Unveils new online resources and hosts global buyers meetings at EXPO West
Determined to secure the ongoing success of the global organic trade market that is projected to reach $100 billion by 2015, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) will launch online resources essential to the global organic import and export community and host foreign buyer meetings at Natural Products EXPO West March 6-8 from Booth 2010 in the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA.
“After three decades, the organic market can finally claim true global reach,” said Laura Batcha, CEO and Executive Director of the Organic Trade Association. However, she added, “Providing the resources needed to secure its ongoing success is critical. The Organic Trade Association’s new online sites and global buyers meetings are spearheading this effort.”
Being introduced at EXPO West, OTA’s online U.S. Export Directory gives qualified global buyers direct access to U.S. organic producers. Global buyers can search U.S. producers’ profiles, products and contact information in English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Chinese. Features include a directory video, details about the OTA’s Organic Export Program, and background on U.S. organic production. Interested U.S. producers can enter their information right on the site, or e-mail JPoingt@ota.com.
Its companion website is the Global Organic Trade Guide, which offers an in-depth Market Data section and the only <a target="blank data-cke-saved-href=" http:=" href=" www.globalorganictrade.com="" index.php"="" style="color: rgb(0, 87, 81); text-decoration: underline;">Map Tool to communicate global organic trade information in real time. Launched last June, the site features the first comprehensive go-to-market reports covering the current organic industry in France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Taiwan (just posted) and Korea (coming in June).
EXPO West buyers meetings will give U.S. producers the chance to meet with foreign buyers from Canada, China, Costa Rica, France, Hong Kong, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, Singapore, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Vietnam. Producers will also have the opportunity to mingle with the foreign buyers at The Organic Center’s annual VIP dinner the evening of March 7.
“Global consumption of organic products is increasing eight percent annually, and there is strong overseas demand for U.S organic products. Our new Export Directory gives global buyers immediate, online connection to U.S. producers, and helps build business opportunities that can last for years,” said Batcha. “Through this resource, our Global Organic Trade Guide and foreign buyer meetings, OTA is well-poised to support the organic market’s success both at home and abroad.”
Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, both websites are administered by OTA’s Organic Export Program, which brings the U.S. organic industry to developing world markets through international promotions, exporter education, business-to-business connections, and trade negotiations.
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. OTA is the leading voice for the organic trade in the United States, representing over 6,500 organic businesses across 49 states. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA’s Board of Directors is democratically elected by its members. OTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy.