Trade shows give agri-food exporters a competitive edge in lucrative global markets

May 4, 2017

International trade shows play a crucial role in the ability of Canada's agriculture and agri-food industry to succeed in the global marketplace. Every year, the Government of Canada partners with exporters to secure space at the world's largest shows and enhance the profile of Canada's diverse and innovative products in the world's most dynamic markets. We can help you reach global success by bridging the gap between your products and buyers around the globe!

Canada stands out in 2017

So far this year, over 150 Canadian industry groups have participated in key international trade shows, including:

• Gulfood (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) – February 26 to March 2
  The world's largest annual food and hospitality fair allowed Canadian exhibitors to secure nearly $300 million in sales ovaer the next 12 months, with $41.3 million in on-site deals and 4,366 new qualified trade leads.
• FoodEx Japan (Tokyo, Japan) – March 7 to 10
  Asia's largest food and beverage trade show serves as a springboard to many thriving markets, including Japan, China and Korea. Canadian exhibitors secured $18.7 million in new business over the next 12 months, with $2.77 million‎ in on-site sales and 1,020 new qualified trade leads.
• AAHAR (New Delhi, India) – March 7 to 11
  Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Minister Lawrence MacAulay attended India's largest food and hospitality trade fair this year, opening the Canada Pavilion, which won the show's award for best international pavilion. Industry reported nearly 400 leads and nearly $3.5 million in anticipated sales over the coming year.
• Salón de Gourmets (Madrid, Spain) – April 24 to 27
  Canada has been designated the Country of Honour this year, offering exhibitors a significant opportunity for exposure as we celebrate Canada's 150^th.
• Seafood Expo Global (Brussels, Belgium) – April 25 to 27
  The largest annual fish and seafood trade event in the world offers industry unparalleled opportunities to learn about emerging trends and reach a global seafood market consisting of some 25,000 buyers every year.

Canadian industry also participated in a number of other shows since the start of 2017, including:

• Fruit Logistica in Berlin and Biofach in Nuremberg, both in Germany;
• SIMA Paris International Agribusiness Show in Paris, France;
• Expo ANTAD in Guadalajara, Mexico, and;
• Seafood Expo North America in Boston, United States, where Minister MacAulay joined Fisheries and Oceans Minister Dominic LeBlanc in leading a delegation to promote Canada's high-quality, sustainably sourced fish and seafood products.

Upcoming tradeshow event

• Seoul Food and Hotel (Seoul, South Korea) – May 16 to 19
  The largest international food and hospitality show in all of Korea has seen the Canada Pavilion triple in size since the ratification of Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

We can help you exhibit

Interested exhibitors are encouraged to apply to AAFC's AgriMarketing Program, which offers cost-sharing for a variety of international market promotion activities, including exhibiting at trade shows. You can also consult the list of international agriculture and food trade events for an index of global events supported by trade commissioners.