SSGA’s international representatives in Asia

SSGA is the identity preserved alliance of the United States, so we’re thrilled to have this very experienced team working on behalf of our member businesses in international markets to grow exports and the value of exports through the U.S. Identity Preserved program, which includes the brand mark/label. They may be reaching out to your businesses, as they do market assessments and look to better understand the wants and needs of the markets in which they’re representing the high-quality, specialty field crop sector of agriculture. Please cooperate with them where and when you are able. They will be respectful of business confidentiality. They are also here to help you with your questions and can assist you if and when you travel to their countries and regions. If you have further questions, please reach out to Manager of Strategic Programs Shane Frederick.

SSGA’s new team of Asia Representatives are located in Japan, Korea, and Thailand (serving Southeast Asia). They each have a deep background with various U.S. agricultural products, a strong relationship with the FAS offices in their respective countries and, of course, communicate fluently in English. The team will serve SSGA needs under the coordination of Amy Burdett and Susan Weller of International Collaborative Consulting.

Japan Team

Izumi Amano, Motix – Marketing

Based in Tokyo, Izumi works at MOTIX, which has successfully represented a range of U.S. agricultural organizations since 2001 in creating tangible opportunities for sales – including the Cranberry Marketing Committee, American Egg Board, American Pistachio Growers, the American Peanut Council, USA Poultry and Egg Export Council, and California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB). Activities they continue to implement in Japan include chef competitions, magazine tie-ins, menu promotions, SNS posts, educational seminars for professionals and culinary school students, newsletter development, menu promotions, trade servicing, in-store retail promotions, trade shows, consumer workshops, market research and government relations.

Izumi’s extensive promotional experience and connections with the Japanese foodservice and manufacturing industries as well as her high level of knowledge of program implementation will be an asset to the execution of SSGA events and activities.

Keiichi (Ken) Tanaka – Technical

Based just outside of Tokyo, Ken has a strong wherewithal of the purchasing practices of the Japanese trade, having worked for the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives Association for over 23 years. He worked in the purchasing and sales of grains and soybean as a trader. He communicated with U.S. grains and soybean suppliers for high-quality food grade soybeans as well as feed and was involved in IP handling of corn and soybeans. His strong acumen in grains, trade communications and trade servicing will highly benefit SSGA’s efforts in the market.

Korea Team

Jennie Lee

Based in Seoul, Jennie began her career working for a shipping company, accumulating knowledge in logistics and international trade for four years before she joined a marketing company that specialized in working for multiple USDA cooperator organizations for 15 years, representing products such as U.S. potatoes, California walnuts, and California wines. As a program manager, she worked closely with the trade to keep abreast of the market situation and to manage trade relations. She planned and conducted cooperative promotional activities, B2B/B2C educational training, as well as public relations. She is now an independent agricultural marketing analyst for U.S.-based suppliers and nonprofit trade organizations. Jennie is a firm believer in the U.S. agricultural industry, due to its superior quality standard and sustainability effort. She is also an avid supporter of USDA’s overseas marketing programs.

Southeast Asian Team

Kraipob Pangsapa, Pangsapa Company Limited

Located in Thailand, Pangsapa Company Limited has been providing marketing consultancy services since 2000, including market intelligence, trade servicing and consumer promotions in Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore. Their clients include Cotton Council International, Cotton Incorporated and Potatoes USA and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. They have representatives on the ground in all five of SSGA’s targeted Southeast Asian markets. Pangsapa Company Limited is led by Mr. Kraipob Pangsapa, a Thai national. Kraipob has an international education that includes American universities.