Participation in National Restaurant Association Show a Stepping Stone to US, International Markets
May 14, 2015 – Moncton, N.B. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
When it comes to fresh food with a worldwide reputation for great taste, Atlantic Canada continues to set the standard through its international seafood exports. And if the region’s food processors and equipment manufacturers have their way, more of the region’s wines, meats and other prepared foods will also share space on dinner tables around the world with Atlantic Canada’s famed lobsters, salmon and mussels.
That’s the goal of this week’s business mission to the 2015 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Ten Atlantic Canada companies are hoping to make inroads in international markets, either by displaying their own food and beverage products and processing equipment, or by taking stock of the exhibiting competition. The National Restaurant Show is about more than food, as buyers at the event also represent foodservice companies, public institutions and the hospitality industry, all of which are looking for that special menu item or piece of equipment that will set them apart from their competition.
The mission is made possible through the Canada/Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development (IBDA) and coordinated by the Atlantic Food and Beverage Processors Association. The funding is going towards booth space rental and pavilion design, one-to-one business meetings, and pre-show exporting workshops. The Atlantic delegation has also enlisted the services of chefs from Canada’s Smartest Kitchen at Prince Edward Island’s Holland College to prepare and present food products for sampling throughout the show.
Quick Facts
- Atlantic Canadian food and beverage processing companies exported over $3.7 billion worth of prepared foods and food preparation equipment in 2014, $1 billion more than in 2010. (Industry Canada, Trade Data Online, 2015)
- The National Restaurant Association show is expected to host over 2,000 exhibitors and more than 44,000 foodservice professionals representing 40 industry segments from over 100 countries. (National Restaurant Association)
- ACOA is contributing $98,000 and the Atlantic provincial governments are providing $42,000 to the mission through the Canada/Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development (IBDA).
- The IBDA is a federal/provincial agreement between the Government of Canada (ACOA, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada, and Industry Canada) and the four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada and is designed to help Atlantic Canadian businesses enter, explore and succeed in international markets. The IBDA is a key component of a pan-Atlantic effort to foster business relations, attract foreign investment and nurture technological co-operation.
Associated Links
Background
Exhibitors in the Atlantic Pavilion
Attendees
Contacts
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Ronald Levesque
A/Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-851-2085
Ronald.Levesque@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Germain Landry, President
Atlantic Food and Beverage Processors Association
germain@germainlandry.com
506-447-1409
