MDA boosts food and beverage start-ups at natural/organic trade show

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will host 19 of Minnesota’s innovative food and beverage companies at this year’s Natural Products Expo West trade show in Anaheim, California. The Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) New Markets Program coordinates Minnesota Pavilions that provide discounted booth space to Minnesota food companies at industry trade shows across the United States and internationally.

In the past year, nearly 60 companies participated in trade shows through the MDA’s AGRI New Markets Program. Those companies reported $6.7 million in new sales as a result of trade show participation, indicating a return on investment of nearly $20 for every dollar invested.

“Minnesota’s food and beverage sector is leading the region in quality and ingenuity,” said Assistant Commissioner Andrea Vaubel, who leads the MDA’s Agricultural Marketing and Development Division. “The AGRI New Markets Program gives us a chance to support some of the most enterprising start-ups in the state. They’re starting new companies, hiring more employees, and often sourcing Minnesota-grown agricultural products – which all contribute to the state’s economy.”

As a global leader in food manufacturing, Minnesota is home to more food scientists than any other region in the country, according to GreaterMSP, and Minnesota food and agribusiness companies boast an estimated workforce of 82,000 employees. Natural and organic food and beverage sales have consistently increased over the last decade. Sales are projected to continue to grow in 2017.

As the largest natural food and beverage trade show on the West Coast, Natural Products Expo West attracted nearly 77,000 attendees last year. The popular trade show offers Minnesota companies a tremendous opportunity to explore new markets and make connections with thousands of potential buyers.

Nineteen companies will participate in the AGRI New Markets Program at the 2017 Natural Products Expo West:

JonnyPops: all-natural frozen fruit and cream pops

Nots! Snacks: nut-free, gluten-free sunflower snacks

Seven Sundays: muesli and muesli squares

Total Health Advanced Nutrition: high-quality nutritional supplements and foods

Bliss Gourmet Foods: artisan granola and muesli blends

Envy Foods: all-natural premium juices and smoothies

Wilderness Family Naturals/Wildly Organic: organic and natural raw foods

Bizzy Coffee: organic cold brew coffee concentrate

Toom Dips: premium garlic dips, available in four flavors

Thousand Hills Cattle Company: lifetime grazed, 100% grass fed beef

WholeMe: nutrient dense convenient foods

Farmer You/Product of Nature: micro-green trays, germination pads, and seeds

So Good Brand: certified organic non-GMO juice, coffee, and nut milk

Fresh Bar: refrigerated nutrition bars

Buddy’s Nut Butters: better, simpler peanut butter

Dr. in the Kitchen – Flackers: organic flax seed crackers

Bongard’s Premium Cheese: farmer-owned cooperative producing signature cheeses

Punk Rawk Labs: gourmet dairy-free nut-milk cheese

Henke Foods: handcrafted popcorn, caramels, and chocolates