US Potato Importers Tour Idaho Harvest, Attend USPB International Table-Stock Symposium, PMA Trade Show

Thirteen importers from Mexico, Vietnam, Indonesia and Taiwan spent two days touring the harvest and packing activities of five Idaho grower/shippers as part of the 2011 United States Potato Board (USPB) Table-Stock Reverse Trade Mission.

These international Reverse Trade Mission participants then traveled to Atlanta, GA, for the USPB International Table-Stock Symposium, held in conjunction with the 2011 Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Fresh Summit.

“As a result of this Reverse Trade Mission, we may see the most success in Vietnam,” said Sarah Mahler, USPB International Marketing Manager—Table-Stock.

“No US table-stock potatoes are currently entering Vietnam, but after the RTM, one importer who attended is now ready and willing to bring in commercial shipments of US table-stock potatoes to introduce to her customers.

“The Reverse Trade Mission also increased interest in US table-stock potatoes among the Indonesian importers. They are really interested in bringing US table-stock potatoes into their market once the United States has gained access.

“The attendees from Mexico expressed interest in importing additional varieties for retailers in their market. Since this Reverse Trade Mission, participants from Taiwan have also been working with retailers to conduct in-store promotions with USPB point of sale materials.”

The international importer RTM participants visited Wada Farms, Koompin Farms, Toevs Farm, LLC, Rigby Produce and Eagle Eye Produce, October 11-12, 2011. During the tours the group saw harvest, packing facilities and storages. They were really impressed by how clean and organized each company’s packing facilities were, and their ability to sort and size potatoes with such precision. Actually seeing potatoes being harvested and packed gave these importers confidence in US potato quality, and they really enjoyed meeting the growers and learning about their potato production operations.

“The combination of participants on the Reverse Trade Mission was really good,” Mahler said. “Participants from Taiwan and Mexico, who are already importing US table-stock potatoes, discussed their experiences and answered questions for the participants from Vietnam and Indonesia who have not imported US table-stock potatoes before.”

The USPB International Table-Stock Symposium was held prior to the PMA Fresh Summit in Atlanta, GA, October 14, 2011. This event was a great way for the international participants to learn more about US table-stock potatoes and for US growers to learn more about the USPB’s international target markets while meeting current and potential buyers.

The international participants also attended the PMA Fresh Summit and visited US potato booths. It was a good chance for them to see what is new in the produce industry and talk with US potato growers and exporters.

See the complete USPB International Table-Stock Export Long Range Plan for Fiscal Years 2012-2016.