03-02-2007
International marketing help available to Wisconsin firms

MADISON -- Wisconsin cranberries on Japanese dinner tables? Mexican chefs serving Wisconsin cheese?

Wisconsin foods are in demand worldwide. Wisconsin companies can tap into those markets with cost-sharing available through the Food Export Association of the Midwest's annual "branded program," which helps small companies promote brand-name food and agricultural products abroad.

Approved participants could receive up to 50-percent reimbursement for marketing efforts such as:

• Exhibits at international and some approved domestic trade shows
• Advertising and public relations
• In-store promotions and product demonstrations in other nations
• Producing literature in other languages and modifying labels and packaging
• Freight cost for samples

Eligible 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 $5 million annually in reimbursements. "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 Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Questions about qualifications, marketing plans, eligible reimbursements, and the application process can be directed to Lisa Stout at 608-224-5126; Food Export-Midwest at 312-334-9200; or online.

Food Export Association of the Midwest USA 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.

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