PEI’s Island Abbey Foods Ltd. is bringing home the Global SIAL d’Or, one of the world’s top food prizes for their Island-produced dried honey drop says Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allan Campbell.
“I would like to congratulate Mr. Rowe and Island Abbey Foods on their enormous accomplishment,” said Minister Campbell. “As government works to foster innovation through the Island Prosperity Strategy, it is an indication of success to see this proud Island company win a global award for exactly that – innovation.”
The Global Food Marketplace convention, SIAL D’Or, is taking place in Paris from Sunday, October 17 through Thursday, October 21, 2010, and describes itself as an event for all those involved in the food industry: retail, trade, manufacturing, catering and food services – “Where business and innovation meet.”
“We are incredibly honored to win the Global SIAL d’Or,” said John Rowe, President and CEO of Island Abbey Foods Ltd. “They gave out the country awards first where we received the ‘Best in Canada Award,’ then the category awards were presented and we received our ‘Best Grocery Sweet’ award, and after much suspense they announced Honibe as the Grand Prize winner.”
Island Abbey Foods won among 1,500 competitors from 30 countries.
“This global event is an opportunity for Island Abbey Foods to gain international recognition, and develop strategic relationships,” said Minister Campbell. “It is a chance for the Island company to penetrate new markets and generate wealth.”
The biennial convention draws a crowd of approximately 150,000 and presents the latest innovations in the food industry while offering attendees the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships between some of 5,700 exhibitors. Over 1,500 journalists cover the event.
The company said they are looking to establish a distribution network throughout Europe with the right partners that will help bring their unique products to their European customers.
Government is working to build a prosperous future for Prince Edward Island by supporting Island businesses in traditional sectors and growth sectors through the Island Prosperity Strategy, offering a wide range of programs and services through Innovation PEI.
For more information visit: www.gov.pe.ca, http://.en.sial.fr/ExposiumCms/do/exhibition, or www.honibe.com.