I rise before this Honourable House to report on a Provincial Government-led delegation of food and beverage companies that recently returned from the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association Show in Toronto. The delegation marked the second time that Newfoundland and Labrador-based companies participated in the event that links food producers with buyers, agents, distributors, and restaurant owners.

The three-day show included 675 exhibitors from across Canada and the United States.  During the show exhibitors sampled products, participated in seminars on increasing business activity, and watched some of Canada�s top chefs in action.

I am extremely pleased to report that members of the delegation took important steps in growing their export activity.

St. Anthony-based Canada Ice Enterprises viewed the event as providing a tremendous opportunity to market and showcase its product � 80 Degrees North Iceberg Water. The show also attracted several thousand potential buyers and end-users to its booth leading the company to establish new contacts; contacts that have already led to tangible results.

In addition to the trade show, companies also attended a networking reception coordinated through the Ambassador Newfoundland and Labrador program and sponsored by Memorial University�s Office of Alumni Affairs and Development. This reception attracted 150 participants including Memorial University alumni and those with a strong affinity to the province.  The event provided an opportunity for the delegation to market their products and network with a captivated audience.

Brent Smith of Newfoundland Chocolate Company found the Ambassador event to be a valuable opportunity to introduce his company�s gourmet chocolates to a group with a strong connection to Newfoundland and Labrador. The company departed Toronto confident that it will derive benefit and business growth from its participation in the mission.

Other exhibiting companies included Pure Labrador from Forteau, along with Dockside Appetizers, Kory Kookies, and Jumping Bean Coffee from St. John�s. Members of the delegation that walked the show included India Gate and IC Spa Products.

Interest in Newfoundland and Labrador-manufactured products and services continue to grow in markets across Canada and around the world.

It takes time and persistence for local enterprises to nurture the necessary relationships to build their export capacity.  I am pleased that local enterprises are benefiting from trade missions and taking a proactive approach to targeting new sales opportunities.