Mark Your Calendar
What: Brazos Valley Farmers Market When: Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 Where: Bryan, Texas Details: On Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 500 North Main in Downtown Bryan, the Brazos Valley Farmers Market creates vibrant opportunities for the region's agricultural community to come together with urban residents to share the bounty of our land. The Brazos Valley Farmers Market strives to maximize the consumption of local foods through leadership in the farm direct movement; create educational programs to strengthen consumer support of local agriculture and explore additional distribution channels for farm direct products. Vendors at the market vary, and include bread, honey, olive oil, vegetables, eggs, jams and jellies, jewelry, craft goods and more. For more information or to see about being a vendor, go to their website.
What: World Ag Expo When: Feb. 9-11 Where: Tulare, California Details: A highly visible section of the BEST OF TEXAS Pavilion will be the location of a GO TEXAN Product display at the 2016 World Ag Expo. GO TEXAN members have the free opportunity to provide product samples to be displayed and distributed to the public. GO TEXAN members can also provide printed marketing material to be placed in the GO TEXAN section of the Pavilion. It is important to act quickly in order to make shipping arrangements in time to arrive at the event venue by Feb. 8. Shipping reimbursement may be available. For questions about this opportunity and to confirm your product placement, contact GO TEXAN Regional Representative Matt Williams at (806) 559-7643.
What: Fire & Ice When: Feb. 13 Where: Hillsboro, Texas Details: The city of Hillsboro is host to Fire & Ice, highlighting great foods and products available in the Lone Star State. True to its name, the event hosts a pepper Eating and homemade ice cream contest. Texas vendor spaces are only $10 and will be available inside Colonial Grand Hall in Historic Downtown Hillsboro. To register as a vendor, contact Chris Moore at (254) 582-5499. The deadline to register is Feb. 5.
What: Texas Birthday Bash When: March 4-5 Where: Navasota, Texas Details: Texas Birthday Bash is 2 days of country music and Texas-themed family fun activities in downtown Navasota. Festivities start on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and go until 11 p.m. that night, and pick up again from 11 a.m. till noon on Saturday. GO TEXAN members will get a 25 percent discount on a booth. For more information on being a vendor, contact Rachel Stack at (936) 825-6475.
What: Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show When: March 11-19 Where: Planet Agriculture Exhibit Hall, Mercedes, Texas Details: GO TEXAN members may exhibit in a booth that includes an 8' x 4' skirted table, two chairs and access to one electrical outlet. This opportunity includes the ability to sample and/or sell products for a fee of $150 per day. Sampling times will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, fill out this form or contact Nelda Barrera at (956) 325-3424.
What: Food Ingredients China (FIC) When: March 23-25 Where: Shanghai, China Details: The largest show for the food additives and ingredients industry in China, FIC attracts major food processors from China. The participation of over 1,400 exhibitors and 43,000 trade visitors from more than 70 countries builds a strong and reliable platform from which to access the Chinese market. At FIC 2015, the 14 exhibitors in the USA Pavilion showcased 110 products and made 356 business contacts which resulted in 12-month projected sales of $2.2 million. Best market prospects include amino acids, bakery products, dairy products, emulsifiers, enzymes, fat replacers, functional foods, gums, minerals, nutraceuticals, proteins, honey powders, cranberries, shelled and unshelled hazelnuts, salt replacers, starches, and vitamins. For more information on the USA Pavilion at FIC 2015, visit the website or contact Tobitha Jones at (202) 690-1182.
What: China Food and Drinks Fair When: March 24-26 Where: Chengdu, China Details: This event is the longest and most influential exhibition and trade platform in China’s food and alcohol industry. This food and drinks show will celebrate its 93rd anniversary in 2016. All producers, distributors and purchasers of alcohol, food, soft drinks, flavorings, food additives, food packages and food machines are the best products for the show. Best market prospects include: snack foods, confectionery, coffee, tea, edible oils, juice, soft drinks, bakery foods, milk & dairy products, cereals, grains & bean products, condiments, preserved foods, dried fruit, preserved fruit, gourmet products, fresh semi-finished ready meals and fresh fruit, wine and alcohol products. For more information on the USA Pavilion at CFDF please contact Tobitha Jones at (202) 690-1182.
