MDA Marketing Connects Companies with Consumers

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s efforts to connect Maryland food businesses with buyers has had a recent international success for a small Maryland-based processor.

In March, MDA hosted a meeting with nine Maryland companies and three Canadian buyers of specialty food products, with funding from the Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA). As a result of that meeting, Gator Ron’s, which sells a line of Bloody Mary mixes and barbecue and wing sauces, recently began shipping its product to Canada. The company was started by Bethesda resident Connie Griffith who uses recipes from her late husband Ron, who died from Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2011. A portion of the proceeds from the products go to the Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at John Hopkins.

“We routinely work with growers, food processors and livestock producers in the state to develop export market opportunities,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance, who will become president of SUSTA later this year. “MDA’s International Marketing develops trade leads and market strategies, makes introductions to overseas buyers, importers, and distributors and exhibits Maryland products at trade shows around the world. Gator Ron’s recent entry into Canada is an example of recent success.”

Much of MDA’s international work is done cooperatively with the Southern U.S. Trade Association and the U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc.

MDA is building its list of agricultural and food companies interested in export markets. Agricultural producers and food businesses interested in export assistance, should contact MDA Marketing by July 30, 2013 to be included in the agency’s updated system of export contacts. Contact Robert Maloof at [email protected] or by phone at 410-841-5770.

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