DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Friday, March 04, 2010

 

                        Marissa Kozel

                        Communications Director

                        Montana Department of Commerce

                        406-841-2772

 

 

(HELENA) – Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger and members of the Montana District Export Council named Kamut International of Missoula, Montana’s 2010 Exporter of the Year today, during the Global Trade Day event at the State Capitol.

 

Kamut International was selected to receive the Governor’s Excellence in Exporting Award for its success in exporting Montana wheat products. The award is sponsored by the Governor’s Office and the Montana District Export Council. Sara Warren of the Montana Department of Commerce nominated Kamut International as 2010 Exporter of the Year.

 

Kamut International markets and sells an organic wheat product called khorasan wheat. KAMUT brand wheat’s high nutritional value, sweet nutty taste and ease of digestibility are key qualities identified with the grain. The KAMUT trademark is a corporate guarantee of product quality and “green” pedigree. KAMUT khorasan wheat is a descendent of ancient Egypt’s durum wheat. It is believed that in 1949, 36 kernels of khorasan wheat found its way to Fort Benton, Montana via an American airman, and from that the KAMUT brand eventually was born. 

 

Kamut International is a modern cooperative working in partnership with its growers and contracting agent. It patterns its operations after the Fair Trade Cooperatives, to the extent feasible. Production of KAMUT khorasan wheat started in Montana and has since expanded to include southern Canada and North Dakota. Kamut International promotes sales throughout the U.S., Canada, the European Union, Japan, Australia, and other countries. In 2010, more than 27 million pounds of wheat were exported to these destinations which accounted for 79.8% of their total revenues; an increase of nearly 40% over 2009.

 

This phenomenal growth resulted in thousands of products produced worldwide including breads, pasta, cereals, snacks, pastries, crackers, beer, grain coffee, green foods, and a delicious wheat drink. New market expansions include Australia and Asia however, Italy has led this growth with almost half of all production in each year sold there. Kamut International continues to sponsor nutritional research to understand the unique and special characteristics of this ancient wheat.

 

Exports play a significant role in Montana’s economy, contributing a total of $1.5 billion in 2009. The preliminary export outlook for 2010 shows an increase over 2009. In 2010, Montana’s manufactured exports totaled over $1.4 billion – a 35% increase over 2009. These figures do not include bulk grains (wheat and other grains) shipped to Pacific Northwest grain handling facilities destined for export. These figures contribute to the total for Montana’s combined exports. They are expected to be available in the following weeks.

 

Global Trade Day is sponsored by the Montana Chamber of Commerce, Montana World Trade Center, Montana Department of Commerce, Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, Montana District Export Council, and U.S. Department of Commerce.

 

The Montana District Export Council (DEC) is a volunteer organization drawn from Montana State businesses, governmental agencies, and non-profits. The members have in-depth knowledge and experience in international business and are available as a unique source of professional advice to help other Montana firms compete and win business in the international marketplace.

 

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