Program Can Help Small Companies Carve Niches In Global Market

The global marketplace is an attractive prospect for smaller U.S.meat companies looking to profit through exports, but it can be daunting for the uninitiated and inexperienced. How can companies with brands they believe in introduce themselves and their new products in distant markets?

The U.S. Meat Export Federation branded products promotion program is designed to help smaller companies break into the international market through promotions for their brand-name products. Beef and pork are increasingly sold less on a commodity basis and more under the aegis of a brand that consumers can recognize, remember and associate with a particular quality or taste.

The U.S. is already a nation of meat eaters with little room for expansion, but the export market is growing fast, especially in regions of the world where income is rising and beef consumption traditionally low. To help with the potential costs involved USMEF is now accepting applications from U.S. companies interested in receiving matching funds to promote branded U.S.meat products in international markets.

Funds from this program can help companies attend trade fairs and exhibits, assist with paying travel to attend trade shows, offset costs of promotional materials, and help pay for costs of retail promotions. Promotions funded under this program must be conducted between Oct. 1, 2003, and June 30, 2004.

For purposes of this application, eligible companies must have 500 or fewer employees, or be a producer cooperative or association. Companies that receive funding from USMEF will be charged a 5 percent administrative fee for participation in the program.

Companies interested in the program should contact Barbara Watson at USMEF’s Denver office for guidelines and proposal: phone (303) 623-MEAT, e-mail bwatson@usmef.org.