13:12 | Lima, Nov. 28 (ANDINA).
Canada aims to harvest more export opportunities for its foods while promoting them to international importers, consumers, and media at an event today in Lima, Peru.
The Canadian food promotion event, called Savour Canada, coincides with one of the first shipments of Canadian beef to Peru after market access was restored earlier this year.
"The Harper Government knows that Peru is an important market for our agricultural industry, which is why we were pleased to announce restored access for Canadian beef and live cattle to Peru earlier this year," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.
"Through international food promotion events such as this, we continue to raise awareness of our high-quality products, including beef, increasing demand and supporting long-term growth in Canadian agriculture."
Savour Canada events, organized by Canada's federal agriculture department, aim to boost demand for Canadian foods by giving importers and journalists a unique opportunity to taste Canada's diverse and top-quality products.
At today's event in Lima, Peruvian celebrity chef Christian Bravo will prepare a wide variety of dishes using Canadian ingredients including beef, canola, peas, lentils, and maple syrup.
Earlier this year Minister Ritz, along with International Trade Minister Ed Fast, announced the reopening of the Peruvian market to Canadian beef and beef products, a market estimated by Canada Beef Inc. to be worth up to $2 million annually for Canadian beef producers.
In 2009, the Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (FTA) came into effect. Canadian agri-food exports to Peru increased 42 per cent in the first full year after the implementation of the FTA compared to 2008, with agri-food exports such as cereals and grains being among Canada's top exports to the country. In 2011, Peru's agricultural imports from Canada totalled more than $247 million, up from $240 million in 2010.
Savour Canada events are organized through the Canada Brand. Funded through the Agricultural Flexibility Fund, the Canada Brand initiative is designed to complement industry efforts and includes activities such as advertising, retail in-store activities, and restaurant promotions.
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Published: 11/28/2012