What: Food & Hotel Asia When: April 12-15 Where: Singapore Details: FHA, held biennially, is Asia’s largest international food and hospitality trade event. Singapore is the regional hub for the ASEAN region and the Indian subcontinent, and the gateway to the Southeast Asian region with over 550 million consumers. FHA 2014 welcomed 3,213 exhibitors and 64,826 trade visitors from over 100 countries/regions. The USA Pavilion consisted of 72 exhibiting companies which resulted in on-site sales of $3 million and 12-month projected sales of $18 million. For information on the USA Pavilion at FHA 2016, contact Sharon Cook at (202) 720-3425.
What: Earth Day Texas When: April 22-24 Where: Fair Park, Dallas, Texas Details: Earth Day Texas is the largest public environmental exhibition in the world, with more than 75,000 attendees expected in 2016. This year will once again include a big GO TEXAN presence, which will be located in the sustainable food zone. Booths are discounted for GO TEXAN members (discounted price is $400). This includes a 10'x10' draped and skirted booth, with sampling and cash & carry sales. For more information, visit the website or send an email to GOTEXAN@EarthDayTX.org.
What: Seafood Expo Global When: April 26-28 Where: Brussels, Belgium Details: Seafood Expo Global, held annually in Brussels, Belgium, is the world’s largest seafood trade event. The event attracts approximately 25,000 visitors from 145 countries, and 1,800 exhibitors from over 75 countries. After East Asia, the EU-28 is the second largest international market for U.S. seafood. Growing demand and declining European fish stocks make the European seafood industry increasingly reliant on imports. To learn more about the event, visit the website or contact Sharon Cook.
What: Food & Hospitality Africa When: May 3-5 Where: Johannesburg, South Africa Details: Food & Hospitality Africa, a new food and beverage trade show, will launch in South Africa this year. This show will incorporate two successful shows (IFEA and Hostex – IFEA being the food and beverage show and Hostex being the most established hospitality show of previous years). This event will bring together leading food and drink brands and numerous local producers to meet retail and foodservice buyers, importers, processors, distributors and wholesalers from South Africa and the rest of the continent. Best market prospects include bakery and confectionery products, beer, wine, spirits, cheese, dairy, fresh produce, frozen foods, ingredients, meat and poultry, non-alcoholic drinks and organic seafood. For more information, please visit the website or contact Tobitha Jones at (202) 690-1182.
What: SIAL China When: May 5-7 Where: Shanghai, China Details: SIAL China is an important international trade event for exposing new-to-market food products and for meeting key business contacts in China. In 2015, the event attracted 66,000 trade visitors and 2,900 exhibitors, including 107 U.S. exhibitors. USA Pavilion exhibitors reported 12-month projected sales of $116 million, $14 million in on-site sales, 832 business contacts and 754 introduced products. Best market prospects include pork, seafood, cheese, raisins, almonds, walnuts, blueberries, canned vegetables, snacks, health food, food ingredients, pet food, coffee and tea drink mixes. For more information on the USA Pavilion, please visit the website or contact Tobitha Jones at (202) 690-1182.
What: Seoul Food & Hotel When: May 10-13 Where: Seoul, Korea Details: Seoul Food & Hotel is the biggest food show in South Korea. South Korea is the United States’ fifth largest market for agricultural, fishery, and forestry products. In 2015, the event attracted 52,800 trade visitors and 1,327 exhibitors, including 69 U.S. exhibitors. USA Pavilion exhibitors reported 443 business contacts, 12-month projected sales of $12.9 million, $1.1 million in on-site sales and 254 introduced products. This event provides access to major food importers, distributors, hoteliers, restaurateurs and retailers who are looking for food and beverages, wine and spirits, hospitality and foodservice and ingredients. Best market prospects include fish and seafood, beef, pork, poultry, nuts, fresh citrus and wine. For more information on the USA Pavilion at Seoul Food & Hotel 2016, please visit the website or contact Tobitha Jones at (202) 690-1182.
What: American Food Fair at the NRA Show When: May 21-24 Where: Chicago, Illinois Details: The American Food Fair Pavilion will be held in conjunction with the National Restaurant Association's (NRA) Restaurant Hotel-Motel Show. The NRA Show, the largest international foodservice marketplace, gives U.S. food and beverage exporters an excellent opportunity to reach out to over 5,000 international visitors. The 2015 NRA Show attracted over 64,000 industry professionals from all 50 states and 116 countries to see the products of nearly 2,200 exhibitors focused on the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industries. The American Food Fair is organized by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and in 2015 included 75 U.S. companies that reported over $7 million in export sales with 22 exhibitors reporting new-to-export market sales. For more information, please visit the website or contact Anne Almond or call (202) 690-2853.
