ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 2, 2009

ND COMPANIES TO VISIT LARGEST NATURAL PRODUCTS SHOW

BISMARCK – Twelve Pride of Dakota companies will tour the world’s largest natural and organic products trade show, March 5-8, in Anaheim, CA.

“With more than 3,000 exhibits drawing more than 50,000 visitors, the 2009 Natural Products Expo West is an ideal opportunity for North Dakota companies to explore new ideas that can help their business grow,” said Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson. “It will also give them a better idea if the show is something they would like to be part of in the future.”

North Dakota companies participating in the tour include Camden Naturals, Anamoose; Catherine’s for Lamb, Driscoll; Fargo Imports, Fargo; Gluten-Free Savonnerie, Wildrose; Honey Lovers, Inc., Shields; International Certification Services, Medina; Morning Star Ranch, Inkster; Pure Pleasure, Fredonia; Rolling Hills Premium Ranch Beef, Medina; A Touch of Honey, Linton; The Twisted Bakery, Dickinson, and Waggy Tail Treats, Fargo.

In addition to touring the show, company representatives participate in a retail tour of area grocery stores, and meet individually with Dennis Lynch, a business counselor with the Food Export Association of the Midwest. Comprised of the agriculture department marketing divisions of 12 midwestern states, Food Export Midwest offers a variety of programs and services to help U.S. companies promote midwestern food and agricultural products in foreign markets.

Two North Dakota Department of Agriculture marketing specialists, Sara Kelsch and Stephanie Sinner, will lead the group.

Authorized by the Legislature and administered by NDDA, Pride of Dakota fosters the development and growth of small businesses and especially businesses that are farm-based or rely on agricultural commodities. Pride of Dakota member companies participate in cooperative promotion and marketing events; receive representation at local, state, regional, national, and international trade shows and take part in educational opportunities.

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MEDIA: For more information, please call Ted Quanrud at (701) 328-2233 or tquanrud@nd.gov or Patrice Lahlum at (701) 239-7210 or plahlum@nd.gov.

On the Web:
           Pride of Dakota: www.prideofdakota.nd.gov

Natural Products Expo West: www.expowest.com