Success Stories Archive - Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and Food Export USA–Northeast

First-Time Sale to Japan for Wisconsin Made Lip Balm

Laura Buske — Thu, 08 May 2025 18:02:05 +0000

Oshkosh, Wisconsin-based Bee Bella, LLC produces handmade lip balm in a unique laser engraved bamboo tube for retailers ranging from department stores to coffee shops and all-natural grocery stores to spas. Consumers love the supplier’s sustainability mission, cool tube, and best-in-class formula. Unlike their competitors, who haven’t invested in innovating their packaging, brand image, or formulas in decades—and who have saturated the budget focused mass market retailer segment—Bee Bella offers consumers an everyday product that has been transformed into an extraordinary one at an affordable luxury price and retailers with a unique product that generates average sales with a robust margin.

Founded in 2015, Bee Bella has been exporting for the past two years. In 2023 the Wisconsin supplier started participating in Food Export-Midwest’s Branded Program to gain brand awareness and increase export sales. During the company’s first year of participation they participated in the Market Access Program funded program to gain brand awareness for its lip care products in Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In 2024 the supplier shifted gears and used the program to promote its products in Canada, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Bee Bella used its allocated program funding to complete a digital marketing campaign, make label modifications, and develop an international website. Program participation and these promotions helped Bee Bella earn $10,000.00 in sales to Japan, gain 3 new foreign buyer contacts, and establish 3 new distributorships. The supplier also projects to complete $100,000.00 in sales over the next twelve months.

Jonathan Dudzinski, Co-Founder of Bee Bella shared, “The Food Export Branded Program has been instrumental in helping our U.S.-based manufacturing business take its first steps into exporting. Not only did they support us financially, but their expert consultants were critical in guiding a small business that didn’t know a DDP purchase order from a currency hedge!”

Bee Bella, LLC has participated in Food Export programs since 2023 taking part in the Branded Program, Buyers Missions, and the Online Product Catalog.

Branded Program Success

New Export Market Gained

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Export Growth in Canada and Australia for Katz Gluten Free

Mickeyla Clark — Thu, 08 May 2025 17:50:48 +0000

In 2024, Katz Gluten Free participated in Food Export-Northeast’s Branded Program to gain brand awareness in Canada and Australia. Using their allocated funds to make label modifications and attend tradeshows helped the Mountainville, New York-based supplier gain $250,000 in sales to Australia, and $500,000 to Canada. The supplier also projects to complete over $1,350,000 in sales in the next twelve months to both of these countries. Katz also gained 3 new foreign buyer contacts and established 3 new distributorships. According to Faigy Weinberger, who manages the documentation requirements of the Branded Program for Katz, “The Branded Program has given us such ease of mind knowing that we are getting reimbursement for our costly international expenses. It helps us grow and expand our international sales further, without doubt!”

Katz Gluten Free is the producer of frozen, Kosher, allergy friendly, gluten free bakery products such as donuts, muffins, cupcakes, breads, pie, and toaster pastries.

The company was originally started by Mrs. Katz in her own kitchen in 2009 when she experimented with gluten free recipes for her own family. As the business grew, she expanded to a certified facility in 2014 where they remain today. The company prides itself on quality products that do not contain preservatives, and that individuals with allergies and intolerances can enjoy. Katz currently exports to 18 countries around the world and seeks continued growth!

Katz Gluten Free has taken part in Food Export programs since 2019 participating in Export Essentials Online, Webinars, Export Advisor Program, Buyers Missions, Market Builders, U.S. Foodlink, Focused Trade Missions, and Product Showcases in addition to the Branded Program.

Branded Program Success

New Buyer Contacts Made

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Missouri BBQ Sauce Supplier Lands in Sweden

Laura Buske — Thu, 08 May 2025 17:32:27 +0000

For 50 years, Show-Me^® Bar-B-Q Sauce has made authentic, traditional sauces and seasonings with few ingredients—but a lot of flavor. The original sauce recipe was created decades ago in a Missouri kitchen by friend and neighbor Harry Berrier. And while the Fuhlage family now leads the company, the process and the values remain the same. Every bottle is made without fillers, preservatives, high-fructose corn syrup, or shortcuts—just eight ingredients, mixed with care, packed with flavor, and never watered down.

Since taking over the business in 2016, the Fuhlage family has grown the brand with the same commitment to quality and community it started with. They’ve added new sauce flavors and seasoning blends, supported local schools and veterans, and built a culture around gathering in the kitchen or around the grill. Whether it’s a family cookout or dinner across the world, their goal is simple: show people better Bar-B-Q. As a family-owned business, they understand that what truly matters goes beyond language or cultural barriers—spending time with loved ones, eating well, and sharing a meal worth remembering.

Show-Me^® Bar-B-Q Sauce from Rocheport, Missouri has participated in Food Export-Midwest’s Branded Program since 2022 to promote its sauce and spice barbeque products internationally. The Market Access Program funded Branded Program helps the company with costs associated to carryout product promotion in international markets. Last year Show-Me BBQ Sauce joined the program to promote its products in Sweden. The Missouri-based supplier promoted the company and its products with social media campaigns, digital marketing promotions, and international website development.

