International Marketing Program at MDARD

The Michigan Craft Beverage Council recently attended the Midwest Craft Distillers Local Grain Sourcing event at Granor Farm in Three Oaks to promote the production of craft spirits with locally sourced ingredients.

When craft distillers invest in Michigan-grown ingredients, Michigan invests in them. Producers who use more than 40% Michigan-grown ingredients in their spirits qualify for reduced markup costs.

Apply for the 2027 Qualified Small Distiller Program by June 18 at the link in the comments!

MDARD's International Marketing Program joined two great Michigan companies at the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association Show last week!

Chunk Nibbles is a Troy-based gourmet snack producer that offers a variety of different flavored snack clusters that began as a family recipe and has grown to distributing their clusters in 5,000 locations, securing their place in the national snack market.

And Drench Dressings is a Detroit-based salad dressing producer that began creating homemade dressings as an effort of creating a healthier option for themselves. Now they sell their dressings in 3,000 locations nationwide, providing delicious salad dressings to communities across the U.S.

"MDARD has always been an incredible organization and very helpful to our brand over the years. All the folks from the different departments at MDARD have always been willing to go the extra mile for the smaller brands," said Brad Cocklin, Co-Founder of Chunk Nibbles.

For more information on the International Marketing Program and the services we offer, visit https://bit.ly/4fcQjvp

Don't miss out!

MDARD's International Marketing team is attending the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association Show from June 7-9, 2026. This show is an opportunity to learn about new technologies and connect with other industry professionals.

Visit our team at booths 5327 and 5328 and check out Michigan products! For more info, visit https://bit.ly/4wUie9R

How do you moo?

June is Dairy Month! This month we celebrate all of the hardworking professionals that contribute to this industry. We are proud of the dairy products produced in Michigan and shared throughout the nation and the world!

For more info, visit https://bit.ly/3Rpq4Iq

FACT! Michigan ranks sixth in the nation for total milk production.​

Michigan milk is "udderly" amazing with an incredible dairy community and the hardworking farmers who keep it thriving.​

Did you know?​
🥛Our state is home to more than 400,000 dairy cows across approximately 900 dairy farms.​
🥛 Michigan’s dairy farms contribute an impressive $15.7 billion to the state’s economy every year.​

Here’s to the dairy farmers, processors, and partners who support this essential industry and help nourish our communities every day!

Don't miss your chance to join us in Detroit August 10 for Summer in the Cities!

Connect directly with international buyers and grow your business globally. Through curated events, Michigan companies gain access to lucrative global opportunities.

Early registration for this year's Summer in the Cities is closing soon. Secure your spot before June 12, 2026. You won't want to miss this one!

Register here: https://bit.ly/422EBf1

Satisfy your sweet tooth!

Visit Michigan booths 1478, 1479 and 1480 at the Sweets and Snacks Expo May 19-21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Our booths are packed with Michigan-made favorites and new products. This is your chance to build global relationships and expand opportunities beyond borders. For more info on the Sweets and Snacks Expo, visit https://bit.ly/4mWJ0d7

MDARD’s International Marketing Program was at the National Restaurant Association Trade Show in Chicago this week with Mosul Kubba and 9 other Michigan food businesses and agricultural commodity groups.

Based in Troy, Mosul Kubba is one of the largest manufacturers of Mediterranean frozen products in the United States. The company has attended the NRA show for five years, gaining customers and growing along the way.

“MDARD is very easy to work with,” said Joseph Seman, Mosul Kubba’s plant manager. “They work hands-on with us and present us with new customers. If they have a connection with someone that would be beneficial for us to work with, they help to make that introduction and connect us to new opportunities."

Check out MDARD’s International Marketing Program web page for information about more upcoming trade shows and other ways to grow your food and agriculture business!

Are you a small distiller in Michigan?

Don't miss out! Apply for the 2027 Qualified Small Distiller Certificate by June 18, 2026 for reduced markups on your products. The certificate applies to small distillers who use at least 40 percent Michigan grown and harvested grain in their base distillate. For more info on the application and criteria, visit https://bit.ly/3OL7J7G

Raising spirits, not prices!​

Did you know MDARD’s Qualified Small Distiller Program lowers markup costs on craft spirits that use at least 40% Michigan rye, wheat, honey, and other ingredients? Craft distillers in the program use more than 4 million pounds of Michigan-grown ingredients every year!​

That means more sales for Michigan farmers, more sales for craft distillers, and more world-class Michigan craft beverages for you. And remember: always drink responsibly.