US Expansion Planning and Business Establishment for Food Companies

Who this is for

Established producers with proven US sales who are considering a permanent US operation.

Companies planning a US subsidiary or office who need a clear plan for what to set up first.

Investors and partners exploring US opportunities in the food sector.

What we do

US Expansion Planning

We assess whether, where and how to build a US presence: the markets you will serve, the investment required, the options (selling through partners, a US sales office or local operations) and the timeline.

Operational Setup

We help you plan the practical side of a US operation: the functions you need, the partners and service providers to use, the process for orders, invoicing and customer service, and the regulatory steps that apply to the activities you will carry out in the US.

Supply Chain Infrastructure

We design the warehousing, transport and distribution that will support the US business, and help you choose between your own facilities and partners. See our Supply Chain Design and Distribution service.

Commercial Network Development

We build the network of distributors, retailers, foodservice partners and key accounts that the US business will rely on, so that you are not starting from zero on the day you open.

Long Term Growth Strategy

We set out a multi year plan: the products, channels and regions to add, the milestones and the resources required, with decision points where you can adjust.

Common problems we help solve

• Not knowing the order in which to set things up.

• Committing to a warehouse, team or entity before demand is proven.

• No local partners or network to support a US operation.

• Regulatory steps that apply to a US facility or a US importer role, discovered too late.

• Costs of operating in the US that were not in the plan.

• A plan with no clear milestones or exit points.

How we work

1. Discover. We review your current US business, goals, resources and constraints.

2. Design. We build the expansion plan and the investment case, with options and trade offs.

3. Source. We identify the partners, providers and locations you need.

4. Launch. We coordinate the first stages of setup and the commercial launch.

5. Scale. We review results against the plan and adjust as the US business grows.

Important note on legal, tax and immigration matters

We provide commercial and operational planning. Company formation, tax, employment and immigration questions should be handled by your own legal and tax advisers. We work with them where needed.

Guides

• 5 proven strategies for US and Europe market entry

• FDA food facility registration for foreign producers

• How to choose an FDA US agent

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a US company to sell in the US?

Not always to start. Many producers begin by selling through a US importer or distributor. A US entity becomes more relevant as your US business grows. Speak to your legal and tax advisers about the right structure.

How long does it take to set up a US operation?

It depends on the scale and the steps involved. We build a timeline with you once we know the scope.

What should I decide first, importing or local production?

It depends on your product, volumes and margins. We compare the options, including contract manufacturing in the US, with the costs and risks of each.

Can you help with warehouses and partners?

Yes. We help you identify and evaluate warehouses, 3PLs, distributors and other partners, and coordinate their setup.

Do you provide legal or tax advice?

No. We provide commercial and operational planning and work alongside your legal and tax advisers.

Is this for large companies only?

No. The plan is scaled to your size and resources, and often starts small.