PEI Gourmet Mushrooms Ltd. signed a long-term contract today with Fairway Markets during the first full day of the Team Canada Atlantic Trade mission to New York.
Peter Peters, President of PEI Gourmet Mushrooms, landed the contract valued at US $3,000 a week during his first meeting on Monday. Though the company has established export markets in New England, this is its first contract in New York.
"I made my first contact with Fairway Markets this morning, and within minutes he was ready to place an order," said Peters. "I took along some product samples, and he was so impressed with the quality that he placed a standing order for about 500 pounds of Shiitake Mushrooms a week."
Premier Pat Binns, who is leading the PEI delegation on the trade mission, was not surprised that the buyer was impressed with the quality of the produce.
"It's not very often that a major deal like this is signed during the first meeting. It's a very exciting start for our trade mission," said Premier Binns. "It also speaks volumes for the quality of PEI Gourmet Mushrooms' product and illustrates the potential for our companies in this market."
"This is what these missions are about – bringing Atlantic Canadian companies face-to-face with potential customers and landing new business as a result," said the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "ACOA's strategy for Trade and Investment is helping local entrepreneurs expand their business beyond our borders into exciting new markets like New York."
There are nine other Prince Edward Island companies, in addition to PEI Gourmet Mushrooms, participating in the trade mission. They are Aquastor, Atlantic Tourism & Hospitality Institute, DeltaWare Systems, Drake Truck Bodies, Summerside Industrial Fabricators, Millworks Canada, Palmer Seafood, Prince Edward Aqua Farms and Triple Threats Musical Theatre School.
The Team Canada Atlantic Mission to New York City is a cooperative effort among ACOA, the four Atlantic Provinces, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Industry Canada and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.
Additional information on Team Canada Atlantic's trade mission to New York City can be found at www.TeamCanadaAtlantic.com.