Calendar of Events and Promotions
2012

   MAY

1-2 World Trade Day Conference, Boise , ID
The Idaho Export Council is sponsoring an annual seminar in conjunction with World Trade Day. The conference will be held at Boise State University, May 2. The Keynote speaker is Ambassador Islam A. Siddiqui, USTR’s Chief Agricultural Negotiator. He is responsible for bilateral and multilateral negotiations and policy coordination regarding agricultural trade. A golf tournament kicks off the event on May 1. For information, contact Laura Johnson.

 9-11 SIAL China 2012*, Shanghai , China
In 2011, SIAL China was the largest retail show in China, attracting 1,520 exhibitors from 76 countries and regions represented from around the world with over 33,000 trade visitors. SIAL China provides Idaho agricultural companies the opportunity to enhance their visibility in the Asian market, create new networking contacts, and learn about the latest trends. Many U.S. exhibitors at SIAL China have reported significant gains as a result of the show. WUSATA is coordinating a pavilion at the event. For more information, or to register, contact Kim Peterson.

JUNE

10 Savor Idaho – Boise
Attend Idaho’s Premier Wine & Food Event from 2:00pm-6:00pm located at the Idaho Botanical Gardens, 2355 N. Penitentiary Rd. Boise, Idaho. Tickets are on sale for the third annual event. For more information visit www.savoridaho.org

11-15 HRI Outbound Mission to Mexico & Produce Demonstration*, Idaho WUSATA, in conjunction with the Washington and Idaho State Departments of Agriculture, will conduct a trade mission to Mexico City and Cancun, Mexico for companies looking to expand their presence in the hotel and restaurant industry (HRI) in Mexico. The HRI market in Mexico represents great export opportunities for U.S. suppliers of food and beverages. Mexican consumers are well-aware of the quality of U.S. products but buyers insist on having product samples tested in hotels and/or restaurants. This trade mission gives companies the opportunity to meet one-on-one with importers, distributors and industry professionals. The trade mission will also include a reception where each company’s products will be highlighted. For more information, or to participate, contact Katlin Davis.

23-24 Green Expo - Boise
This fifth annual event at Expo Idaho Fairgrounds
promotes sustainable products and services, including local and organic foods as well as non-food items. Idaho Preferred members are invited to join over 100 other exhibitors with a booth of their own, or share in the Idaho Preferred exhibit. For details contact Skylar Jett

24-30 Idaho Organics Week – statewide
Idaho organic products and growers will be featured in statewide media and public relations outreach to increase consumer awareness of the availability of locally produced organic products. Contact Lacey Menasco for more information.

JULY

30-Aug 3 Southeast Asia Outbound Mission*, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam & Manila, PhilippinesWith an estimated 600 million people and regional GDP expected to increase an average of 6% from 2012-2015, Southeast Asia is one of the fastest growing regions in the world.
Increasing disposable incomes are contributing to growing interest and ability to purchase high-quality U.S. agricultural products. WUSATA will conduct a trade mission to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Manila, Philippines for companies who wish to expand their sales or explore opportunities in these two fast-growing markets. Meetings with key importers and distributors from the retail and foodservice sectors will be customized for each participant. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to walk the USDA endorsed WOFEX Trade Show in Manila, the Philippines’ largest trade show featuring food and beverage products. For more information, contact Kim Peterson.

23-24 Idaho Farm to School State Conference
Producers, school foodservice personnel and other interested partners will meet in Boise July 23-4 to share ideas and learn new strategies for increasing use of local products on school meal menus. Marketing farm to school programs and integrating agriculture curriculum and school gardens in the classroom will also be topics of discussion. Contact Leah Clark for more information.

 AUGUST

 5-11 Idaho Farmers Market Week
Celebrate local markets and growers that support them during the first week of August in honor of Idaho Farmers Market Week. Look for special events taking place at local farmers markets including chef demonstrations, product sampling, and fun activities for the kids. For more information about markets in your area or for ideas and resources to help your market celebrate Idaho Farmers Market Week, contact Lacey Menasco.

SEPTEMBER

12  Specialty Foods Buyers Showcase, Boise, ID

Come meet with specialty food and gift buyers from all across the state at this one of a kind table-top show designed specifically for Idaho specialty food companies. Appropriate items for this show include uniquely Idaho food items ready for specialty food grocery stores or retails gift shops. Exhibitors will receive lunch for one representative, electronic buyer invitations, an 8 foot table for table-top display, and exposure to statewide buyers at a wholesale only show. The Showcase will be held at The Boise Hotel, 3300 S Vista Ave, Boise, ID from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Register is $50 per company, or register before June 2 for the early bird discount ($40 per company). Go to  http://www.idahospecialtyfoods.com and register today. Space is limited. For more information contact Lacey Menasco.

 23-28 Mexico and Central America Produce Inbound Buying Mission*, Idaho Produce buyers from wholesale distributors, retail supermarket chains, and food service companies will visit Idaho to source onions, potatoes, tree fruit, and other produce. Idaho companies will have the opportunity to meet with buyers from Mexico and Central America to arrange sales and shipments. For more information, or to participate, contact Katlin Davis.

 FALL

TBD Taiwan Outbound Mission*
Taiwan is a sophisticated market with expanding opportunities for Idaho agricultural producers. There is an increased demand for U.S. fresh and value added products by Taiwanese consumers. WUSATA will conduct a trade mission to multiple locations in Taiwan targeted for new-to-market companies and companies who wish to expand their sales in the market. Meetings with key importers and distributors from the retail and foodservice sectors will be customized for each participant. For more information, contact Kim Peterson.

TBD Western Onion Promotion*, Mexico
The Idaho and Oregon State Departments of Agriculture in cooperation with the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA) and the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee will conduct a retail and foodservice Yellow Onion promotion throughout Mexico. This promotion has helped raise awareness of yellow onions from 5% - 50% over 6 years. Yellow onion exports to Mexico have increased substantially during the same time period. For more information, or to participate, contact Katlin Davis.

TBD South Korean Inbound Buying Mission* , Idaho
A group of foodservice/high-end retail importers and distributors from South Korea will be visiting Idaho and surrounding states. The buyers will be looking for a wide range of products including meat, dairy ingredients, produce, wine, specialty foods, and other foodservice products. This is a great opportunity to learn about the both markets in a low cost, low risk avenue. For more information, or to participate, contact Katlin Davis.

TBD Taiwan Inbound Buying Mission*, Idaho
A group of foodservice/high-end retail importers and distributors from Taiwan will be visiting Idaho and surrounding states. The buyers will be looking for a wide range of foodservice products. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Taiwan market in a low cost, low risk avenue. For more information, or to participate, contact Kim Peterson.

TBD Southeast Asia Inbound Buying Mission*, Idaho
A group of foodservice/high-end retail importers and distributors from two Southeast Asian nations will be visiting Idaho and surrounding states. The buyers will be looking for a wide range of foodservice products. This is a great opportunity to learn more about both markets in a low cost, low risk avenue. For more information, or to participate, contact Kim Peterson.

 

  For more information:

Laura Johnson : 208-332-8533 or laura.johnson@agri.idaho.gov
 Lacey Menasco: 208-332-8538 or lacey.menasco@agri.idaho.gov
Leah Clark : 208-332-8684 or leah.clark@agri.idaho.gov
 Kim Peterson : 208-332-8532 or kim.peterson@agri.idaho.gov
Katlin Davis : 208-332-8678 or katlin.davis@agri.idaho.gov
Skylar Jett: 208-332-8542 or skylar.jett@agri.idaho.gov

* WUSATA ( Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association) Sponsored Promotion