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PROCOLOMBIA has identified fresh, natural and exotic food as the key drivers that will meet the needs of the Canadian Market. These drivers in addition to the Free Trade Agreement between both countries are creating great opportunities for Colombian exporters.
Five Colombian companies will be part of SIAL Canada, the largest food trade show in North America to be held from April 2nd through the 4th in Montreal before 14,000 entrepreneurs, 350 exhibitors from 45 different countries.
Aided by PROCOLOMBIA, these entrepreneurs will have the chance to present an array of products. For example Casa Luker will offer chocolate and byproducts CI Tequendama will showcase its top-of-the-line line organic palm oil Amor Perfecto and Descafecol specialty coffees, and C.I de Azucares y Mieles (CIAMSA) will offer sugar.
" Thanks to the FTA between Canada and Colombia, Canadian importers have started to notice the benefits of buying premium products from Colombia&rdquo , said Maria Claudia Lacouture, the president of PROCOLOMBIA Colombia. " This will provide Canadian consumers an opportunity to enjoy a wide range of exotic and gourmet products from our country&rdquo , she added.
Today, there are several companies that are taking advantage of the FTA. Since August 2011, a total of 141 companies from the agribusiness sector exported for the first time to Canada and sold 35 new products such as molasses, fresh mushrooms, avocado, cocoa powder, toasted bread and tropical pineapples.
Exports are also on the rise. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and The National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), sales have grown from U.S. $62.2 million to U.S. $70.8 Million in 2013 where sugar and molasses, cocoa and its byproducts and processed fruits are the main exporting force.
PROCOLOMBIA meanwhile has identified additional export opportunities that include oils and fats, sugars and honey, cocoa, coffee derivatives, fish filets, flowers and foliage, fresh and processed fruits, herbs and spices, fresh vegetables, ornamental fish, miscellaneous food preparations, confectionery, bakery and milling, oil seeds and oleaginous fruits and also animal byproducts.
