2009 MAP Branded Application Opens in Less Than a Month!
SUSTA will begin accepting applications for the 2009 MAP Branded Funded Program beginning August 1, 2008. Eligible companies may request funds for up to 50% reimbursement of promotional activities including trade show exhibits, in-store demonstrations, advertising, and more for the 2009 calendar year. Click here for a list of eligibility requirements. The 2009 application priority deadline is October 1, 2008. For more information on the Branded reimbursement program, contact the Branded Department at (504) 568-5986 or branded@susta.org.
Panama Hosts Tourism Turf Trade Mission: November 10-14, 2008
Panama's growing tourism industry is creating a higher demand for turf grass, turf grass seed, and foliage. The U.S. has been a major supplier of goods to Panama with a 26.8% hold on the $4.8 billion import market. SUSTA is sponsoring a trade mission for southern U.S. exporters to Panama City. SUSTA's in-market representative will arrange one-on-one meetings with key buyers from the area. Participants will be provided with translators and will also receive consultant evaluations of their products. Airfare to Panama City and in-country travel is included in the participation fee of $400. Participants must register by August 15, 2008. Find more details on our Events page or by contacting Beth Miller (bmiller@agr.state.ga.us) or Aaron Wood (awood@scda.sc.gov).
Buyers in Chile Seek U.S. Products: October 14-17, 2008
The Chilean economy has an increased interest in imported food products from the U.S. The U.S. exported over $24 million in prepared foods to Chile in 2005. SUSTA invites U.S. suppliers to participate in a trade mission to Chile and benefit from a pre-travel "Business in Chile" webinar, a freight forwarding seminar, and pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings with key buyers. The $400 participation fee also includes airfare to and from Santiago, free shipment of samples, and ground transportation. Register by August 22, 2008 on our Events page, or contact Beth Miller (bmiller@agr.state.ga.us) or Roy Johnson (roy_j@ldaf.state.la.us).
Sell to Portugal's Growing Market: September 29-October 3, 2008
Busier schedules have made ready-to-eat food products more attractive in the Iberian Peninsula region, where there has been a growing interest in prepared U.S. products. SUSTA is organizing a mission to Lisbon, Portugal to provide southern U.S. companies with one-on-one meetings with buyers from this region. Participants will attend a market briefing on packing and labeling, tariffs, transportation alternatives, the distribution system, and tips on consumer preferences. Participate in this event for only $100 - register by September 8, 2008. More information is available on our Events page or by contacting Roy Johnson (roy_j@ldaf.state.la.us) or David Bryant (dbryant@agr.state.ga.us).
Showcase Seafood in Southeast Asia: November 13-15, 2008
Seafood companies from the SUSTA region are invited to exhibit at the Busan International Seafood Expo for only $250. Participants will have the opportunity to meet Korean buyers and government officials and gain a better understanding of consumer preferences, current import patterns, competition, and government policy on the tariff structures in Korea. Following the trade show, suppliers will tour Korean seafood markets to observe the marketing and pricing of specific products. To learn more about this activity, please visit our Events page or contact Paul Balthrop (balthrp@doacs.state.fl.us) or Shirley Estes (sestes@vaseafood.org).
