Atlantic Canadian food and beverage companies serve up new market opportunities at SIAL Canada
News release
ATIGA trade mission to SIAL Canada strengthens domestic supply chains while opening new export opportunities
April 24, 2026 · Moncton, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
As Canada works to strengthen internal trade and build a more resilient economy from within, the Government of Canada is supporting Atlantic Canadian food and beverage companies to grow their presence in domestic and international markets through participation in SIAL Canada.
Today, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, announced federal support to the Food and Beverage Atlantic Association to lead a domestic trade mission to SIAL Canada ($383,836 non-repayable). The initiative will help Atlantic Canadian companies increase exports, strengthen domestic supply chains, and gain market intelligence.
From April 29 to May 1, in Montreal, QC, 18 Atlantic Canadian food and beverage companies and eight show walkers will connect directly with buyers and partners at the trade show. This will create opportunities to expand into new markets, strengthen domestic and international supply chains, and gain the relationships and market insights needed to grow sales, create jobs, and compete globally.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthening domestic trade, reducing barriers to growth, and helping Canadian businesses compete globally, ensuring regions like Atlantic Canada are well-positioned to contribute to a stronger national economy.
The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Quotes
“Canada’s economic strength depends on our ability to grow businesses at home and around the world. By supporting Atlantic Canadian companies expanding into new domestic and international markets, we are creating jobs, strengthening supply chains, and building a more resilient and connected economy.”
- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
“SIAL Canada provides an unparalleled platform for Atlantic Canadian food and beverage companies to showcase their innovation, build strategic partnerships, and expand into new domestic and international markets. Through the support of ACOA, this mission is empowering companies to strengthen supply chains, increase exports, and elevate Atlantic Canada’s presence on the global stage. We are proud to champion the growth and competitiveness of our region’s world-class producers.”
- Tammy Brideau, Executive Director, Food & Beverage Atlantic Association
Quick facts
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SIAL is the only agri-food event of its kind in Canada, bringing together more than 1,000 exhibitors and 21,000 visitors from across Canada and 43 other countries.
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The support announced today is provided through the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement (ATIGA) and includes participation in both the 2025 and 2026 trade missions to SIAL.
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Last year, the Food & Beverage Atlantic Association led a delegation of 25 companies to SIAL Canada 2025 in Toronto, Ontario.
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The Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement (ATIGA) is a federal–provincial partnership that helps Atlantic Canadian firms expand exports and attract foreign investment.
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Contacts
Jeremy Bellefeuille
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Jeremy.bellefeuille@justice.gc.ca
Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Shawn Hirtle
Invest Nova Scotia
Shawn.Hirtle@investnovascotia.ca
Michel LeBlanc
Opportunities NB
Government of New Brunswick
michel.leblanc@onbcanada.ca
Vicki Tse
Department of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade
Government of Prince Edward Island
vickitse@gov.pe.ca
Allison King
Director of Communications
Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
allisonking@gov.nl.ca
Tammy Brideau
Executive Director, Food & Beverage Atlantic
tammy@atlanticfood.ca
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