Global Food Marketer - July/August 2026

JULY/AUGUST 2026

Global Food

Marketer

®

Educating & Enriching News of Global Food Markets

What International Buyers Look for Before They Place an Order

Many companies believe they're export ready because they have a great product.

While product quality is essential, international buyers evaluate much more before deciding which suppliers to work with.

Food Export offers education, market intelligence and buyer connections to help companies prepare with confidence.

They assess everything from packaging and pricing to production capacity, certifications, digital presence, responsiveness and reliability before requesting a sample.

For small- and medium-sized businesses, understanding these expectations early on can help create stronger opportunities and more productive buyer conversations.

Food Export helped facilitate

1,157

first-time export sales in 2025

$1.2 billion export sales in 2025

Get export ready and add your sales to the leader board.

The good news? Most of these expectations can be addressed before your first buyer meeting.

JULY/AUGUST 2026

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Webinars

Market Profile

Stay informed on evolving export trends, digital commerce, and international market developments.

United Arab Emirates A premium food market where branding, quality and imported products command strong demand.

Supplier Success Stories

How companies are using Food Export resources to grow internationally.

Market Profile

Indonesia A fast-growing consumer market where modern retail and expanding middle-class purchasing power are creating new export opportunities.

Export Insights

Expert perspectives on global food trade trends and exporter strategies.

Your Export Checklist Upcoming Activities

How prepared is your business for international buyers?

JULY/AUGUST 2026

Find Buyers Missions, Tradeshows, Product Showcases and learning opportunities.

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Your Export Checklist Is Your Business Ready to Compete Globally?

International buyers look for suppliers who can deliver more than a quality product. They want confidence that a company understands the market, can meet requirements, and is prepared to build a reliable partnership.

1. Your Product

2. Your Market

ASK YOURSELF:

ASK YOURSELF:

Do I know my HS Code and export pricing?

Can I explain my minimum order

quantities and lead times?

Have I researched consumer trends and buyer demand?

Do I understand my competitors?

Do I know import requirements and market regulations?

Are my product specifications and

certifications ready?

Do I have product samples available?

3. Your Brand Story

4. Your Operations

ASK YOURSELF:

ASK YOURSELF:

Why should buyers choose my product?

Does my website build credibility?

Are my logistics and shipping options

established?

Do I understand documentation requirements?

Can I support larger orders while

maintaining quality?

Can my brand message connect with international customers?

5. Your Sales Approach

Bottom Line

ASK YOURSELF:

PREPARATION CREATES OPPORTUNITY.

Have I researched the buyers I'll meet?

Have I prepared my key messages?

The strongest exporters prepare long before the first buyer conversation.

Food Export helps companies strengthen every stage of the export journey, from education and market research to buyer engagement and international expansion.

Do I understand local business culture?

Do I have a follow-up plan?

Are my sales materials ready to share?

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The Buyer’s Checklist What International Buyers Look for Before They Buy International buyers look for suppliers who can deliver more than a quality product. They want confidence that a company understands the market, can meet requirements, and is prepared to build a reliable partnership.

BUYERS ASK Is this company export ready?

Is this product right for my market?

Is this a company I want to work with?

Buyers need confidence that suppliers can meet demand, maintain quality, and support ongoing orders.

Buyers want suppliers who understand consumer preferences, market trends and local expectations.

Strong buyer relationships start with preparation, communication and trust.

Build your export foundation with:

Gain market knowledge through:

Export Essentials Online Educational Webinars Export Readiness Program

Market Builder Virtual Consultations Country Market Profiles

Build connections through:

Buyers Missions Focused Trade Missions Food Show PLUS!

Buyers look for partners who are prepared, reliable and ready to grow with them. Food Export helps companies build the knowledge, resources and relationships needed to compete globally.

The first buyer meeting shouldn’t be your first preparation.

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Find the Support That Matches Your Export Goals Every company starts its export journey from a different place.

Food Export programs are designed to help businesses build confidence, access resources, and continue growing internationally no matter where they are.

Which best describes your business today?

I’m just getting started.

Build the knowledge needed before connecting with international buyers.

I am preparing to enter new markets.

Build relationships and strengthen your buyer readiness.

I am already exporting and looking to expand.

Reach new customers and diversify your markets.

Resources to explore: Export Essentials Webinars Export Readiness Program

Resources to explore: Buyer Missions Branded Program Export Navigator Virtual Consultations

Resources to explore: Focused Trade Missions Food Show PLUS! Market Builder

Great products create opportunity.

Preparation helps turn opportunity into growth.

Food Export gives small- and medium-sized businesses the tools, knowledge and connections needed to compete in global markets.

JULY/AUGUST 2026

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