The Missouri supplier recently shared that participation in the Branded Program and its completed promotions helped them earn $12,500 in sales to Sweden with projected sales of $15,000 over the next twelve months.

“The Branded Program has been a game changer for us,” said Enrique Fuhlage, Co-Owner of Show-Me^® Bar-B-Q Sauce. “It gave our small business the chance to reach new customers overseas without taking on all the financial risk or reinventing the wheel. We’ve learned a lot, made valuable connections, and seen real results. It’s helped us grow in ways we couldn’t have done alone.”

Show-Me BBQ Sauce, LLC has participated in Food Export’s Branded Program for two years. The supplier has also participated in the U.S. Foodlink Featured Products, webinars, Buyers Missions, and the Online Product Catalog.

Branded Program Success

Over 20% Increase in Sales

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First-Time Branded Participant Boosts Brand Awareness in Mexico

Laura Buske — Wed, 07 May 2025 20:36:25 +0000

In 2024, Route66 International participated in Food Export-Northeast’s Branded Program for the first time to gain brand awareness in Mexico. Using their allocated funds to exhibit at ANTAD and hold in-store demonstrations in Mexico helped the Hackensack, New Jersey-based supplier gain $10,000 in sales to Mexico. “While the amount may be small, entering a new market is a significant milestone for us,” according to Minjung Ku, Vice President of Route66. The supplier also projects to complete over $60,000 in sales in the next twelve months while also making 61 new foreign buyer contacts and establishing 1 new distributorship.

Minjung Ku, Vice President of Route66 International, said “The support and service from Food Export has been outstanding, and I cannot thank you enough. Whenever I had questions, the team responded promptly and provided all possible resources and solutions. As the Branded Program was new to our company, we had many inquiries, and every request was met with full support. Even when unexpected events required us to adjust our plans, we received excellent guidance and assistance. We are truly grateful for the professional service and invaluable support we’ve received. Being part of the Branded Program has been an incredible opportunity, and we look forward to continuing this journey with the same exceptional support.”

Route66 International is the producer of UMMA Seaweed Topping, a New Jersey-crafted culinary delight. This premium blend combines the umami-rich taste of toasted seaweed with the aromatic crunch of crushed almonds and sesame seeds. Enhanced with just a hint of sugar and a pinch of salt, it perfectly accentuates a wide array of dishes from salads and rice to noodles and authentic Asian cuisine.

Route66 International is a first-time participant of Food Export programs in 2024. The supplier not only participated in the Branded Program, but also in Food Show Plus! at ANTAD.

61 New Foreign Buyer Contacts

New Distributorships Established

1st Year Participant

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Participant’s Twenty Years of Branded Program Success with Food Export

Laura Buske — Wed, 07 May 2025 20:27:25 +0000

Since 2003 E. Formella & Sons Inc, a woman-owned Italian specialty company based in Illinois, has participated in Food Export-Midwest’s programs to gain international brand awareness for its specialty condiment products. The condiment supplier has been part of the Branded Program for twenty years, understanding the advantages that the 50% cost reimbursement program provides to their small business in international markets.

Last year E. Formella participated in the Branded Program to increase sales to Canada. The Illinois company used their allocated funding to exhibit at a Canadian trade show and make package modifications to make its products compliant with market regulations. These efforts and activities helped E. Formella gain $302,000 in sales to Canada with projected sales of $600,000 over the next twelve months.

Kathy Formella, Owner of E Formella & Sons Inc. noted, “Canada has been a great trade partner of the U.S. While there are challenges of potential tariffs, we [Canadian partners & Formella Foods] are navigating through it as a team.” Kathy has helped Food Export advocate for continued funding for the Market Access Programs (MAP) since 2014 by sharing her company’s experience participating in MAP funded programs with the USDA FAS.

E. Formella & Sons has participated in Food Export programs since 2003 participating in the MAP funded Branded Program, Food Export Buyers Missions, Food Show PLUS! events, the Online Product Catalog, webinars, and Product Showcases.

Branded Program Success

Market Access Program (MAP) Fund Utilization

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Pretzel Pete Realizes Export Growth

Laura Buske — Wed, 07 May 2025 20:05:42 +0000

In 2024, Pretzel Pete participated in Food Export-Northeast’s Branded Program to gain brand awareness in Canada, China, and Germany. The supplier used its allocated funds to complete in-store product promotions, product demonstrations, advertising, make package modifications, and exhibit at the ISM trade show. Program participation and these noted promotions helped the Hatboro, Pennsylvania-based supplier gain $2.5 million in sales to these markets. They also project to complete $3.5 million in sales in the next twelve months. As a result of the increased export sales, Pretzel Pete has hired 15 new employees since 2023.

According to Karl Brown, Owner of Pretzel Pete, “The Branded Program has been an invaluable tool for our growth in export markets. It has given us the opportunity to support our importers with real dollars for vital brand building and enhance our profile in these key markets.”

