News release
$2 MILLION SUPPORTING THE INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY OF THE AGRI-FOOD EXPORT GROUP QUEBEC-CANADA
MONTREAL, Quebec, June 15, 2006 - Jacques Gourde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, today announced on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, $2 million in financial support to Agri-Food Export Group Quebec-Canada for implementation of the Group’s international strategy.
This funding, provided through the Canadian Agriculture and Food International (CAFI) Program, renews federal support for the Group over a two-year period.
The organization’s diverse membership, coupled with the variety and added value of their products, make them a strong force in world markets.
“Canada’s new government is proud to support Quebec exporters is promoting a strong Canadian brand in international markets,” said Mr. Gourde. “The Group’s international strategy makes them a vital force in world markets.”
While the Group’s focus has been on international retail markets, the strategy is now expanding to include the hotel, restaurant and institutional (HRI) sector. Similarly, members have distinguished themselves with a unique approach to market segmentation by product type, with the addition of kosher and halal foods, as well as organic, natural products, and products from Canada’s Aboriginal communities for export to key markets in the United States, Japan, England, Mexico, Eastern Europe, Taiwan and Middle East. The Group will also promote seafood through development of underutilized species in the United States, Japan and Europe.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Export Group, Mr. André Coutu, estimates a growth potential for Quebec food product exports of nearly $1 billion over the next five years. “To gain greater exposure in world markets it is important that we continue to develop innovative approaches designed by and for our exporters, with the assistance of the federal government,” said Mr. Coutu.
The Group plans to organize international visits and exchanges that match international buyers with the manufacturers in Quebec who can fulfill those needs. The Export Group will also offer new services, including coaching and mentoring, as well as a major outreach initiative to identify new, potential exporters in all regions of Quebec and will launch the Canadian “Gala for Excellence in Exports,” to be held this year for the first time in connection with the North American SIAL 2007 food show in Montreal.
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For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, ON
(613) 759-7972
1-866-345-7972
Jeff Howard
Press Secretary
Minister Strahl’s office
(613) 759-1059
André Coutu
Chief Executive Officer
Export Group
(450) 461-6266
1-800-563-9767
info@groupexport.ca
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