GMDC partners with KOTRA on bringing Korean products to U.S. shelves
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Global Market Development Center on Thursday partnered with the Korean Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, a leading Asian trade group, to assist Korean companies and brands with market entry into the United States while leveraging U.S. retail channel opportunities.
As part of the partnership, GMDC will share next practices and shopper insights about supply chain growth, retail trends and strategies for connecting these brands with new consumers in the U.S. at KOTRA’s annual business partnership conference April 1 in Los Angeles.
“Our industry is rapidly evolving, and GMDC is driving opportunities for members and their customers across the globe by helping them navigate, or as we say, ‘connect, collaborate and create commerce,’" stated Patrick Spear, GMDC president and CEO. "GMDC specializes in helping companies forge a path to retail and successful entry into the marketplace,” he said. “Through this new KOTRA relationship, we are advancing the opportunity for Korean manufacturers to enter into the U.S. space and be strongly competitive.”
The conference brings U.S. companies together with nearly 50 Korean companies to showcase exports, investments and technology cooperation. The event will offer a front row seat to the latest Korean products and services through pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings, or “corporate speed dates,” a practice that GMDC has long advanced as a key industry differentiator in the marketplace.
“We are excited to join with GMDC in exploring retail opportunities and cultivating market growth for Korean companies, especially leveraging the association membership’s success with innovative supply chain distribution methods and the latest trends driving the marketplace,” said Derek Lee, senior executive entertainment and procurement specialist for KOTRA.
The partnership was cemented in part by longtime GMDC HBW board member Bruce Worley, president and COO Better Sales and Brand Management Group, who has worked extensively with KOTRA and its membership, and has been instrumental in connecting the GMDC membership with growth, thought leadership and innovative marketplace opportunities.
“GMDC is the perfect resource for companies across the globe to discover new frontiers and explore new markets, and this partnership will continue to cultivate growth opportunities in the U.S. and worldwide,” Worley said. “GMDC has been a critical partner for Better Sales and Brand Management Group and our clients. Since first participating more than a decade ago what has always stood out is the dedication to achieve success together – it’s a true retail ecosystem. This is critical not only to my business but the business of our clients.”