midwestern state agricultural promotion agencies that use federal, state, and industry resources to promote the export of Midwestern food and agricultural products.