Pretzel Pete, Inc. is a family-owned manufacturer of value-added pretzel products. They have carefully developed their product line to deliver products that go beyond just great taste. They emphasize clean labels, locally sourced ingredients and allergen safe production that results in snacks that customers feel good about indulging in and serving to their family and friends. Pretzel Pete currently exports to 14 countries and continues to grow!

Pretzel Pete has taken part in Food Export programs since 1999 (previously as SB Global) participating in Branded Program, Trade Leads, Online Product Catalog, and has attended Buyers Missions.

Branded Program Success

Over 20% Increase in Sales

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Buyers Mission and Branded Program Participation Expands Export Sales for Iowa Supplier

Laura Buske — Wed, 07 May 2025 19:34:32 +0000

In March 2024, Lola’s Fine Sauces, a producer of specialty sauces and cocktail mixes, participated in Food Export’s Natural Products Buyers Mission at Natural Products Expo West 2024. The supplier’s participation allowed them to conduct private, one-on-one meetings with 14 different international buyers representing Aruba, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Guatemala, Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. The private meetings allowed Lola’s to present their products to buyers and gain feedback on product immersion into the buyer’s represented stories. Post-event Lola’s Fine Sauces reported gaining $5,000 in sales to Canada

Last year the Iowa supplier also participated in Food Export’s Branded Program to defer the costs associated with marketing its products internationally. The company used its allocated funding to ship product samples to potential buyers, create promotional giveaway items, make package/label modifications, exhibit at international trade shows, and develop international websites. Lola’s Fine Sauces recently reported gaining $433,000 in export sales to Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Korea with these promotions. The supplier also gained 17 new foreign buyer contacts, established 18 new distributorships, and projects $650,000 in export sales to these markets over the next twelve months.

Since 2019 Lola’s Fine Sauces has participated in Food Export programs to expand exports and brand awareness. The supplier has participated in Buyers Missions, webinars, the U.S. Foodlink Featured Products promotion, Focused Trade Missions, and the Branded Program.

New Foreign Buyer Contacts

New Distributorships Established

A company headquartered in the U.S.

Midwest Region

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New Jersey Supplier Makes First-Time Sale to the Philippines

Laura Buske — Wed, 07 May 2025 19:05:58 +0000

Since 1997, New York-based, Groceries USA has participated in Food Export-Northeast’s Branded Program to defer the cost of international marketing of U.S.-made processed products. The Market Access Program funded program has helped the company increase export sales, gain new international export markets, and increase brand awareness of hundreds of American-made products.

Last year was the first time Panos Brands took advantage of Food Export’s Food Show PLUS! services when the company exhibited at FOODEX Japan. The show services provided helped the New York company navigate the language barrier, increase buyer traffic to their booth, grow new buyer contacts, and increase brand awareness. These services assisted the company gain $75,000 in export sales to the Philippines, gain 3 new buyers, establish 1 new distributorship, and project sales of $150,000 over the next twelve months. This sale also marks a first-time sale to the Philippines for Panos.

Panos Brands LLC from Rochelle Park, New Jersey, has a passion for enhancing consumers home cooking with unique and delicious flavors with their food ingredients, bakery, condiment, dressings, and spread products. Their collection of brands includes Andrew & Everett, KA-ME, a comprehensive line of authentic Asian food products, Walden Farms calorie-free dressings and condiments, Sesmark wholesome crackers, MI-DEL cookies, and gluten-free pie crusts, and Amore Italian cooking pastes, and ready-to-eat pouched vegetables, along with specialty brands such as Chatfield’s premium baking products, and, organic Tessemea’s Dressings and Marinades.

Panos Brands has participated in Food Export activities since 2016, participated in the Branded Program, Buyers Missions, webinars, and the Online Product Catalog.

Food Show PLUS! Success

New Foreign Buyer Contacts

20% Sales Increase

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New Food Export Participant Grows Export Sales

Laura Buske — Wed, 07 May 2025 16:51:25 +0000

Jackson’s Food Company, LLC, based in Muskego, Wisconsin was a new Food Export-Midwest participant when they registered to participate in Food Export’s Professional American Football Tailgate Product Showcase in Brazil. The event which took place in September of 2024 was a promotion of U.S. products that make for superior tailgating celebrations.

The potato chip supplier’s products took the attention of a Brazilian buyer at the event which led to a sale of $5,000 for Jackson’s Food Company. The supplier also gained 5 new foreign buyer contacts, established 3 distributorships, and projects sales of $20,000 over the next twelve months from participating.

Jackson’s Food Company, LLC is a potato chip manufacturer that only uses super premium avocado oil to cook its chips. These better-for-you fats come directly from nature and have been used by humans for thousands of years. The company never uses refined oils, like canola and vegetable, because they know healthier oils make better snacks while bringing out the best flavor and texture from their non-GMO sweet potatoes.

The Wisconsin company was established in 2021 and started exporting in 2022. Jackson’s Food Company started participating in Food Export programs in 2023 participating in webinars, promotional events, Buyers Missions, Food Show PLUS! events, and the Branded Program.

New Foreign Buyer Contacts

New Distributorships Established

1st Year Program Participant

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