Ares Projects and Tim Forrest Consulting Partner to Help European and Global Brands Enter the U.S. Market

The United States remains one of the most valuable consumer markets in the world. For European manufacturers and international brands, it offers access to a trillion-dollar economy, a single currency, and one of the world’s largest retail ecosystems.

It also presents one of the most demanding regulatory environments.

Every year, thousands of shipments are delayed, refused, re-exported, or destroyed because companies underestimate FDA requirements. Today, that challenge has become even greater as new AI-driven FDA screening systems help identify high-risk shipments before they are released through U.S. ports.

To help international brands navigate this increasingly complex landscape, Ares Projects and Tim Forrest Consulting have formed a strategic partnership dedicated to preparing food, supplement, and cosmetic companies for successful entry into the United States.

This partnership combines Ares Projects’ expertise in helping European companies expand internationally with Tim Forrest Consulting’s 35+ years of experience in FDA compliance, import strategy, and U.S. retail readiness.

The goal is simple: help brands reach U.S. shelves faster while reducing costly compliance mistakes.

Why This Partnership Matters

For many international businesses, entering the U.S. is not limited by product quality.

It is limited by compliance.

A remarkable product can still be stopped at the border if its labeling is incorrect, its documentation is incomplete, or its importer responsibilities have not been properly established.

During this interview, Łukasz Chmielnicki, founder of Ares Projects, sat down with Tim Forrest to discuss the realities of importing into the United States and the systems successful exporters use to avoid FDA refusals.

The conversation makes one point very clear:

Preparation begins long before your container leaves the factory.

Who Ares Projects Serves

Ares Projects helps ambitious European and international companies expand into global markets through strategic business development, international commercialization, and export growth.

The firm works with businesses looking to scale beyond their domestic markets, particularly manufacturers of:

• Food products

• Functional foods

• Dietary supplements

• Cosmetics

• Consumer packaged goods

For companies with strong products but limited experience navigating the American regulatory system, Ares Projects provides strategic guidance while connecting clients with specialized U.S. market expertise through Tim Forrest Consulting.

Together, the partnership offers both market expansion strategy and regulatory execution.

How Tim Forrest Consulting Helps Brands Enter the U.S.

Importing into the United States involves much more than translating a label into English.

Tim Forrest Consulting specializes in helping international brands become fully prepared for FDA review before shipping begins.

Services include:

• FDA import readiness

• Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)

• FDA facility registration

• U.S. labeling compliance

• Nutrition Facts Panel guidance

• Import documentation review

• Importer of Record strategy

• Retail readiness for U.S. distribution

Rather than reacting after a shipment is held, the consulting process focuses on preventing problems before products ever reach an American port.

That proactive approach often saves companies significant time, storage costs, and regulatory headaches.

Five Lessons Every Exporter Should Learn Before Shipping

The interview covered dozens of practical topics, but five lessons stood out as essential for any company entering the U.S. market.

1. The Biggest Mistake Happens Before Shipping

The number one mistake is surprisingly simple.

Companies manufacture the product first and verify compliance second.

By the time labels are printed and containers are loaded, correcting errors becomes expensive. FDA compliance should be reviewed during product development, not after production.

2. English Translation Is Not FDA Compliance

One of the most common misconceptions among exporters is believing that translating packaging into English satisfies U.S. regulations.

It does not.

FDA-compliant labeling requires specific formatting, mandatory declarations, allergen statements, ingredient requirements, Nutrition Facts standards, and product identity rules.

A translated label can still be completely non-compliant.

3. AI Is Changing How FDA Reviews Shipments

Modern FDA screening relies heavily on electronic data.

Before many containers even arrive, shipment information is reviewed through automated systems that evaluate documentation, facility history, product classifications, and compliance patterns.

Incomplete or inconsistent records increase the likelihood that a shipment will receive additional scrutiny.

Accuracy has never been more important.

4. FSVP Is One of the Leading Causes of Entry Problems

The Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) is one of the most misunderstood requirements in food importing.

Under FSMA, U.S. importers are responsible for verifying that foreign suppliers produce food under standards equivalent to U.S. food safety requirements.

Without a qualified FSVP program, shipments may face delays or denial of entry.

For many first-time exporters, this requirement comes as a surprise.

5. Planning Can Shorten the Timeline

Many companies assume entering the U.S. takes many months.

In reality, a well-prepared project can often move much faster.

The interview outlines an approximately eight-week pathway when documentation, labeling, supplier information, and compliance planning are organized from the beginning.

Preparation compresses timelines.

Confusion extends them.

Common Mistakes International Brands Make

After nearly three decades helping companies enter the U.S., Tim Forrest sees the same issues repeatedly.

Waiting Until the Product Is Finished

Compliance should influence packaging and documentation before production begins.

Choosing the Wrong Import Structure

Many companies are unsure who should serve as the Importer of Record, U.S. Agent, or FSVP Importer.

Those roles carry different responsibilities.

Assuming Certifications Transfer Automatically

European or international certifications do not automatically satisfy FDA requirements.

Each regulatory system has its own standards.

Incomplete Documentation

Small inconsistencies between invoices, labels, registrations, and shipping documents often trigger unnecessary reviews.

Treating FDA as a Customs Agency

FDA evaluates food safety and regulatory compliance.

Customs evaluates import legality and tariff classification.

Understanding both systems is essential.

What to Prepare Before Your First Consultation

Companies can significantly accelerate the import process by gathering the following information before meeting with Ares Projects and Tim Forrest Consulting.

U.S. Import Readiness Checklist

Company Information

• Business registration

• Manufacturing facility address

• Contact information

• Product portfolio

Product Details

• Ingredient lists

• Formulations

• Product specifications

• Package sizes

• Country of origin

Labeling

• Current labels

• Nutrition information

• Allergen declarations

• Claims and certifications

Regulatory Documents

• Existing food safety certifications

• Supplier audit records

• Facility registrations

• Organic certificates (if applicable)

Shipping Information

• Commercial invoice

• Product descriptions

• Intended U.S. customer

• Distribution strategy

Having these materials available allows the consultation to focus on solutions rather than information gathering.

The Opportunity Is Bigger Than the Risk

The United States continues to represent one of the world’s greatest opportunities for premium international brands.

Consumers actively seek innovative foods, functional ingredients, specialty products, and authentic global flavors.

Success, however, depends on entering the market correctly.

Companies that invest in compliance before shipping reduce delays, protect their brand reputation, and build stronger relationships with retailers and distributors.

That is exactly why Ares Projects and Tim Forrest Consulting created this partnership.

One organization helps companies expand internationally.

The other helps them enter the U.S. with confidence.

Together, they provide a practical roadmap from European manufacturing to American retail shelves.

Ready to Bring Your Product to the United States?

If you’re a European or international company planning to export food, supplements, or cosmetics into the U.S., now is the time to prepare before your first shipment leaves the factory.

Schedule a consultation with Tim Forrest Consulting: 🌐 timforrestmarkets.com

Learn more about Ares Projects: 🌐 aresprojects.com

The strongest U.S. market entries begin with the right strategy—not the first shipment.