A Korean snack maker, a Canadian health-food brand, and the US importer already buying from Asia
Two foreign food brands that wanted the US market, and a US distributor already importing from Europe, Southeast Asia and Turkey.
$4,997
Paid by each brand for 2–3 US importers that fit
$5,997+
Paid by the distributor for 3–6 foreign brands over 60–90 days
2
Brands placed inside one distributor package
The two sides
A Korean food company already exporting to many countries and looking for a US importer, and a Canadian health-food brand expanding into the US. On the other side, a US distributor of candy, chocolate, sauces, honey and other shelf-stable grocery, already importing from Europe, Southeast Asia and Turkey.
What happened
01
We wrote to foreign food brands that had registered with their government’s export programme or exhibited at US trade shows, and to US importers and distributors, in the same week.
02
The distributor told us it handles a wide range of non-perishable grocery and that anything coming from Asia interested it. The Korean company told us it was eager to find a US importer.
03
Both had said it in their own words, so that was the first match we counted. The Canadian brand, which wanted to expand in the US, became the second brand inside the distributor’s package.
04
Each brand paid for its own sourcing, the distributor paid once for its package, and the introductions went out by email.
Why it worked
We only count a match when both sides have said it themselves. The distributor said Asia. The brand said US importer. That was enough.