World Trade Month, celebrated throughout the month of May, brings not only an opportunity to reflect on the United States’ economic well-being as a whole and the impact the international marketplace brings, but it is also a time to celebrate the diversified food products found in our nation – specifically, the distinct goods and products that highlight California as a leader in food production.

As California continues to set the pace for the rest of the nation as the country’s largest agricultural producer and exporter, California’s San Joaquin Valley’s agricultural abundance includes more than 350 commodities alone -- producing nearly half of the nation’s fruits, nuts and vegetables.

Known as one of the world’s most productive, diverse and distinct agricultural regions feeding over one-third of the world, the valley is home to more than 2,500 fresh produce growers and packers, which accounted for an economic impact of $113.4 billion in 2012 and over 72 percent of California's agricultural value.

Baloian Packing Co., located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley in Fresno, caught the eye of national and international buyers through connections made at the Fresno Food Expo, which claims to be the nation’s largest regional food show.

“The Fresno Food Expo has been a great networking tool that has allowed us to meet new retail and foodservice companies interested in working with growers like ourselves in this fertile valley,” Richard Cowden, account and marketing manager at Baloian Packaging, said in a press release. “We’ve set up new accounts as a direct result from attending the Fresno Food Expo, which has developed into consistent and steady year-round business, critical components to stimulating growth within our farming organization.”

The novelty of an exclusively regional food show hosted in the San Joaquin Valley has afforded the Fresno Food Expo international attention from buyers around the world because of the integral role the region plays in the global food supply chain.

With 95 percent of the world’s consumers outside the United States’ borders, the valley food industry has an opportunity to potentially increase its annual sales by 30-50 percent through exporting, according to export sales numbers tracked by clients of the California Centers for International Trade Development, the expo’s lead sponsor for International Trade.

CITD has successfully helped thousands of companies grow their business by getting their products into foreign markets by saving time and cost through streamlined processes.

As the Expo’s partner, CITD helps local agribusiness grow in the international markets by guiding exhibitors through the logistics of exporting and provides them with the necessary tools to secure successful deals.

Fresh produce grower participation continues to grow at the expo, with a 25 percent increase from 2013 to 2014. That number is expected to grow at the 2015 Fresno Food Expo when an estimated 150 local food production companies headquartered throughout the eight-county San Joaquin Valley will come together with approximately 750 key buyers from international, domestic, regional and local food and beverage buying channels.

The Fresno Food Expo provides an opportunity for produce buyers to connect with these top growers and also helps build global awareness about the vast and diverse agricultural food products grown in the San Joaquin Valley, highlighting the many facets that make the region a leader in the world’s food industry.

The top growers and manufacturers in California’s San Joaquin Valley will come together again July 22-23 at the Fresno Food Expo. Buyers and exhibitors may pre-register for the 2015 Fresno Food Expo by visiting www.FresnoFoodExpo.com. Qualified buyer registration is free.

Exclusive site tours and VIP Event for pre-registered buyers will kick off on July 22, 2015 and the 2015 Fresno Food Expo will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2015, at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center New Exhibit Hall. More information is available at www.FresnoFoodExpo.com.