| | During the hot and dry days of summer, a number of events brought Mexico to Alberta.
In August, suppliers involved in wellness, natural and organic products were invited to participate in the Try Healthy Forum. Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development led the planning of the forum with strong support by Alberta Economic Development.
“The forum featured a Mexican speaker who spoke on behalf of the National Association of the Natural Product Industry (ANIPRON),” says Marcy O’Connor, trade director, Mexico/Latin America, agriculture and food branch, Alberta Economic Development, Edmonton. “This association in Mexico focuses on growing the natural product market. Attendees learned about the market in Mexico, and details on exporting products for that sector. Legislation and import requirements related to supplements were covered in the presentation. Products such as natural and herbal remedies are considered pharmaceutical products and legislation is much more onerous.”
After the half-day educational program, attendees were able to take a look at some sample products displayed in trade show booths. As well, buyer-seller meetings were held with suppliers, with Omnilife, a Mexican company that manufactures and sell products through an international direct sales network, and with Nutrisa, a retail chain for the health conscious market in Mexico. Nutrisa has 180 stores throughout Mexico and produces an educational magazine for their customers every two months. Because products cannot have health claims, this magazine helps promote the products they carry.
Shirzad Chunara, a development officer with Alberta Agriculture, led the drive to acquire speakers for the event with Alberta’s Mexico office providing support. O’Connor led the Mexican buyer’s program.
“I tried to facilitate as many of the meetings as I could, particularly the ones with Alberta companies,” says O'Connor. “When I held a debrief meeting with Omnilife, after their meetings, I was pleased to hear that of the companies they met with, they were interested in three products, two of which were from Alberta.”
In early September, Alberta Economic Development also held a seminar on exporting to Mexico. This seminar featured Mexican and Canadian speakers. A new guide that goes through exporting to Mexico step-by-step was given out at the seminar. Alberta companies can request copies by contacting O’Connor at (780) 422-1762.
Contact:
Marcia O’Connor
(780) 422-1762 |
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