A Successful 2004 USFES/FMI/Fancy Food Shows

Michigan’s companies again showcased their diverse products to international food buyers from 133 countries and over 20,000 domestic buyers at the U.S. Food Export Showcase (USFES) of the Food Marketing Institutes’ Supermarket Industry Exposition – North American’s largest food show – and the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade’s Fancy Food Show. The two shows were held May 2 – 4, 2004 at the McCormick Place in downtown Chicago.

Exhibitors in the USFES Michigan Pavilion were:

• Amendt Corporation of Monroe – maker of baking mixes;
• Cherry Central Cooperative, Inc. of Traverse City – manufacturer of Indian Summer apple and cherry juices, dried fruits;
• Graceland Fruit Co. of Frankfort – processor of dried and infused frozen fruits for the food manufacturing industry;
• Hanson Cold Storage of Benton Harbor – company providing cold storage services;
• Michigan Apple Committee of Lansing – organization promoting Michigan fresh and processed apples;
• Michigan Bean Commission of St. Johns – organization promoting Michigan dry beans;
• Thumb Oilseed Producers Cooperative of Ubly – manufacturer of soybean oil and cooking sprays for consumers and commercial uses; and
• Zeeland Farm Soya of Zeeland – manufacturer of low saturated fat soybean oil and soybean meal.

Exhibitors in the Fancy Food Show Michigan Pavilion were:

• The Blueberry Store of Grand Junction – supplier of fresh, processed and dried blueberries and many blueberry products, including blueberry beverages, jams, jellies and sauces;
• Cinnamon Bay Gourmet Sauces, Inc. of Flint – manufacturer of numerous gourmet sauces, marinades, glazes and seasoning blends; and
• Safie Specialty Foods Co., Inc of Chesterfield – manufacturer of pickled products and hot and zesty garden goods.

As in past years, the Department in partnership with Michigan Farm Bureau and NASDA, hosted a bus tour to Chicago for over 60 Michigan farmers, marketers, and legislators for them to experience firsthand the importance of exports to Michigan’s agriculture industry and to the state’s economy.

Big Changes in 2005 for USFES at FMI

In 2005, the U.S. Food Export Showcase (USFES) held at the Food Marketing Institute’s show will see significant changes. The USFES show will move from the back to the front of the show floor. This change shows the strong support for the State Pavilions and the quality of products coming from the companies, producers, and processors located within the states. The new location will offer companies an even greater opportunity to attract more domestic and international buyers. If you are interested in exhibiting in the Michigan Pavilion at the 2005 FMI show contact, Jamie Zmitko at (517) 241-3628 or zmitkoj@michigan.gov.

Michigan Ships First Apples to Mexico

In an historic market breakthrough, Mexican people are able to enjoy the flavor of fresh Michigan apples. Michigan’s first-ever shipment was sent to Mexico in late February of 2004, and Michigan apples were prominent in Mexican wholesale markets during a March tour by Michigan apple industry leaders and an MDA executive. 

“We believe Mexico could be our single biggest export market, selling up to 500 million cases worth $6 million annually within five years,” said Denise Yockey, Executive Director of the Michigan Apple Committee (MAC). “Latin America is already our leading export destination, and with Mexico being the biggest population center there, it is essential to our international market development plans.” 

Mexico could be an enormous boon for Michigan apple growers and shippers, shoring up the domestic price and providing a profitable destination for midsize apples. In 2001, Mexico imported over $125 million worth of USA apples, according to federal statistics.

“Developing and expanding export markets, such as this brand new one in Mexico, are critical components to ensuring the future profitability of our state’s growers and farmers as well as the long-term viability of agriculture in Michigan,” said Dan Wyant, Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, at a mid-February event that was held at Dietrich Orchards in Conklin to celebrate the first shipments. 

Michigan apple growers, shippers, elected officials and agricultural representatives were on hand for the event. News coverage of the February 16 event went statewide and international, with industry and government officials throughout North America learning about the new Michigan exports.

For the last two years, Michigan has used USDA Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops grants to bring a Mexican fruit inspector to the orchards, packinghouses and controlled atmosphere storage rooms in West Michigan. The inspector must be in Michigan as the storage rooms are sealed in the fall, and again in winter when they are opened after a 90-day chilling period. The Sanidad Vegetal inspector worked alongside MDA and USDA fruit inspectors. Seven Michigan apple shippers were qualified to export to Mexico in 2004 and more are expected in the future. 

Approximately 10 to 12 truckloads of Michigan apples went to Mexico in February and March, putting first-year sales somewhere around $250,000. Repeat sales likely would have been higher if the Mexican inspector had arrived when requested and if the Mexican 46 percent countervailing duty was no longer in effect. Overall, fruit inspections, truck deliveries and border crossings went smoothly this first year. Michigan’s apple shipments ended to Mexico in early April due to market competition from Chile and other nations. 

