Austinuts

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Success Stories

Austinuts

In 2006, opportunities to expand into foreign markets were too good to ignore. Mr. Doron Ilai, the company owner, had the vision to further his export knowledge in order to become successful in the global market. Doron decided to participate in the Minority Export Training Program (MET) offered by the International Trade Center of San Antonio, and sponsored by the Foreign Agricultural Services and the Southern U.S. Trade Association in partnership with the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Five members of Austinuts participated in this customized training through nine different sessions held at their processing facility in Manor, Texas. Senior International Trade Consultant, Monica Alcoz, walked Austinuts personnel through the step-by-step process of exporting, from beneficiating of the North American Free Trade Agreement to learning how to limit their exposure to foreign financial risk.

The assistance did not end there. Follow-through came in the form of constant communication with owner Doron Ilai and V.P. Ramiro Sanchez. The International Trade Center continues to provide on-going support in areas such as supply chain, import regulations and standards, free trade agreements, export sanctions and channels of distribution; key information is always available to them in a timely manner. Moreover, the company was able to identify further export opportunities and take advantage of the SUSTA, Market Access Program, which reimburses companies up to 50% of international marketing expenses. With the customized export training under their belt and marketing funds secured, Austinuts was able to participate in their first international trade show, the "Salon International de l'Alimentation" in Montreal, Canada. The International Trade Center assisted Austinuts in the planning and executing of pre-show, during the show and post-show strategies. They were able to learn about the competition in the nuts industry as well as products and market trends. Furthermore, thanks to the many meetings with Canadian buyers they were able to identify potential agents and distributors for the Canadian market and promising negotiations are ongoing.

As Ramiro Sanchez, with Austinuts, likes to point out: "Austinuts has benefited greatly from the Minority Export Training provided by the International Trade Center. Our export sales have doubled and the program has allowed Austinuts to fully understand the potential of exporting to other markets. Our trainer was very knowledgeable and responsive while always demonstrating a good attitude and patience. Austinuts is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this vital program".

The International Trade Center is very proud of Austinuts. With its already acclaimed top-line of roasted nuts it took the courageous steps to learn and train its personnel in exporting and is now successfully pursuing new international accounts.

** Monica Alcoz, Sr. International Business Consultant, International Trade Center & Ramiro Sanchez, VP, Austinuts.

Our Results

Latest Success Story

Bespoke Group LLC, based in Irving, Texas, is a leading exporter of high quality dried pulses, or legumes, such as dried lentils, peas, and chickpeas. The annual global trade of pulses is a $3 billion industry. The United States is the second largest exporter of dried peas and third for dried lentils and accounts for about 15 percent of global exports.