Department Hosting Inbound Trade Mission for European Beer, Wine, and Spirits Buyers

photo credit: Brewers Association of Maryland

Maryland Producers Encouraged to Sign Up Now

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture will host an inbound trade mission of beer, wine, and spirits distributors from the European Union on November 5-6. Participating Maryland companies will have an opportunity to host EU buyers that have been recruited by the Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA). The department is a member of SUSTA, which supports state departments of agriculture throughout the region.

“Maryland’s craft beverage industry is booming, and this trade mission will allow our producers to showcase their world-class products to European buyers,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “We are excited to continue our work with SUSTA in opening new international markets for Maryland goods, and I encourage all Maryland brewers, winemakers, and distillers to take advantage this opportunity.”

Maryland beer exports totaled $1.3 million in 2018 with more than $994,000 going to the EU, according Euromonitor, Inc. Worldwide exports of Maryland wine and spirits totaled more than $79,000 and $2 million, respectively. This inbound trade mission is part of the department’s continued efforts to build international markets for the state’s agricultural products.

The department will set up one-on-one meetings between buyers and registered Maryland producers. Companies interested in participating should contact Theresa Brophy at 410-841-5781 or theresa.brophy@maryland.gov. Deadline for registration is September 20.

More information on the trade mission is available on the SUSTA website: www.susta.org/event/search/.

# # #

Follow Maryland Department of Agriculture on Twitter @MdAgDept