Nova Scotia shines at trade show

Toronto, Ontario - Nova Scotia mounted an outstanding display at the Grocery Innovations Canada trade show that attracts buyers from all of the national supermarket chains and distributors, plus many regional marketers.

Alain Bossé, a chef in a kilt, was without a doubt the hit of the show.

He served up an array of treats that incorporated the products from five Nova Scotia companies. Those five companies had booths arranged in a square so buyers could check out the products that piqued their palates.

For example, John Lohr of Authentic Maritimes Flavours of Canning, was right beside the chef.

This was Lohrs second visit to the Toronto show and he had more visitors this year than last. I only need one or two major sales to make it worthwhile, he said of the effort and expense.

Randy MacDonald of Van Dyks Health Juice said the backing of the provincial government makes it affordable.

The departments of tourism and agriculture are both sponsors, said Licia Elder, who works for the agriculture department.

She sells Nova Scotia products on the basis of a different taste and quality from Ontario and other regions of Canada. I know theres a difference because I came from London, Ontario, she said.

Fred Jennings, national business development manager for Farmers Cooperative Dairy, said the show has provided excellent contacts and leads for the company.

Its also a good show to check out trends in the industry and new products, he said. It also helps that some of the feature speakers this year were Galen Weston, head of the Lolbaws chain, and author Tom Peters who introduced the Peter Principle.

Scotian Gold had a display, as did William Allaway of Upper Tantallon who promoted the maple syrup products he processes at the family-run plant, some of it from trees on the family farm. Were vertically integrated. We do everything, he said.

The promotion was part of the Taste of Nova Scotia program that incorporates dozens of additional companies and products.