Timing it Right in Japan

Texas-based BuzzBallz is a family-owned business that has a healthy domestic footprint. In 2022, they started thinking more strategically about how to expand their international reach outside the USA; creating an international commercial division

“Securing a Japanese client partner was certainly a priority, because once established in Japan, other Asian markets tend to be more open to exploring opportunities,” said BuzzBallz International. In March 2023, BuzzBallz exhibited in the SUSTA pavilion at FoodEx Japan, which put BuzzBallz on the map in Japan. “Visitors and key accounts saw the brand there and got to know it.” By the following year, BuzzBallz returned to FoodEx Japan as their products were hitting shelves in Osaka. “It was perfect timing.”

“The benefits of exhibiting with SUSTA are many. First, they streamline the planning process, taking the burden off of smaller suppliers so they can focus on making strategic connections. Second, SUSTA has historically placed suppliers in great locations within the USA pavilion. It is a huge benefit to be with American colleagues and share ideas. Without SUSTA, suppliers would be on their own island in a huge trade show.” BuzzBallz also shared that CostShare provides the financial support needed to open doors to new markets, like Brazil. “BuzzBallz wouldn’t have done certain events, like ANUGA Select Brazil, without SUSTA’s support.”