The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) and Food Export Midwest, hosted a BBQ Sauces and Rubs buyers’ mission alongside the American Royal World Series of Barbecue from October 31 to November 3.

Eight international buyers from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Curaçao, France, Guatemala, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom visited Kansas City. The event featured 20 suppliers, including Kansas-based Meat Mitch from Leawood and Man Meat from Kansas City.

Over the course of four days, the buyers toured local BBQ stores and restaurants, including Joe’s KC BBQ Retail Store, Whole Foods, and Smoke n’ Fire Grill Store. They also participated in one-on-one meetings with suppliers to discuss products. The buyers capped off the experience with a guided tour of the American Royal BBQ Competition.

This buyers’ mission reflects KDA’s ongoing efforts to support all aspects of agriculture by facilitating opportunities for businesses to market and sell their products both domestically and internationally. The event was made possible through KDA’s and MDA’s membership in Food Export Midwest.