IDF named Exporter of the Year

Southwest Missouri’s International Dehydrated Foods Inc. recently was named the “Exporter of the Year” by the Missouri Department of Economic Development. The company received the award at the 52nd annual Missouri Governor’s Conference held Sept. 15-17 in Kansas City.

IDF President and CEO Kurt Hellweg accepted the award for the Monett manufacturing facility, where the company employs 200 associates, according to a news release.

“The award is made possible by the efforts of our plant and corporate employees,” said Mike Scabarozi, vice president of manufacturing for IDF, in to the release. “Meeting the needs of our international customers requires a focused effort to the details required for international sales.”

Despite sluggish national and global markets, IDF recorded a 7.5 percent increase in exports in 2009, and its exports are up 30 percent to date in 2010. One-fourth of the company’s total sales are said to come from its exports. The company currently ships its varied portfolio of ingredients to 33 countries around the world.

The Monett Chamber of Commerce nominated IDF for the state honor. The Monett Chamber regularly provides IDF with certificates of origin for the company’s exports.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development will hold its 53rd annual Governor’s Conference in Springfield next year. The conference will be held Sept. 21-23 at the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center.