Shoppers will be able to identify B.C. foods for family meals, school snacks and even pet food, as a result of a branding program the B.C. Food Processors Association (BCFPA) is developing through $65,000 in Buy Local Program funding.

The BCFPA is developing both in-store and web materials to help shoppers recognize and choose the wide range of products their members make in British Columbia. More than 130 BCFPA members produce thousands of products that can add local flavours and adventure to dining options. Products that consumers will be able to identify include baked goods, beverages (including beer, coffee and wine), dairy, meat and seafood, fruit and vegetable products, ethnic specialties with global flavours, natural health products and pet food.

The BCFPA will launch the program in multiple locations throughout the province this fall. Food and natural health product processing is British Columbia’s largest manufacturing sector, with about $8 billion in annual sales and more than 30,000 employees. B.C. products are chosen locally and around the globe as a trusted source of nutrition.

The Buy Local program offers successful applicants matching funds up to $100,000 to launch or expand local food marketing campaigns.

Building the local market for B.C. foods is a key commitment of government’s Agrifoods Strategy, a component of the BC Jobs Plan, to lead the agrifoods sector growth into a $14-billion-a-year industry by 2017.

Quotes:

Agriculture Minister Pat Pimm -

“This province has an incredible range of local, high-quality, food options and the Buy Local Program is all about making it easier for folks to identify them and support local products and jobs. The BCFPA project will lead to new opportunities for B.C.’s food processors, and help consumers choose B.C. foods every day of the year.”

BC Food Processors Association CEO Nico Human -

“This campaign is all about helping British Columbians find great B.C. made products. By including B.C.-made products in their local diet, consumers can enjoy virtually anything their heart desires - from specialty dietary products to a vast array of beverages, amazing ethnic offerings, decadent confectionaries, desserts and more - all with the satisfaction of knowing they are also supporting local jobs and businesses.”

Learn More:

The B.C. Food Processors Association: www.bcfpa.ca

Video about the vast array of B.C. products: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-1Z21lD5kg

A list of food processors in B.C.: http://www.foodprocessorslist.ca

B.C. Buy Local program: http://www.gov.bc.ca/agri/buylocal.html

Keep up to date on the latest in B.C. foods and beverages: https://www.facebook.com/FoodsBC

Contacts:

Marc Black
Ministry of Agriculture
250 889-1295

Nico Human
BC Food Processors Association
604 504-4409
nico@bcfpa.ca