SSGA Manager of Strategic Programs Shane Frederick recently traveled to Taiwan to participate in and present at an event put on by the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) and U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC).
The “Trade Opportunity Preview Summit” connected a trade team of food manufacturers from Southeast Asia – representing Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand – to a more mature soy foods sector, Taiwan, to gain insights into market innovations and trade opportunities and improve their own sourcing, manufacturing and business practices.
Through visits to soyfood and equipment companies, retail tours, expert presentations and one-on-one meetings and other networking opportunities, participants had the chance to:
- Learn from industry professionals about the many uses for soy in food products
- Learn about the U.S. soy industry, including familiarity with identity preserved soybeans
- Network with industry leaders and build relationships with individuals and organizations for future growth
Frederick spoke on the U.S. Identity Preserved brand program, including proof points that show functional economic and other efficiencies that come with using high-quality, consistently performing IP soybeans as key ingredients in food production. Frederick was joined in his presentation by Rob Prather, former SSGA board director and chair and a trade specialist for WISHH and IP expert for SSGA. Prather also spoke on how buyers can better communicate with U.S. exporters.
“We appreciate the invitation and opportunity to present U.S. Identity Preserved’s ‘fork-to-farm’ message at this great event,” Frederick said. “I think that message resonated after our visit to the Beanjoy tofu plant in Taichung City where it was pointed out that they select their soybeans based on distinct characteristics according to product requirements and make adjustments to flavor and palatability to meet their customers’ preferences.”
Attendees also heard from representatives from two food manufacturers, along with market overviews and remarks from WISHH and USSEC officials, a U.S. crop update from Indiana IP farmer and USSEC and American Soybean Association board member Mike Koehne, and a presentation on new soy food processing technologies and equipment from Northern Crops Institute food technologist Edil Vidal Torres.
“There was a real spirit of collaboration between WISHH, USSEC, SSGA and others, as we promoted U.S. Soy to improve the quality and consistency of food products critical to the culture throughout Asia,” Frederick said.
