Food Export – Midwest & Northeast is a strategic non-profit organization formed through a unique collaboration between two regional agricultural trade associations: Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the organization operates under the umbrella of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is dedicated to helping small and medium-sized U.S. food and agricultural businesses increase exports and enter new international markets.
Organizational Structure and Mission
Food Export – Midwest & Northeast was established to enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. food and agricultural suppliers across 23 Midwest and Northeast states. The organization operates with public funding and a mission to:
- Educate companies on export readiness and compliance
- Facilitate international buyer connections
- Subsidize marketing and promotional activities
- Provide expert export advising and market intelligence
It is supported by state agricultural promotion agencies and funded in part through the USDA's Market Access Program (MAP).
Core Programs and Services
The organization offers a suite of export promotion services tailored to small and medium-sized U.S. companies in the food and agriculture sectors. These include:
Export Education
- Export Essentials Online: A self-paced training module covering all major aspects of the export process.
- Food Export Helpline: Personalized support from export consultants.
- Educational Seminars & Webinars: Live and recorded training sessions covering compliance, documentation, freight logistics, and market entry strategies.
Market Entry Services
- Market Builder: Customized research and market intelligence reports targeting specific countries.
- Buyers Missions: Organized B2B meetings between U.S. suppliers and vetted international buyers, both virtually and at trade shows.
- Food Show PLUS!: Value-added services at major international trade shows, including interpreter assistance, retail tours, and lead qualification.
- Trade Leads: Real-time leads from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service offices abroad.
- Export Advisor Program: Ongoing one-on-one coaching and strategic support for companies committed to expanding their export footprint.
Market Promotion
- Branded Program: A flagship cost-share program that reimburses eligible companies up to 50% of international marketing expenses, including advertising, in-store promotions, packaging modifications, and more.
Reach and Impact
According to USDA-released performance reports, Food Export – Midwest & Northeast consistently contributes to increasing U.S. agricultural exports. Key data highlights:
- Over 1,000 U.S. companies actively engage in their programs annually.
- In 2022 alone, participating companies reported generating $979 million in export sales.
- More than 3,700 new distributor and buyer connections were facilitated.
- 67% of participants were small businesses, with less than 100 employees.
The Branded Program disbursed over $25 million in cost-share reimbursements in 2022, supporting over 450 companies with international promotional efforts.
Geographic Coverage
- Food Export–Midwest covers 13 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
- Food Export–Northeast serves 10 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
The organization has field staff and representatives covering Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Canada, providing localized support and market insights.
Partnerships and Affiliations
Food Export – Midwest & Northeast collaborates with:
- USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
- State Regional Trade Groups (SRTGs)
- State Departments of Agriculture
- International trade show organizers including SIAL, ANUGA, Gulfood, and FoodEx
They also partner with U.S. embassies and trade offices abroad to offer real-time intelligence and facilitate introductions with vetted buyers and importers.
Certifications and Compliance
Although not a certifying body themselves, Food Export ensures participant compliance with:
- Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
- USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- FDA labeling and food safety standards
- Country-specific import and labeling regulations
They also provide resources to help companies become export-compliant and documentation-ready.
Digital and Media Presence
Food Export maintains a professional digital footprint through:
- A regularly updated YouTube channel featuring program overviews, testimonials, and how-to content
- An informative and interactive official website offering registration portals and event calendars
- An active LinkedIn presence where they post market updates, trade opportunities, and export success stories
Recognitions and Success Stories
The organization has received commendations from:
- USDA FAS for their significant contribution to U.S. agricultural export growth
- Participating companies for enabling first-time international sales and helping enter complex markets such as China, Japan, and the UAE
Dozens of U.S. companies credit Food Export’s services for unlocking international revenue streams and establishing reliable global partnerships.
Achievements
- Supported over 15,000 companies since inception
- Helped generate more than $1.4 billion in new export sales between 2018–2022
- Facilitated company participation in 100+ global trade shows annually
- Trained over 10,000 export professionals through seminars and digital education
Food Export – Midwest & Northeast remains a cornerstone in U.S. food and agricultural trade development, combining education, strategy, and funding to empower American suppliers in the global marketplace.
