Agriculture Secretary Encourages PA Preferred Members to Participate in Buyers Mission, Expand International Markets

Northeast Buyers Mission Set for Feb. 7; Early Registration Due Dec. 22

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania food processors will have an opportunity to tap foreign markets and develop new export relationships during a gathering of international buyers in Philadelphia on Feb. 7, 2011, Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding said today.

The Northeast Buyers Mission gives Pennsylvania producers a chance to meet up to 10 international buyers for 20 minutes each to negotiate business partnerships for food exports and gain valuable feedback on their export potential.

Redding said the mission is a great opportunity to expand Pennsylvania's already strong international presence, especially for members of the state's PA Preferred program.

"While there are very strong local and national food markets, 95 percent of the world's population is located outside of the United States," said Redding. "That means there is vast, untapped market potential for Pennsylvania companies. For members of the PA Preferred program who are already finding new outlets here at home, this is a chance to build their brand and market share in places around the globe."

Redding said companies from Canada, Chile, China, France, India, Mexico and the United Kingdom will be represented at the buyers mission.

Products traditionally considered at the event are food service products; organic, ethnic, specialty, gourmet and processed foods; and frozen or chilled products.

Early registration is $100 and must be received by Dec. 22. Regular registration is $150 and due by Jan. 14.

The meeting is sponsored by Food Export USA with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and coordination from the state Department of Agriculture's PA Preferred branding program.

Governor Edward G. Rendell launched the PA Preferred program in January 2004 as a way to promote and increase sales for state-sourced food products and goods. Currently, the state has more than 2,000 producers involved in the program.

Pennsylvania producers boast $754 million in international sales of food products, making agricultural products the state's number-one export.

For more information, or to register for the mission, visit www.foodexportusa.org or call 312-334-9200. For other marketing opportunities, visit www.papreferred.com or call 717-783-8462.

Media Contact: Matt Tindall, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

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