What is the Branded Program?

The Branded Program provides 50% reimbursement for a wide range of international marketing activities. It’s tailored to support small and medium-sized U.S. businesses looking to grow globally.

Branded Program Overview
Discover how the Branded Program can help you double your marketing budget for promoting U.S. food and agricultural products.

Who Can Apply?

  • U.S. companies producing or marketing agricultural products with at least 50% U.S. origin content
  • Participants must apply and be approved through a U.S. supplier
  • The program is open to companies of all sizes, with a focus on small to mid-sized businesses

Funding Details

  • 50% reimbursement of eligible expenses
  • Minimum request: USD 2,500
  • Maximum limit: USD 300,000 (total across all countries)
  • Eligible marketing expenses include:
  • Trade shows and exhibitions
  • In-store promotions and demos
  • Packaging and labeling
  • Advertising (print, digital, social media)
  • Marketing materials (brochures, videos, POS displays)

U.S. Origin Requirement
All promotional materials and activities must clearly state the product’s origin with phrases like “Product of the U.S.A.” or “Grown in the USA”.

U.S. Supplier Qualification
To be eligible for the Branded Program, U.S. suppliers must meet specific regional and product-related criteria.

📍 Regional Eligibility
Suppliers must be headquartered in one or more of the following regions:

  • Midwest — States covered by [Food Export–Midwest]
  • Northeast — States covered by [Food Export–Northeast]

(Insert Food Export Northeast and Midwest Map)

✅ Additional Requirements
To qualify, a U.S. supplier must:

  • Be a small business as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
  • Be a registered entity in the United States
  • Have sufficient resources and a reliable supply chain in requested export markets
  • Offer value-added agricultural products, such as:
  • Consumer-ready food products
  • Foodservice items
  • Food and feed ingredients
  • Pet food
  • Specific wood products
  • Seafood**
  • Ensure products contain at least 50% U.S. agricultural content
  • Label all products clearly with “Product of the U.S.A.” or an equivalent statement
  • Ensure the product is not being promoted through another U.S. commodity group

⚠️ Important Notes

  • Seafood must be of 100% U.S. origin, unless further processed or used as an ingredient