During the 2004 Holland Alaska Exchange event in Bergen op Zoom, the US embassy organized a food and wine tasting. This event was held in the afternoon of May 25, 2004 in the beautiful Hotel de Draak. Purpose of the tasting was to promote the high quality and tasty food products the US (and in particular the Alaska region) has to offer. For this event the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) cooperated with local importers showcasing a variety of game meat (e.g. musk ox, bison), seafood (e.g. scallops, smoked wild salmon) and wines (Washington state wines).

The tasting was attended by several press people and the higher end of the Hotel and Restaurant industry from the Rotterdam-Breda-Antwerp area. Invitees’ reactions were very positive and in several cases it resulted in direct sales. Organizers were very pleased with the visit of the US Ambassador to the Netherlands, Ambassador C. Sobel.

This event is one of the many marketing events, the US Department of Agriculture organizes within the Benelux. The office in the Hague represents the interests of the United States Department of Agriculture in the Benelux region. Among the responsibilities of our office is providing assistance to U.S. exporters and facilitating the promotion of U.S. agricultural and food products.

Organizers look back at a successful event and would like to take the opportunity to thank all people involved for their support.

Marcel H.W.M. Pinckaers
Agricultural Specialist
the US Embassy, The Hague