This week (March 11-17, 2018), the Belgian King and Queen, several ministers, and a delegation of 200 companies (including Cosmofarma) are in Canada.
Fourteen companies from this delegation are active in the food and beverage sector. It is the first state visit to Canada since 1977. They will visit three cities: Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal. One of the King and Queen's activities was a meeting with Julie Payette, Governor-General and representative of the British Queen, who is the head of state of Canada. The delegation's visit is structured around three themes: the commemoration of war history, the economic relationship, and cultural and academic exchange.
Belgian food industry seeks growth opportunities in Canada
Total exports of goods from the European Union (EU-28) to Canada reached EUR 35.2 billion in 2016. Belgium accounted for 5.6% of this total, making it the sixth-largest exporter of goods to Canada. Exports of Belgian food and beverage products to the Canadian market have grown by an average of 10% per year in recent years. The implementation of the CETA trade agreement is creating even more opportunities. That is why the Federation of the Belgian Food Industry (Fevia) is putting Belgian food and beverage products in the spotlight with the promotional program “Food.be – Small country. Great food.”
Fevia Chairman Jean Eylenbosch explains why this state visit is important for his sector:
“Canada is currently our fourth-largest overseas sales market and accounts for 133 million euros in revenue. Furthermore, our exports to Canada have grown by an average of 10% per year in recent years. Beer and chocolate are performing particularly well, but we are convinced that the Canadian market offers even more potential to boost exports of our innovative, high-quality products.”
The Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Reynders, also recognizes the importance of Belgian food and beverage products for our country's reputation abroad. He will therefore highlight the products of the food companies participating in the mission during official Belgian receptions in Ottawa and Montreal.
But Cosmofarma proves that Belgium has more to offer than just chocolate and beer. We cater to the Canadian trend in superfoods with vegan and vegetarian dietary supplements. We use raw materials from Canada and Europe for the production of our products.
Follow the activities of the King and Queen of Belgium on belgianstatevisit.be.