Capturing a taste of Washington

Chris McGann
Communications

Taiwanese buyers snap photos of the popcorn candy coating
 process at a Seattle-area factory. After sampling the gamut
 of flavors, truffle was a surprise standout!

WSDA is always busy looking for ways to expand markets for Washington producers. Our International Marketing Program helps facilitate buyer-seller connections, delivers resources and continually advocates for global market access.

Recently, the program joined forces with the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association to connect Taiwanese buyers with 17 Northwest suppliers.

After a whirlwind of face-to-face, buyer-seller meetings - more than 80 on the first day - the buyer group struck out on day two to see where the magic happens at three Seattle-area facilities. They visited Seattle Popcorn Company (Uncle Woody’s Popcorn);  AMES International (chocolate-covered fruits and nuts, nuts, and cookies); and SuperValu International (product consolidation/private label brands).

WSDA International Marketing Program Trade Specialist Elisa Daun organized the mission.

“Connecting professional buyers with Washington companies is a great opportunity,” Daun said. “These missions showcase the abundance of quality products available in our state and can be invaluable for producers trying to reach overseas markets.”

In 2017, Taiwan imported more than $264 million worth of Washington's agricultural and food products. The top five products were:

1. Apples ($72 million)
2. Frozen French Fries ($53 million)
3. Sweet Cherries ($41 million)
4. Frozen/Chilled Beef ($18 million)
5. White Wheat ($16 million)

The International Marketing Program is working to help position Washington companies to export their products efficiently and profitably, while promoting our state’s consistent high quality, diversity of offerings, and high standard for food safety and handling.

Washington’s major crops and commodities have trade associations for promotion. The WSDA International Marketing Program helps bridge the gap for smaller suppliers, many of whom sell processed or packaged goods. The buyers can meet the operators, tour facilities and get a better sense of the quality of products and companies they will be working with.

For more information about upcoming international marketing events and activities, check out this WSDA calendar.

Info-packed summit preps state alcohol makers to export products

Kathy Davis
Communications

Washington-grown wine grapes
on the vine

Wine, beer, cider and spirits are as much agricultural commodities as potatoes, apples and beef. As such, developing export opportunities for these products is important to the state’s economy and this industry sector. 

That’s why WSDA’s International Marketing Program sponsored a Beverage Export Summit on June 29. The event introduced Washington beverage businesses to resources to help them start or expand exporting activities. 

Did you know that a boom in popularity of Italian foods is driving increased sales of red wine in Japan? And with half of Vietnam’s population under age 50, young, trend-seeking consumers are looking for new products, such as craft beers.

WSDA’s in-country marketing experts

These were just a couple of the demographic and cultural factors presented by WSDA’s in-country marketing representatives. Each spoke about strategies to place Washington beverage products into overseas markets. They are:

Ship in Port of Seattle. Photo credit: Natalie Sullivan

• Li Haidong – China
• Scott Hitchman – Japan
• Danny Kim – Korea
• Francis Lee – Southeast Asia

Along with data about market share and growth trends, these representatives offered insights into the prospects and challenges of exporting to each country. For instance, Korea is half the size of Washington state and has seven times the population. Drinking, Danny said, is an important part of social life, doing business and celebrating special occasions.

While hard cider is becoming popular in the U.S. and especially in the Pacific Northwest, it’s not familiar to Asians. Because it’s made from fruits, Francis said there’s confusion about what it is – a vinegar, or used for cooking? He suggested cidermakers could use tasting demonstrations to establish it as a drink. 

Growing export sales

Washington hops used
in beers. 

Other summit presenters covered topics such as taxes and tariffs, managing the risks of international payment and preparing your business to be ready for export. 

About 25 company representatives attended, including wineries, breweries and cideries. By a show of hands, most are not exporting their products now. 

Morning one-on-one meetings with WSDA’s market representatives, the afternoon summit and follow-up networking reception, all held at McMenamin’s Anderson School in Bothell, armed these companies with resources and information to develop export strategies and grow their sales. 

The International Marketing Program webpage has more information on the program and how its staff can help businesses enter the export market. Contact them to be informed of future workshops and events.