Did you know that Organic Trade Association provides a wide array of opportunities for our members to connect to international markets? We apply for and receive funding annually from the Foreign Agricultural Service at USDA to bring U.S. organic companies overseas to key export markets for organic. For most overseas trade shows, signing up to participate with OTA includes roundtrip economy airfare and hotel stay for one company representative and a countertop in the OTA pavilion, and only costs $600 to $1,000 depending on the trade show. These overseas trade shows are an inexpensive opportunity to test foreign market response and demand for your organic products. For the remainder of 2022 and into 2023, Organic Trade Association has trade show pavilions reserved around the world!
Additionally, we bring qualified, vetted buyers from foreign markets to U.S. tradeshows for one-on-one meetings with U.S. suppliers on the sidelines of key industry trade events. We typically host these buyers’ missions at Natural Products Expo West and Expo East, and the Organic Produce Summit in July. Registration is typically $150 to participate, and OTA will arrange meetings for you with these foreign buyers. These events offer the opportunity for you to meet directly with qualified foreign importers away from the busy trade show floor.
Lastly, Organic Trade Association offers a variety of data products designed to provide key market information on the demand for organic products globally. Our Global Organic Trade Guide contains the latest industry data for 35 countries around the world, and also includes information on relevant import standards and foreign government regulatory bodies. This information is free to access at www.globalorganictrade.com. Additionally, all OTA members and U.S.-based certified organic companies are eligible for a free listing on find.organic, OTA’s business directory for U.S. organic suppliers. We promote this directory heavily when traveling overseas and interacting with foreign buyers, so make sure your listing is up to date!
For additional information or to sign up for any of these events, email sgorman@ota.com.
This article was originally published in the Fall 2022 Organic Report, you can view the full magazine here.