On Oct. 12 Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced that the Canada Brand has invested $1 million in an initiative that will include retail and restaurant promotions for a wide range of Canadian products in Germany.
“This investment will help grocery shoppers in Germany find the great Canadian products our farmers grow and raise, turning market opportunities into a better bottom line for our producers,” Ritz said.
Canadian agriculture and food exports to Germany totalled nearly $210 million in 2010.
Germany is hosting the ANUGA food show, the largest food show in the world. This year more than 84 Canadian businesses are exhibiting, including 42 companies in the Canada pavilion in the Fine Food Hall and over 30 pork and beef companies in the Meat Hall. In 2009, Canada’s pavilion at ANUGA resulted in $132 million in either on site or follow up sales.
Ritz met with German Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner earlier this month to build on the strong trade relationship of the two countries. The minister emphasized the importance of science-based approaches to international trade. He raised the need to develop pragmatic approaches and rely on science-based trade that is consistent with international standards. He also noted the importance of the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement negotiations and its benefit for Canada’s farmers.
Ritz is presently in Russia where he will lead an industry delegation and meet with government and industry Russian representatives.
