Canadian Food Exporters: Agri-Business Trade Shows in 2016

Small businesses in Canada’s evolving food and beverage manufacturing industry have new opportunities to grow their business in export markets. Increasing worldwide demand for high-quality Canadian products, in addition to a weakened Canadian dollar, has created additional opportunities for manufacturers to develop international relationships. A popular export expansion strategy is to participate in trade shows and establish relationships among potential customers. This blog will help identify trade shows that Canadian small businesses can attend, as well as Canadian government funding programs to minimize the cost of event participation.

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Canadian Food Exporters Association: 2016 Export Trade Shows

The Canadian Food Exporters Association (CFEA) is a food and beverage industry association that is committed to the success of Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing companies. The organization dedicates itself to increasing worldwide sales and global demand for Canadian products. In addition to other programs and services, CFEA organizes and provides members with unparalleled access to international trade shows to help develop export relationships. Canadian manufacturers can access the following trade events in 2016 by registering through CFEA’s website:

• Foodex: Makuhari, Japan – March 8-11, 2016 (Sold Out)
• Food Hotel Asia: Singapore – April 12-15, 2016 (Sold Out)
• SIAL China: Shanghai – May 5-7, 2016
• FOOD Taipei: Taiwan – June 22-25, 2016
• Summer Fancy Food Show: New York, NY – June 26-28, 2016
• Food Expo: Hong Kong – August 11-15, 2016
• SIAL Show: Paris, France – October 16-20, 2016
• Food Hotel China: Shanghai – November 7-9, 2016
• Wine and Spirits Fair: Hong Kong – November 10-12, 2016

More Food and Beverage Industry Export Trade Shows: For a comprehensive listing of trade shows that Canadian food and beverage manufacturers can attend, visit the Canadian Food Exporters Association events page.

Receive Canadian Government Grants to Cover Tradeshow Expenses

Canadian manufacturers can leverage government grant funding to offset many of the costs related to trade show participation. Small business grants are available to help pay for booth rentals and tradeshow participation fees, the development of marketing materials (including translation services), and economy travel/ per diem costs for up to two employees. Food and beverage manufacturers have two main options to receive this government funding support, including:

Agri-Marketing: Canadian Business Grants for International Market Development

Agri-Marketing’s Market Development funding stream provides small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) with up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum $50,000 per year for activities such as participating in trade shows or trade missions, conducting market research, and developing marketing materials for foreign markets. Eligible businesses must be incorporated, however there are no minimum requirements for employees or revenue, making this a viable option for food and beverage startups.

Export Market Access: Ontario Government Grants for Export Expansion

Ontario government grants are available through Export Market Access (EMA) are specifically tailored towards funding international trade show participation. Canadian food exporters can receive 50% of eligible project expenses to a maximum $30,000 per application. In each application to Export Market Access, SMBs can receive funding for their participation in up to three trade shows, enabling the success of an export market strategy. These small business grants will fund expenses such as air fare and per diems, trade show marketing materials, conducting market research, and bidding on foreign projects.

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