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January 11, 1997
(Executive Council)

Rodrigues Markland Cottage Winery hosted a wine Team Canada Highlights

Prime Minister Chretien and Premier Tobin promote local wine tasting presentation with a number of wine importers in South Korea today as part of an ambitious marketing campaign in the Asian marketplace. Alda Rodrigues, marketing agent for the local winery, was joined by Prime Minister Chretien and Premier Tobin and a number of influential wine importers from South Korea for the ceremony. Both leaders spoke highly of this dynamic company and publicly endorsed Markland's attempt to expand their marketing efforts in the international marketplace.

To mark the Prime Minister's birthday today, Premier Tobin offered a toast with the exotic wine, made from Newfoundland berries. The wines will also be promoted at the Agrifoods Trade Fair in Bangkok when the Team Canada mission continues on to Thailand next week. The wine will be served at an opening luncheon for approximately 150 people with our nation's leaders officiating.

Dr. Hilary Rodrigues, chairman of Rodrigues Markland Cottage Winery, said: "This is an ambitious marketing effort based on our assessment of the potential that exists in the Asian marketplace. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Premier Tobin in enlisting the support of Prime Minister Chretien. We are confident that our investment in the Team Canada mission and the premier's personal efforts will add the necessary credibility required to open new markets internationally."

A.J. Maritime Inc., a Quebec-based company also owned by Alda Rodrigues, has joined with Mr. J.D. Ko, managing director of Hyop Woon Enterprises Limited, a Korean-based company, to establish a Canadian specialty store in Korea. This business will showcase a variety of Newfoundland and Labrador food and craft items with Rodrigues Blueberry Wine as the centrepiece.

Premier Tobin said: "I am confident that this company's efforts to explore foreign markets will result in continued successes. Today's event demonstrates the ability of Newfoundland companies to compete and to win in an international marketplace."

Contact: Cathy Dornan, Director of Communications, Premier's Office, (709) 729-3570.