Hundreds of U.S. business representatives, government officials, and industry association representatives attended the Taste of Atlantic Canada Reception and Food Promotion Tuesday evening in New York City. The event, held in conjunction with Team Canada Atlantic's trade mission to New York, was organized by Agriculture Canada and Agri-Food Canada to give Atlantic Canadian food companies an opportunity to promote their products.
Premier Pat Binns addressed the group on behalf of the Atlantic Provinces. He encouraged attendants to sample the products and talk with the company representatives on hand.
"From Prince Edward Island potatoes to mussels to salmon, Atlantic Canada is world-renowned for its food products," said Premier Binns. "Our pristine environment lends itself well to the food industry and our companies take great pride in turning out products of the highest quality."
"This was a great opportunity to showcase the quality of food preparation and high quality of food products inherent to Atlantic Canada," said the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "Atlantic Canadians are always proud to share the food and drink of our region. The reception gave a sense of what it means to come from one of the world's unspoiled and truly breath-taking places."
New York area food brokers and distributors, in the food service and grocery retail industry, were among those in attendance. This gave the participating companies a chance to reach key people in the thriving New York market.
Prince Edward Island companies participating in the event included Palmer Seafood, PEI Gourmet Mushrooms Ltd., and Prince Edward Aqua Farms Inc.
The goal of the New York trade mission is to create new business partnerships, increase trade and investment and build strategic alliances between Atlantic Canadian and northeast United States companies.
Team Canada Atlantic is a partnership among the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four Atlantic Canadian provinces, the Departments of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Industry Canada and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.
Further information is available on the Team Canada Atlantic Web site at http://www.teamcanadaatlantic.com.