Maryland Agricultural Producers Invited to Participate in the Inbound Trade Mission from the Gulf Cooperation Council

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 26, 2010) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) offers agricultural producers and food businesses the opportunity to meet one-on-one with pre-qualified buyers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Five buyers from Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be in Baltimore on October 8 to meet prospective suppliers for an inbound trade mission organized by the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA).

Information for participants:
•    Event location/date:  Baltimore, MD, October 8, 2010
•    Participation fee: $50; check must accompany registration. Fee includes one-on-one buyer meetings and individual company tables for displays/meeting purposes (one per company).
•    Registration deadline: September 10, 2010.  No refunds for participation fees after that date.

The GCC countries have some of the highest per capita incomes in the world, and the UAE, in particular, has a growing tourism industry complete with luxurious hotels and restaurants. The area has a combined population of approximately 12 million inhabitants and as much as 90 percent of their foodstuffs are imported. In addition to food service opportunities, there are a number of western style retail food chains present throughout the GCC; many of the chains are familiar with U.S. food products and are eager to bring new consumer food items to their markets. The buyers already import a variety of products from the United States and are eager to meet new suppliers and see new products.

The best products for introduction to the GCC are meat, poultry, nuts, snacks, dairy products, canned fruits and vegetables, frozen foods, beverages and desserts/pastries.

Producers interested in taking advantage of this opportunity to introduce their products to key buyers in the GCC should contact Theresa Brophy as soon as possible. The cost to participate is $50 and includes lunch. Call 410-841-5770 or email [email protected].

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