This week, a delegation of 7 executives will be visiting Utah, Idaho, and Oregon on an inbound trade mission to explore opportunities for dairy exports from our region. The delegation will include buyers from six companies—three from Vietnam, two from Singapore, and one from Malaysia – most of which were visited last April by a group of Northwest processors on a trade mission from the Pacific Northwest.

The delegation arrived Sunday September 25, starting in Utah, followed by Idaho visits and then ending in Oregon. They will meet with dairy processors, farmers and export and logistics professionals in all three states to learn more about product availability, quality, safety, milk sources, manufacturing processes and capabilities. This cooperative regional approach is supported by the dairy checkoff organizations in each of the three states.

“This visit represents a continuation of our ongoing efforts to develop dairy export opportunities over three previous trade missions,” said Pete Kent, Executive Director for the Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council. “U.S dairy products are not well known in Southeast Asia, but we’re hoping to change that dynamic to earn a place at the table in one of the fastest growing emerging markets.”

Kent sees great potential in the near future for small and medium sized local businesses making artisan cheese and dairy ingredients. Another trade mission is already in the works that will bring these kinds of Oregon and Pacific Northwest dairy products to Vietnam in April 2017.