The U.S. Connection

Supplier Diversity Event - October 24, 2006

September 29, 2006

Philadelphia, October 24, 2006 > Key U.S. retail and food service buyers, most of them with stores throughout the United States, will meet one-on-one with Canadian food and beverage suppliers that qualify for supplier diversity programs, though no one will be excluded.

This free event, organized by the Canadian consulate in Philadelphia and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, is being held for the first time. It targets Canadian companies that are majority-owned by a visible minority.

Supplier diversity programs are found in a vast number of U.S. companies – in fact, in 97% of Fortune 500 companies. Qualifying suppliers can gain access to the U.S. retail and food service market more easily, often bypassing slotting fees. Buyers in the specialty, organic/natural, ethnic, and kosher food industries will attend, along with a number of large food companies.

The day’s program will include seminars on supplier diversity, trends in the U.S. retail market and the specialty food market, and one-on-one meetings with U.S. buyers.

For more information, contact:
Beth Pomper
Canadian Consulate in Philadelphia
Tel.: 215-569-0311
Email: beth.pomper@international.gc.ca