Atlantic Canada food and beverage processors can build business and momentum in the marketplace of the 21st century with the help of two important events planned for late September.
On Tuesday, September 26, Fall Harvest will feature an indulgence in excellence and distinction. Sponsored by the Prince Edward Island Food and Beverage Processors Association, participants will savour tempting Island tidbits harvested and processed from the land and sea. The evening program, scheduled at 6:30 pm, at the Delta Prince Edward, will focus on finesse in the food industry, as Mr. Michael McCain, CEO of Maple Leaf Foods, provides the keynote address "Succeeding/Surviving in Business."
On Wednesday, September 27, a seminar called Exploring Opportunities for Food and Specialty Products in the New England Market will be presented in Charlottetown. This event is for those companies presently exporting or ones which are contemplating the sale of local food or beverage products abroad. The goal is to expand the business knowledge base of specialty product manufacturers wishing to maximize their opportunities within the New England marketplace. The date is September 27 at the Delta Prince Edward, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Ann Worth, General Manager of the PEI Food and Beverage Processors Association stresses the benefits of attending both Fall Harvest and the seminar. She points out, "Our Fall Harvest will be the event of the year. It will re-affirm that Island products are the rightful stars of economic growth. It will demonstrate the confidence our manufacturers place in their products. It will show us that we still have things to learn. That's why we are piggybacking a food celebration and an educational seminar. Anyone wanting information on improving the chances of success in penetrating the New England market should come to this seminar. We have the products, now let's take them to the world."
Key topics include: How to Distribute Your Products, What's Hot and What's Not in New England, Opportunities in the Growing "Natural" Category, Branding, and Getting Your Product Across the Border.
One-on-one meetings with the retailer, distributor, custom broker and trade commissioner will provide seminar participants with an individual 15-minute interview, per speaker, to discuss specific questions or concerns related to their own business venture.
Partners in this project include Agriculture/Agrifood Canada, PEI Business Development Inc., PEI Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Canadian Consulate, Boston and PEI Food and Beverage Processors Association.
Tickets available at the following costs (GST included): Fall Harvest, $64.20 each or $267.50 for six; Exploring Opportunities for Food and Specialty Products in the New England Market, $42.80 per person for members of the PEI Food and Beverage Processors Association or $53.50 per person for non PEIFBPA members. Cheques payable to PEI Food and Beverage Processors Association, 68 Watts Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI, C1E 2B7.