February 1st, 2016
Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing industries are well known for their quality on a global stage. Having said this, there are always opportunities to expand further into export markets to increase revenue and exposure for a manufacturer of any size. This is why Canadian manufacturers of any size should take advantage of international trade shows.
The Canadian Food Exporters Association (CFEA) recognizes the reality, and helps promote and endorse Canadian food and beverage industry involvement at international trade show events. CFEA is a voluntary non-profit industry association that works to enhance the international profile and sales of food and beverage industry exports or small and medium size organizations. Doing so requires further exposure and additional participants from the sector.
CFEA firmly believes in the success of its members, and only recommends events and trades shows that are in line with the best interests of the food and beverage organization in question. The time to act is now: the first three events in Dubai, Japan, and Singapore are already sold out. You can find a full list of trade shows on its website, but the next two CFEA endorsed events are the SIAL Show in Shanghai, China, and FOOD TAIPEI in Taipei, Taiwan.
SIAL China Exhibitor Program, May 5-7, 2016
SIAL China is the leading Chinese food market event, and has been so for the last 16 years. The 2016 show will occupy 11 halls, including 2,900 exhibitors. They expect more than 66,000 visitors this year, which means that this opportunity is significant.
China is a substantial opportunity for importing foodstuffs from abroad, and is the world’s largest growing market. Attending this event will give your food or beverage organization the opportunity to meet major heavyweights in the Chinese beverage and hospitality sectors, developing connections with businesses and buyers that make the swaying decision in major retail and food services.
This program is open to every Canadian food, beverage, or ingredient company. SIAL China expects industry innovators from hotel, retail, catering, restaurant, food service, and import/export trade sectors.
FOOD TAIPEI, June 22-25, 2016
Taiwan is no market to scoff at either, and FOOD TAIPEI is one of Asia’s leading platforms for industry partners to launch new and exciting products into Taiwan and other overseas markets.
Last year this event attracted over 66,000 visitors, boasting 567 domestic and 517 international exhibitors. They also have 36 national pavilions that showcase food offerings at the country level. Being a part of the Canadian Pavilion is an ideal chance to meet with sales representatives and other contacts from Taiwan and the Greater China region. Why wouldn’t you want to transact new business, test products in foreign markets, and raise awareness about your quality products?
Government funding for trades shows
Unfortunately, these amazing opportunities do come at a price that might prove prohibitive for some applicants. Here’s where Canadian government funding comes to the rescue: eligible applicants can apply for funding from Agri-Marketing for international market development. In Ontario, there are government grants for Canadian food exporters available through the Export Market Access Program.
Both of these initiatives for government funding encourage industry participation in trade shows, developing marketing materials for foreign audience, and assessing the market through research. Agri-Marketing covers half of eligible costs up to $50,000 per year, while Export Market Access covers half of eligible to a maximum of $30,000 per application.
Don’t let 2016’s trade shows pass you by. Use the help of INAC Services to help offset the costs of travel, accommodation, and the trades show expenses. Our professional team of government grant writers can help make the difference in your application for funding. Be proactive this year, and get yourself into international waters!
