Calgary, Alberta, July 19, 2012 - A group of four Mexican journalists and celebrity chef Alfonso Cadena have been making their way across Western Canada this week, getting a taste of some of the best foods Canada has to offer. This unique experience is providing reporters with a new appreciation and understanding of Canadian food, which will enhance their ability to promote it in media across Mexico.
Today, they are in Calgary where they were welcomed as honoured guests with a traditional White Hat Ceremony, a symbol of Western hospitality. Devinder Shory, Member of Parliament for Calgary-Northeast, was on hand to present the hats and meet the guests.
"Canada takes pride in the high-quality food our farmers grow and deliver to consumers here at home and to markets around the globe," said MP Shory. "This tour is enabling journalists to bring back to Mexico first-hand knowledge of the safety and quality of Canadian agriculture, which will help boost our exports and economy."
Throughout the week, the group has toured farms and agricultural facilities, participated in cooking demonstrations, visited farmers' markets, and dined at multicultural restaurants. The tour began July 16 in Vancouver, British Columbia, and wraps up tomorrow in Banff, Alberta, with a cooking class and lunch with Canadian celebrity chef Michael Allemeier.
This tour is organized by Canada Brand, a Harper Government initiative funded by the Agricultural Flexibility Fund, which is building a stronger brand for Canadian food and agriculture in international markets. Canada Brand efforts are designed to complement industry efforts in markets where challenges or opportunities exist and include a variety of marketing activities such as advertising, retail in-store activities, and restaurant promotions. For more information about the Canada Brand, please visit www.marquecanadabrand.agr.gc.ca.
