Brooklyn's Progress
June/July 2006

By HAROLD EGELN

The Israeli Buyers Mission, held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, took center stage on May 12. The food industry event was sponsored by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s Brooklyn Goes Global import/ export assistance program and the New York State Department of Agriculture.

“This was a tremendous, cost effective success,” said Steve Kaplansky, Director, Brooklyn Goes Global (BGG). “Companies had a one-on-one with buyers from Israel in a great setting.”

"It was a valuable event for everyone there," said Peter Constantine, International Trade Specialist, New York State Department of Economic Development.

Several manufacturers and distributors of kosher food and non-food products were able to introduce their products to Israel’s largest supermarket chain, Supersal.

Israel is a market of nearly 7 million consumers where 16% of the household expenditures go towards food consumption. In 2004, private consumption including food and beverages exceeded $2 billion, with food imports of the same items totaling $268 million in sales from the U.S.

"This is a good opportunity, thanks to Brooklyn Goes Global," said Cindy Fern Itzkowitz, Founder and President, Shabtai Gourmet and Cinderella Sweets. The company specializes in Rosh Hashanah and Passover cakes and cookies.
 
Among the many businesses that participated were Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Members HENA, Inc; King of the Sea; Wonton Food, Inc.; and Fidelity Payment Services

For more information about Brooklyn Goes Global and/or the Israel Buyers Mission and similar import/ export events, contact Steve Kaplansky at 718 875-1000 ext. 104, or at skaplansky@brooklynchamber.com.