Tapping into significant trading opportunities between B.C. and India, a trade delegation from B.C.'s agrifood sector is in Mumbai to participate in one of India's largest food and beverage trade shows.

B.C.'s Ministry of International Trade is using the Annapoorna - World of Food India trade show as a platform to introduce B.C. food producers to new buyers and importers in India and to strengthen existing trading ties. With over 200 agricultural products, 100 seafood products and a globally recognized wine industry, encompassing over 216 wineries, B.C. has the most diverse agrifoods sector in Canada.

Led by B.C.'s trade and investment representatives, the companies and organizations attending the show include:

• Pyramid Wine Exports Ltd.
• Kalala Organic Estate Winery
• Everland Natural Foods Inc.
• BC Blueberry Council
• Aqualine Seafoods Ltd.
• Select Seafoods Ltd.
• Port Fish Ltd.
• Von Albrecht & Associates
• Flying Fresh Air Freight
• Flow Natural Canadian Organic Brands
• Organika Health Products Inc.
• Tropical Link Canada Ltd.

India is one of the largest food consumers in the world and with its growing middle class, its food consumption patterns are changing. That means new trading opportunities for B.C. to take advantage of, such as providing a range of products that are in growing demand by Indian consumers.

The Annapoorna - World of Food India trade show brings together approximately 8,000 delegates and over 250 exhibitors, including importers, distributors, supermarket chains, hotels, restaurants, and buyers.

In addition to the Annapoorna - World of Food trade show, several B.C. companies attended the Renewable Energy India expo in Noida, India earlier this month. Businesses in attendance included: Ballard Power, Westport Innovations, Mag Power, Seabreeze Power, Corinex Communications, New Energy Corp, Biocubeco.

Quotes:

Minister of International Trade and Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism Teresa Wat -

"Asia is the key to our growing, open economy and we recognize the crucial importance of trade for our economic prosperity."

"With our well-established cultural ties to India and a stable and diversified economic base, British Columbia is well positioned to tap into India's growing potential. And I am certain B.C.'s diverse and fresh products will be a big hit."

Minister of Agriculture Pat Pimm -

"The B.C. government continues to work hard to build new markets in Asia, and India represents a huge opportunity for B.C. food producers to increase their sales. Families around the world choose B.C. products for their reputation as high-quality food that can be served with confidence, and I'm sure that buyers attending the Annapoorna - World of Food India trade show will do the same."

Quick Facts:

• B.C. exported $2.5 billion worth of agrifood products to over 130 different markets in 2012, an increase of 8.3 per cent over 2011.

• B.C. is home to 864 vineyards. Wine exports have grown from $1.4 million in 2008 to $8 million in 2012.

• B.C. is Canada's largest producer of blueberries, raspberries, apricots and sweet cherries. B.C. berry growers generated sales of over $208 million in 2012, a 24-per-cent increase over 2011. Almost $40 million worth of cranberries and more than $168 million in blueberries from B.C. were exported in 2012.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Annapoorna - World of Food India trade show, visit: http://www.worldoffoodindia.com/

To learn more about the Renewable Energy India expo, visit: http://www.renewableenergyindiaexpo.com/

British Columbia has three trade and investment offices across India - in Bangalore, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Find out more by visiting our international-facing website: http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/ and by following the Trade and Invest Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/BCTradeInvest

The B.C. Business Network is a dynamic directory that gives B.C. exporters access to the tools, services and on-the-ground connections they need to grow their business internationally. To learn more and register, visit: https://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Export/Index.aspx

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade and Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism
250 356-0613