Laval, Quebec, September 9, 2009 – Jacques Gourde, Member of Parliament for Lotbinière–Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, speaking on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today announced that Bio-K Plus International Inc. will be receiving a $850,000 repayable contribution from the government. This financial assistance will enable the firm to implement a marketing strategy aimed at increasing its exports to the United States, a foreign market where the company's products already have a presence.
Bio-K Plus International manufactures and sells patented food products with a high concentration of live probiotics as well as preventive and curative properties. The enterprise invests a great deal in research and development, which the Government of Canada encourages. The company's products are distributed in natural food stores in Canada and the United States, and in food markets, pharmacies and hospitals in Canada.
Through the implementation of its new two-year marketing strategy, Bio-K Plus International intends to conquer new niches, such as pharmacies and hospitals in Florida, New York and California among others. The strategy notably includes research on regulations governing target markets, hiring of representatives, design of a new brand image and production of promotional items. It also involves a public relations campaign that will include the firm's participation in trade fairs and the purchase of advertising space.
"By focussing on increasing its foreign market, Bio-K Plus International is meeting one of the Government of Canada's priorities," stated Mr. Gourde. "We know how important it is to accompany enterprises in their expansion projects so as to help them stay oriented toward growth and remain competitive both on the domestic playing field and on foreign markets."
Canada Economic Development's contribution, paid under the Business and Regional Growth program and its Export Support component, will contribute to maintaining 80 jobs and help create a further 30 over the next two years.
For more on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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Sources:
Catherine Vallée
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-283-0368
E-mail: catherine.vallee@dec-ced.gc.ca
Simon Bachand
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Cell: 613-996-6236
E-mail: simon.bachand@dec-ced.gc.ca
