WASHINGTON—The Organic Trade Association (OTA) will launch online resources for the global organic import and export community and host foreign buyer meetings at Natural Products EXPO West on March 6-8 in Anaheim, CA.
“After three decades, the organic market can finally claim true global reach," said Laura Batcha, CEO and executive director of the Organic Trade Association. “Providing the resources needed to secure its ongoing success is critical. The Organic Trade Association’s new online sites and global buyers meetings are spearheading this effort."
Being introduced at EXPO West, OTA’s online U.S. Export Directory gives qualified global buyers direct access to U.S. organic producers. Global buyers can search U.S. producers’ profiles, products and contact information in English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Chinese. Features include a directory video, details about the OTA’s Organic Export Program, and background on U.S. organic production.
Its companion website is the Global Organic Trade Guide, which offers an in-depth market data section and the only map tool to communicate global organic trade information in real time. Launched in June 2013, the site features the first comprehensive go-to-market reports covering the current organic industry in France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Taiwan and Korea (coming in June 2014).
EXPO West buyers meetings will give U.S. producers the chance to meet with foreign buyers from Canada, China, Costa Rica, France, Hong Kong, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, Singapore, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Vietnam. Producers will also have the opportunity to mingle with the foreign buyers at The Organic Center’s annual VIP dinner the evening of March 7, 2014.
“Global consumption of organic products is increasing 8% annually, and there is strong overseas demand for U.S organic products," Batcha said. "Our new Export Directory gives global buyers immediate, online connection to U.S. producers, and helps build business opportunities that can last for years. Through this resource, our Global Organic Trade Guide and foreign buyer meetings, OTA is well-poised to support the organic market’s success both at home and abroad."
Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service, both websites are administered by OTA’s Organic Export Program, which brings the U.S. organic industry to developing world markets through international promotions, exporter education, business-to-business connections, and trade negotiations.