Japanese event highlights Canadian agri-food and products

OTTAWA, ONT. – Canadian producers are celebrating the opening this week of Showcase Canada-Asia 2012 in Osaka, Japan. Approximately 200 travel buyers from China, India, Korea, and Japan attend the annual event, as well as representatives from the Canadian agri-food and tourism industries.

Produced by the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC), Showcase Canada-Asia allows Canadian tourism and food businesses to meet directly with travel buyers throughout Asia.

Canada’s abundant local produce and culinary excellence is a key selling point for positioning the country as a premier travel destination, and throughout the week-long event visitors will sample a variety of Canadian products promoted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), including seafood, pork, beef, duck, bread, lentils, cranberries, mustard and maple products.

“This event is an opportunity to profile Canada’s diverse and high-quality agri-food products to tourism buyers and media from some of our key markets,” said AAFC Minister Gerry Ritz. “Our government knows that market development leads to trade, which creates jobs and overall economic growth for Canadians.”

Several other AAFC “Canada Brand” promotional events are taking place in Japan throughout October, including restaurant and retail promotions, and other events for buyers, sellers and importers.

Last year Canada exported $4 billion worth of  agri-food and seafood to Japan.