To further the relationship, a Michigan delegation followed the apple shipments to Mexico in March. MAC board members and MDA Agriculture Development Division Director Bob Craig traveled to Guadalajara and Mexico City from March 12-16, 2004. They visited ANTAD Expo, which is the largest food and beverage show in Mexico, toured wholesale central markets and grocery stores as well as participated in market development activities.

“I found it promising that Mexico is one of the world’s largest consumers on a per capita basis of fruits, especially bananas, oranges and apples,” said Craig. “With a population of over 100 million people, their per capita fruit consumption is over 200 pounds per year. They include fruits in their every-day diet, primarily fresh as a snack or as a dessert in the main meal. It is understandable why Michigan, Washington and others consider Mexico a prime market for apples.”

Grant Secured to Fund 2004 “Select Michigan” Program

MDA has secured a federal grant from USDA Rural Development to help continue and expand the 2004 “Select Michigan” Program. MDA has also partnered with committed Michigan agriculture organizations, environmental groups, retailers, local units of government, and the private sector to again help fund this exciting effort for Grand Rapids and introduce the new program to Detroit-area consumers. 

In 2003, the Select Michigan program introduced two new labels – “Select Michigan Fresh” and “Select Michigan Organic” – to Grand Rapids consumers. This was a consumer education program aimed at helping shoppers more easily identify and purchase Michigan-grown, processed or manufactured local and organic food products. Working with various commodity groups, existing suppliers, and retail partners, Select Michigan was able to conduct a consumer program geared to increase consumption of Michigan’s agricultural products. Trended case sales data received from the supermarkets indicated that the promotions on average increased sales 111% compared to a similar base period.

“Select Michigan” provided an excellent way for area retailers to meet their shoppers’ preferences for Michigan food products. Additionally, by selecting Michigan foods, retailers and consumers received exceptional food safety, quality, taste, and freshness. The program also helped support the local economy, strengthened Michigan’s family farms and agribusinesses, and preserved the state’s rich agricultural heritage.

“Select Michigan” uses eye-catching point-of-sale materials, including stickers, posters, banners and display cards, radio, in-store tastings, and print articles and is being incorporated into the marketing efforts of these Grand Rapids area stores: Spartan Stores and Meijer Inc. and these Detroit-area stores: 
Meijer, Kroger, Farmer Jack, and Super K-Mart. These logos are also being made available for use by all Michigan growers, farm markets, retailers, restaurants, and other businesses that grow, process, sell or promote Michigan food products. 

Beginning with fresh Michigan Asparagus in late May, each month a new series of promotions for Michigan fresh and Michigan organic foods will be unveiled as they come in season. As part of these promotional efforts, the program’s retail partners will be incorporating the logos on Michigan foods, weekly sales advertisements, on shelf displays, and in-store promotions. Many fun and educational seasonal consumer activities and giveaways will add to the excitement of the campaign.

We hope you join us in “Selecting a Taste of Michigan!” and help ensure that Michigan agriculture remains a strong part of our state’s economy and an anchor for so many of our communities. For more information or a list of Michigan food and agriculture products and businesses, please visit www.michigan.gov/mda or contact MDA’s Christine Lietzau at 517/373-9800 or via e-mail at lietzauc@michigan.gov.

Select Michigan 2004 Promotional Calendar

June 

• Asparagus at Meijer, Spartan and Kroger
• Asparagus Advisory Board
• National Asparagus Festival

July 

• Michigan blueberries and Blueberry Store Products at Meijer, Spartan, Kroger, Farmer Jack and Super-Kmart 
• Michigan Blueberry Growers Association
• Global Berries
• Great Lakes Blueberries

August 

• Michigan vegetables at Meijer, Spartan, Kroger, Farmer Jack and Super-Kmart 
• Michigan Vegetable Council 
• Celery Promotion Co-Op

September

• Michigan organic harvest month at Meijer
• Eden Foods

October/November

• Michigan apples at Meijer, Spartan, Kroger, Farmer Jack and Super K-Mart
• Michigan Apple Committee
• Fish boil with native whitefish, Michigan potato, carrots and onions at Meijer 
• Bay Mills Indian Community
• Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Tribe
• Michigan Potato Industry Commission
• Michigan Carrot Committee
• Michigan Onion Committee
• Michigan potatoes at Meijer and Spartan

November/December 

• Christmas in Michigan at Meijer, Spartan, Kroger, Farmer Jack and Super K-Mart 
• Michigan Grape and Wine Council
• Michigan Apple Committee
• Michigan Christmas Tree Association

Note: Promotions are based on vendor participation and may be subject to change

We are still working on developing programs and scheduling for Michigan:

• Peaches
• Cherries
• Sugar
• Chestnuts
• Salt

Members of the Michigan Grape and Wine Council staff joined the Agriculture Development Division (AgD) on April 1, as a result of re-organization of divisions within MDA. Linda Jones, Program Manager (middle), Karel Bush, Program Assistant (right), and David Creighton, Promotion Specialist (left) are now part of the Ag Development team, and have quickly settled into their new office homes. The new staff members are already working closely with Jamie Zmitko on international marketing of Michigan and Midwest wines, Sandy Hill on Agricultural Tourism issues, Chris Leitzau on Select a Taste of Michigan campaigns and Bob Craig on USDA grant opportunities and business development initiatives. 

