One thing is non-negotiable: building a sustainable distribution in the USA requires a real investment of both time and money — at least through the first year. There is no shortcut to a durable commercial presence in the American market.
The US is not a single market. Each state has its own distribution regulations, its own import chain, and its own retail culture. A commission-based sales agent can open doors, but they need to be recruited, briefed, managed, and supported — just like any sales force.
Whether you go alone or with support, the producers who succeed in the USA are those who treat it as a long-term commitment, not a one-off export opportunity.