Services > US Market Entry and Expansion
US Market Entry and Expansion for Food and Beverage Brands
The United States is one of the largest food markets in the world, and one of the hardest to enter well. It is fragmented across channels and states, buyers expect a lot from new suppliers and the rules are strict. We help international food and beverage companies launch and grow in the US with a plan that covers the market, the partners and the regulations, and we stay involved until sales are happening.
Who this is for
International food and beverage producers ready to sell in the US for the first time, including small and mid sized brands from Europe.
Brands already in the US that want to expand into new states, channels or accounts.
Gourmet and specialty food companies looking for distributors, brokers and retail or foodservice partners that fit their positioning.
What we do
Market Entry Strategy
We assess where your product fits in the US market, who the customers are and what they pay, and set out the route that suits your size and resources. You receive a clear recommendation and a first year plan, not a long report.
Go to Market Planning
We turn the strategy into a plan: target channels and regions, pricing and margin structure, packaging and labelling, regulatory steps, sales materials and a timeline with owners.
Business Expansion Strategy
For brands already selling, we identify the next steps for growth, such as new regions, new accounts, a second channel or a wider range.
Sales Development
We build the pipeline: lists of the right buyers, outreach, introductions, sample programmes and follow up, so that the plan produces conversations and orders.
Territory Development
We help you decide which regions to prioritise and how to cover them, whether through distributors, brokers or your own team.
Channel Strategy
Retail, foodservice, e commerce, specialty and private label each work differently. We help you choose the channels that fit your product and margin, and the order in which to enter them.
Distributor Identification
We identify and approach the distributors and importers that serve your category and region, and help you evaluate offers, terms and exclusivity before you sign.
Broker Selection
Food brokers can open doors to retail and foodservice accounts. We help you shortlist them, check references and agree commission and territory terms that protect you.
Retail Expansion
We prepare your range, pricing and promotional plan for retailers, and guide you through listings, buyer meetings and category reviews.
Foodservice Expansion
We help you reach restaurants, hotels, caterers and institutional buyers, including product adaptation, pack sizes and distributor access.
Commercial Partnerships
We help you build partnerships with importers, co packers, retailers and brand owners, including private label arrangements where they suit your strategy.
Common problems we help solve
No clear idea of whether there is demand, or at what price.
Choosing a distributor who does not prioritise your product.
A label, product or pack that does not meet US requirements or expectations.
Entering too many regions or channels at once with too few resources.
Landed costs that erase the margin once freight, duties and distributor margins are added.
Regulatory steps that delay the first shipment.
How we work
Discover. We review your product, brand, certifications, capacity, goals and budget.
Design. We test the opportunity with market research, build the entry plan, and set pricing and channels.
Source. We identify and approach distributors, brokers, importers and buyers, and agree terms.
Launch. We coordinate registration, labelling, import, the first shipment and the first sales meetings.
Scale. We help you add accounts, regions and products as the first programme proves itself.
Guides on entering the US market
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to enter the US market?
It depends on your product, preparation and route. Regulatory steps, labels and buyer discussions each take time, and a first shipment typically follows months of preparation, not weeks. We give you a realistic timeline once we know your scope.
Do I need a distributor?
Most food brands do, at least at the start. A distributor handles warehousing, sales and delivery to retailers and foodservice buyers. Some brands start with direct sales or e commerce first. We help you compare the options.
Should I start with retail or foodservice?
It depends on your product. Packaged goods with a strong shelf story suit retail, while professional formats and premium products often suit foodservice. We help you decide based on margin, volume and resources.
What will it cost to enter the US?
Costs depend on your route, regulatory steps, packaging changes, samples, freight and marketing support. We scope each project individually, and a feasibility study can show the likely costs before you commit.
Do I need an American company?
Not always to start selling, but it can help in some cases. We explain the options on our Investment and Business Establishment page. For legal and tax questions, speak to your own advisers.
Can you help with US regulations?
Yes. Registration, Prior Notice, FSVP, labelling and documents are part of any launch. See our International Trade and Regulatory Support service.
Talk to us about entering the US
Tell us what you make and where you want to sell it. We will tell you what is realistic and what the first steps are.