The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) continues to operate A Taste of the States, a trade show initiative designed to connect U.S. food and beverage companies with global foodservice buyers. The pavilions appear at the National Restaurant Association Show and Americas Food and Beverage Show, bringing together state agriculture departments and food companies to showcase American agricultural products and innovation. The initiative operates under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service that dates to 1982.
Four Decades of Export Support Since the partnership began, NASDA has delivered more than 50 domestic trade show events and supported numerous U.S. pavilions at international exhibitions. The pavilions facilitate direct business connections between American producers, processors, distributors, chefs and restaurant operators with international buyers seeking U.S. products. "A Taste of the States creates meaningful business connections between producers, processors, distributors, chefs and restaurant operators," according to NASDA. "Participating companies gain exposure to national and international buyers while leveraging the credibility and support of their state departments of agriculture." The exhibits highlight regional flavors, emerging food trends, and producer stories alongside product showcases.
Why It Matters
For foodservice operators and distributors sourcing American products, A Taste of the States serves as a curated marketplace connecting them directly to state-backed producers and suppliers. The four-decade partnership demonstrates sustained institutional commitment to agricultural export development in the U.S.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