What: PLMA World of Private Label When: May 24-26 Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands Details: The Private Label Manufacturer's Association (PLMA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1979 for the purpose of promoting private label brands. Private label products now account for four of every 10 products sold in five EU countries (Germany, UK, Spain, Portugal and Belgium). The International PLMA Show attracted more than 10,000 decision makers in 2015, representing retailers, wholesalers, importers and exporters from over 115 countries. The show is also a well-known platform for meeting retail and food service buyers interested in branded items. Products of interest include, but are not limited to: candies, cookies, snack foods, non-GMO, healthy organic foods, frozen foods, seasonings/sauces, ethnic foods and pet foods. The participation fee is $4,000, however travel and accommodations for two company representatives may be eligible for 50 percent reimbursement through SUSTA's Brand Promotion program. Registration deadline is Dec. 31. For more information, click here or contact Carlos Guererro at (512) 463-6507.
What: 2016 ExpHoRe When: May 31 – June 2 Where: Heredia, Costa Rica Details: Costa Rica has achieved the highest level of economic development in Central America. The participation fee for this trade show is $1,815 for a full booth or $908 for a half booth. Furnished booths come with electricity, signage, badges and booth clean-up services. Interpreter services are available as needed. Up to 100 pounds of sample shipping from a consolidation point in the U.S. to the show using SUSTA’s designated freight forwarder. For more information, contact Carlos Guerrero at (512) 463-6507.
What: 2016 Texas Restaurant Association Marketplace When: June 26-27 Where: Houston, Texas Details: The Texas Restaurant Association Marketplace is offering a discounted booth rate for GO TEXAN members in the GO TEXAN member area of the show. The discounted price is $1,500 for a 10’ x 10’ booth. Thousands of chefs, caterers, restaurant owners, general managers and hotel operators will be attending the Texas Restaurant Marketplace looking for new products and services, so the event is a great place to showcase your creations and increase your sales. Booth space is limited, so don’t miss this unique opportunity. Contact Chris Cobb at (512) 457-4100 for more information or to book your booth.
What: Summer Fancy Food Show When: June 26-28 Where: New York City Details: This is the largest specialty food show in North America and it draws buyers from around the world from China to the EU, Canada to India, as well as top retailers in the U.S., such as Kroger, Costco, Whole Foods and Trader Joes. SUSTA will have a pavilion where participants can buy a booth for a reduced cost, and will also have a separate global inbound trade mission where you get to meet one-on-one with buyers from countries like Canada, Japan and the Netherlands. If you are interested in a booth or the trade mission, contact Carlos Guerrero at (512) 463-6507.
What: Pearland Wine and Food Festival When: Aug. 27 Where: Pearland, Texas Details: The 5th Annual Pearland Wine and Food Festival by Dionisio Winery will take place in the Pearland Town Center Pavilion, featuring a day of 10 GO TEXAN wineries showcasing red, white & fruit wines along with 10 local food vendors, 30 craft and specialty item vendors and music. Vendors will be hand-picked by the festival’s wine committee. The fee for having a booth is $75. GO TEXAN member vendors will receive priority placement at the festival. For information on being a vendor, contact Jimmy Aranda at (713) 906-2499.
What: Colombia Outbound Trade Mission When: Sept. 27-28 Where: Bogotá, Colombia Details: This mission will give you the opportunity to meet with pre-qualified companies excited to import from the United States. Suitable products include, but are not limited to: grocery and convenience, fruit, snack foods, edible nuts, beer and wine. The early bird participation fee is $400, and will increase to $600 after May 1). SUSTA will reimburse one traveler per company for three night’s hotel accommodations within the federal per diem rate and up to $500 for shipping product samples with proper documentation. Also included are interpreter services and local business transportation. Deadline for registration is June 15. For more information, click here or contact Carlos Geurrero at (512) 463-6507.
What: Inbound Trade Mission from Canada When: Sept. 28 Where: Dallas, Texas Details: As the second largest importer of Texas agricultural products, Canada is an important destination for any business new to exporting. At only $25, this trade mission allows the exploration of the Canadian market at an affordable cost to your company, making it a prime opportunity to break into the international arena. For more information, contact Carlos Geurrero at (512) 463-6507.
|