Germany's food, beverage and agricultural exporters have a new advocate in North America: German Foods North America, based in Washington, D.C., will now represent and promote the country's food and beverage producers and culinary culture in the United States and Canada. The company takes over from CMA North America (German Agricultural Marketing Board), which ceased operations at the end of 2009.

"As the world's third-largest exporter of food and agricultural goods, Germany produces more than bratwurst and beer," said Arnim von Friedeburg, managing partner of German Foods. "We put the spotlight on Germany's best practices and new trends in food production, safety, and retailing, as well as nutrition and environmental policies. In these areas, German and North American trade partners can learn a lot from each other."

The main role of German Foods is to provide a link between German suppliers and North American retailers and consumers, and thus facilitate food and agri-product trade between the countries. The company provides North American trade partners with opportunities to source and meet German suppliers, provide promotion assistance, and liaise with government agencies and other trade organizations.

The company also hosts and edits www.germanfoods.org, where specialty retailers and restaurateurs in the United States and Canada, selling at least 15 authentic German food and beverages, can list their stores and restaurants. "This complimentary service helps German food fans to locate and purchase the ingredients and treats they are looking for," said von Friedeburg. A typical German assortment includes sweets and snacks, beers and wines, cheeses, hams and sausages, pasta, cereals, breads, pickled vegetables, and condiments.

The Web site's newest section is mygermanfoods.org, featuring bilingual articles about German cuisine, healthy eating and nutrition, and cooking tips, along with an English-German food dictionary. "We want to assist language students of all ages in North America to acquire some food literacy and learn the German language at the same time," said von Friedeburg.

German Foods North America, LLC, based in Washington, D.C., is committed to assisting German food and beverage suppliers in marketing their products in the United States and Canada. The majority of Germany's food and beverage suppliers are small to mid-size family-owned companies. German Foods works primarily on behalf of the German government, the German Chambers of Commerce in the United States and Canada, German food and agriculture industry associations, as well as individual exporters. For more information, call 301-365-5043 or e-mail friedeburg@germanfoods.org.