Locally run Davisco Foods receives a Governor's International Trade Award

Award honors Minnesota organizations and individuals who excel in the international marketplace

MINNEAPOLIS (October 1, 2008) Davisco Foods International, Inc., a privately held, three generation family owned company and leaders of the global dairy industry, enjoyed international recognition by accepting a Governor's International Trade Award. The award was presented to Mark Davis, CEO of Davisco Foods International, Inc., on October 2, 2008 during a luncheon at the Governor's Global Trade Conference.

The Governor's International Trade Award honors Minnesota companies, organizations and individuals who have excelled in the international marketplace. The award highlights the crucial role exporting plays in Minnesota's economy and recognizes the recipient's efforts to expand and promote the state's exports. For sixty-five years, Davisco has contributed to employment in the state as growing domestic and international sales result in job creation at the plants, dairies and business offices.

Davisco produces 370 million pounds of cheese annually and is one of the largest suppliers of cheese to Kraft Foods. Davisco also produces 200 million pounds of whey by-products annually, accounting for 65% of whey protein isolates sold worldwide.

"We are honored to be recognized by the state for our contributions in the international marketplace," said Davisco’s CEO. "Global expansion is a strategic area of focus for our organization as we provide companies around the world with high quality dairy ingredients. With sales from international markets now beginning to approach over half of Davisco’s revenue, we are excited to see our business grow on a truly global scale." Davisco Foods International, Inc. has shipped product to over sixty countries in the last twenty five years. Breakthrough countries during this time include Bolivia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand.

The Governor's Global Trade Conference is held in conjunction with Minnesota World Trade Week, an annual event organized by the Minnesota Trade Office, to acknowledge and celebrate the importance of international trade to the state's economy. The Minnesota Trade Office and its many partners organize a variety of export promotion and training events to assist Minnesota companies in preparing for and effectively competing in the international market.

Davisco Foods International, Inc. remains heavily involved in the Minnesota economy and community. Over the past twelve years, Davisco employment has increased due to the company’s success. High sales volumes contribute to building new facilities, which support growth and investment in Minnesota’s marketplace. As international trade grows, Davisco Foods will continue to contribute to the economy of Minnesota through local employment and investment.