Press Releases

May 20, 2005

MARKETING U.S. FOOD OR AGRICULTURE OVERSEAS? STRETCH YOUR INVESTMENT!

“The Branded program is a great asset for exporters.”

New Orleans, LA – U.S. agricultural exports are expected to grow from $56 billion to $78.6 billion between 2005 and 2014. In 2004, U.S. agricultural sales to China increased to $6.1 billion, breaking previous records. Other markets in Asia, the Americas and various regions of the world, also show promise for U.S. exporters. Small businesses comprise 97 percent of all exporters.

The Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA) offers small food and agricultural companies in the southern U.S. an opportunity to double their international marketing budget with federal funds from the USDA's MAP Branded Program.

Using Branded funds, SUSTA reimburses companies up to 50% for many international marketing expenses. Eligible expenses include advertising, in-store promotions, exhibiting at international trade shows, adjusting product packaging and labeling and other costs associated with promoting brands overseas. SUSTA administers the program for companies in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Last year, companies in SUSTA's Branded program reported export sales over $227 million. Companies made 837 new buyer contacts and introduced 577 new products in foreign markets as a result of program participation.

During the current fiscal year, SUSTA allocated $3.5 million in Branded funds to 91 companies. More than 40 companies were placed on a waiting list after all funds were distributed. Participation increased by 30% from the previous year, when 70 companies received Branded funds through SUSTA.

"The Branded program is a great asset for exporters," says SUSTA Branded Coordinator Nicole Schauer. "Small to medium-sized companies who are spending at least $5,000 for international marketing can double their budget, so they can access new markets and conduct more activities while committing the same amount of their resources."

Starting June 1, 2005, SUSTA will accept Branded applications online for the coming year. The application period will close July 29. To see if your company qualifies for the MAP Branded program, visit www.susta.org/services/map.html.

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