Seven local companies recently took their food and craft products to an Alberta trade show and were able to build their profile in a key export market.  The 11-person, Provincial Government-led trade mission attended the Fort McMurray Home and Leisure Show where Newfoundland and Labrador food and beverage products, as well as a craft producer were well-received by consumers and retailers.

"This trade mission was an innovative means of marketing Newfoundland and Labrador-based businesses and its success demonstrates the power of working collectively," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "Our research indicated that there might be a market for our products in Fort McMurray with its large Newfoundland and Labrador population, and our initial experience indicates that we were correct."

The trade mission ran September 19-23 and was comprised largely of companies from the province�s rural regions � Hiscock�s Wedge Fries from Grand Falls-Windsor, Neptune Sea Products from Blaketown, Labrador Preserves from Forteau, Chatman�s Bakery from Charlottetown, and Chapel Arm Woodcrafts from Chapel Arm. Downhome Inc. and Newfoundland Organic Seafoods are based in the greater St. John�s area. All participants experienced a positive response to their products and forged relationships that will be beneficial in the future.

"The trade mission was a valuable experience for our company. We found the response to our product to be very positive," Linda Davis, marketing director, Chatman�s Bakery. "Given the city's large Newfoundland population, it provided us with an opportunity to reach a key market, one with plenty of potential."

"The objective for attending the trade mission was to introduce our product line to a new market and new audiences," said Gordon Reid, owner and operator, Chapel Arm Woodcrafts. "Our objectives were achieved and our product line was warmly received."

In addition to the Fort McMurray Home and Leisure Show, members of the trade mission had site visits to market their products to buyers at the popular Kozy Korner Restaurant, the Import Connection Store, Safeway, The Real Canadian Superstore, and IGA Thickwood Garden Market.

The Provincial Government is helping companies from rural and urban communities identify new markets and audiences through its export development initiatives. In the last fiscal year, the Provincial Government led 89 companies in various national and international trade missions.

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Media contact:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
ScottBarfoot@gov.nl.ca

2007 11 09                                                    10:45 a.m.