The National Restaurant Association Show is one of several national tradeshows where we host a Minnesota Pavilion.
A consignee is the firm or person in the destination country that the product is being shipped to or otherwise is overseeing delivery of the product into the destination country.
The application contains a section concerning the consignee. What is a consignee?
A consignee is the firm or person in the destination country that the product is being shipped to or otherwise is overseeing delivery of the product into the destination country.
The government of the destination country is the entity that determines if a Certificate of Free Sale is required. The MDA does not make the determination and does not maintain a current list of requirements for foreign countries. Please consult your contacts within the destination country to determine if a Certificate of Free Sale is required.
What entity determines if a Certificate of Free Sale is required?
The government of the destination country is the entity that determines if a Certificate of Free Sale is required. The MDA does not make the determination and does not maintain a current list of requirements for foreign countries. Please consult your contacts within the destination country to determine if a Certificate of Free Sale is required.
- Ensure Certificate of Free Sale submission is complete and includes:
- Completed application form
- Payment (in the form of a cash, check, or money order)
- Product label(s)
- Self-addressed express mail return label (Optional. Returned via US Mail otherwise.)
- Any supplemental documents you feel may expedite the process
- Use an express delivery service such as FedEx, UPS, or USPS Priority Mail to send Certificate of Free Sale submission to the MDA Cashier at the address listed above.
- Additionally, email the following to Feed.Free.Sale.Certs.MDA@state.mn.us :
- High quality, legible copy of all product labels
- A copy of the return mailer PDF
- A copy of the completed Certificate of Free Sale application form
- Certificates are processed within five to ten business days as long as all previous invoices issued by the MDA are not overdue (30 days).
- You may choose to be emailed an invoice which, when paid, will allow the issuing of the certificates(s). Invoices may be paid online by bank debit or credit card.
- Payments by mail are limited to cash, check, or money order.
How do I pay in invoice?
- You will be emailed an invoice with information on how to pay online.
- The PIN required to make an online payment is at the bottom of the invoice.
Yes, you can request up to three Certificates of Free Sale per application with no additional fee. All certificates are identical, written on the MDA letterhead, signed, and notarized.
A consignee is the firm or person in the destination country that the product is being shipped to or otherwise is overseeing delivery of the product into the destination country.
The government of the destination country is the entity that determines if a Certificate of Free Sale is required. The MDA does not make the determination and does not maintain a current list of requirements for foreign countries. Please consult your contacts within the destination country to determine if a Certificate of Free Sale is required.
Category
License Title (formerly Alternate License Title)
Feed Certificate for Export/Certificate of Free Sale
May 6, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Make it Minnesota Program is supporting thirteen food and beverage brands at the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show, held annually in the North Hall of McCormick Place, in Chicago, IL. They will exhibit as part of the
"A Taste of the States" showcase, organized by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
NRA provides exposure to a regional, national, and international audience of buyers looking for new and better products for their foodservice. The event is touted as the largest annual gathering of foodservice professionals in the Western Hemisphere.
"We’re proud to support these outstanding Minnesota brands as they work to expand their reach into new markets," said MDA Assistant Commissioner Patrice Bailey. "The National Restaurant Association Show is an incredible opportunity to introduce their innovative products to buyers and distributors from across the country and around the world."
Seven of the 13 Minnesota brands participating this year are new to the NRA Show, but one standout company has been a staple of the Minnesota Pavilion for 25+ years. Captain Ken’s Foods, a St. Paul-based family-owned and managed company, is known for its famous oven-baked beans (not canned), hearty chili recipes, and other comforting classics including cheesy hash browns, taco meat, and more.
Capitan Ken’s Foods owners, Mike and John Traxler recently shared how valuable the show has been to help grow their business. “The connections we’ve made at the NRA Show have helped us expand our reach, which now touches over 40 states and Canada," said Traxler. “It’s always exciting to share our tried-and-true favorites alongside new recipe innovations as we continue to develop new business with prospective customers, thank existing customers for their years of patronage, and of course, to see other first-time Minnesota exhibitors make their mark."
The following brands will exhibit in the Minnesota Pavilion at NRA 2025.
- 3 Cricketeers
- Captain Ken's
- Compart Duroc
- Deeply Rooted Farms
- Good Sense Foods
- J's Kombucha
- K-Mama Sauce
- Utopia Borealis
- Nordic Waffles
- Sweethaven Tonics
- The Amazing Chickpea
- Triple Crown BBQ Sauce
- Valley's Own Bakehouse/Kakookies
The MDA will host a “Minnesota Mingle” reception for Minnesota exhibitors, retailers, brokers, service providers, and other industry attendees on Saturday, May 17. Minnesota NRA attendees interested in attending can contact Erika Camplin, Food Business Development Administrator, at Erika.Camplin@state.mn.us.
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Media Contact
Nikki Warner, MDA Communications
651-238-7909
Nikki.Warner@state.mn.user
