ASA/WISHH conducted several activities in Sri Lanka in late October to encourage the use of soy proteins in human food products. The activities, funded by USDA’s Emerging Markets Program (EMP), are helping U.S. companies increase their exports to the growing Sri Lankan market.

The highlight of the month’s activities was the Human Food Conference, where over 60 food processors, Sri Lankan ministry officials and trade associations heard presentations by Dr. Suresh Itapu, a soy food expert, Dan Staerk, St. Louis site lead for DuPont Nutrition and Health, and ASA/WISHH Asia Division Director Alan F. Poock.

Conference topics included new trends in Asia and U.S. soy foods, baking with soy flour and the use of value-added soy proteins in every day foods.

Other activities last month included a follow-up luncheon with food industry representatives who had participated in an ASA/WISHH trade team in August and attended the INTSOY course organized by the Northern Crops Institute. The purpose of the luncheon was to gauge progress and determine additional support needs.

ASA/WISHH also provided technical assistance to key accounts in the baking and food processing sectors.

ASA/WISHH manages activities within the food sector in Sri Lanka and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) manages activities in the animal feed sector. Monthly meetings in St. Louis between the two organizations help coordinate activities and avoid program duplication.