The wine competition season is in full swing and Michigan wineries are already counting their Gold. The New World International Competition, the Florida State Fair International Competition, and the Great Lakes Wine Competition have moved lots of glitter into Michigan’s vineyards. For more information, visit the Council’s web site at www.michiganwines.com and view recent news releases. 

The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council is a 10-member board, comprised of members of private industry and representatives of state agencies and Michigan State University. The objective of the Council is to stimulate economic activity in Michigan through the growth of the grape and wine industry. Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Agriculture Policy Director, Christine White, chairs the Council. 

Recent appointments to the Council by Governor Granholm include re-appointments of Lou Gostinger (Lakeside Beverage), Joe Herman (Karma Vista Winery), and Don Coe (Black Star Farms). Three new members were appointed – Liz Berger (Chateau Chantal), David Miller (St. Julian), and Kristen Jonna (Merchant’s Fine Wines).

For more information about Michigan wines, contact the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council online at www.michiganwines.com or by phone at (517) 373-1104. Welcome Grape and Wine Council!

Michigan Wines Tasted in England

The April issue of Decanter Magazine contains the last chapter of a story that began last September when noted international wine writer Tom Stevenson agreed to travel from London, England to tour and taste in Michigan's vineyards. As previously reported, for 10 days Stevenson visited winemakers, tasted hundreds of wines, offered advice, and took pages of notes. He left with a greater appreciation of Michigan's quickly developing wine industry. 

The next chapter in the story has eight cases of wine being shipped to Stevenson's publisher in London. In January, he hosted a tasting of 28 Michigan wines for the Circle of Wine Writers. None of them had previously had more than one or two Michigan wines. Their comments were positive about a range of different styles and varieties. 

Decanter Magazine, perhaps the most respected wine publication in English, published Stevenson's impressions of the Michigan wine industry in a two-page article that included photos and a list of his favorites. Very little is written in Europe about American wines other than California, so this was a significant indication of respect for our growing industry.

Information-packed Wine Touring Guide Now Available

The 2004 edition of Michigan Wine Country Magazine is now available. Michigan’s 40 wineries welcome more than 600,000 guests every year, and that number continues to rise. This attractive, 32-page guide provides valuable information for planning winery tours and activities throughout the year.

This colorful publication is available at no charge and contains maps, hours of operation and informative articles, including a “What’s New” section that highlights new wines to be released this year, including Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Marsanne and more. 

Also in the 2004 issue:

Extensive events listing of winemaker lunches and dinners, wine and food festivals, seminars, special winery weekends, and more;

A recap of world-famous British wine writer who spent 10 days visiting Michigan’s wineries, then hosted a tasting of 28 Michigan wines in London;

Some creative ways to enjoy Michigan’s fruit wines and spirits;

Suggestions to make touring Michigan’s wine regions even more enjoyable;

And more!

For more information, and a complimentary Michigan Wine Country magazine with maps to the wineries, visit www.michiganwines.com or contact the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council at (800) 292-3939. The magazine is also available at all Michigan wineries and Travel Michigan Welcome Centers.

Workshops to Help Michigan Businesses Survive Environmental, Health, and Safety Regulations

Is YOUR company fit to survive Michigan’s environmental, health, and safety regulations? The Departments of Environmental Quality and Labor and Economic Growth are pleased to announce “Michigan Survivor: Are YOU Playing by the Environmental, Health, and Safety Rules?” The sessions are being held in Bay City on June 17, in Grand Rapids on June 22, in Plymouth on June 25, in Novi on June 29, and in Mackinaw City on July 1. These workshops will provide an overview of environmental, health, and safety regulations that apply to Michigan businesses.

DEQ and DLEG inspectors visit businesses every day. Attend this workshop to get an inside glimpse at what inspectors look for during air, waste, and wastewater inspections. Attendees will also learn about MIOSHA health and safety regulations in a language anyone can understand. Avoid the nightmare of hefty fines, cleanup costs, or even criminal prosecution by learning how to prepare for an inspection, and how to achieve compliance and remain in compliance.

Participants will receive the newly updated, 400+ page “Michigan Manufacturers’ Guide to Environmental, Health, and Safety Regulations-Third Edition.” Developed by the DEQ and the DLEG, this plain-English survival guide provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental, health, and safety regulations that affect businesses in Michigan.

The registration fee of $75 includes continental breakfast, lunch, and workshop materials. Register online at www.michigan.gov/deqworkshops (click on “Upcoming Workshops”). For registration information, contact the Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278, or e-mail at deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov.