ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Agriculture is seeking local food producers to participate in Expo ANTAD & Alimentaria from March 5 to 7, 2019, in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The trade show is dedicated to food products in Mexico and is recognized as a gateway to entering into the Mexican market.
In partnership with the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA), qualified Maryland food producers are being offered a subsidized rate of less than $1,000 for a full booth at Expo ANTAD & Alimentaria, planned individual buyer meetings and a shipping allowance for products up to 50 pounds.
To qualify for the subsidy, companies must be considered a small business by the Small Business Administration’s standards and must sell an agricultural or food product that has at least 50 percent U.S. origins. Producers registering before Friday, Oct. 5, will receive a discount, and the final registration deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 5.
Staff may assist companies in applying for funding from the Southern United States Trade Association to reimburse up to 50 percent of the cost of airfare, hotel accommodations and other marketing expenses at the trade show.
Mexico’s top trade partner is the United States. The U.S. imports 80 percent of all Mexican exports and provides Mexico with 50 percent of its total imports. In 2016, the United States’ major agricultural exports to Mexico were coarse grains ($2.74 billion); dairy products ($2.55 billion); corn ($2.3 billion); red meats ($2.18 billion); poultry and egg products ($1.14 billion); wheat ($611 million); and fresh fruit and vegetables ($603.5 million). Best prospects for the market include processed fruit and vegetables; breakfast cereals and mixes; condiments; processed meat products; ingredients; snack foods; and alcoholic beverages.
Read the full story: Ag department seeking Md. producers for trade show in Mexico