Trade mission to North Carolina - Laval businesses forge business ties with key agri-food retailers

Véronique Proulx, Director of the Laval Technopole International Business Centre, announced that an important trade mission to North Carolina will take place from November 29 to December 3, 2010.
Over a one-week period, large U.S. chains and distributors will open their doors to the Laval delegation, composed of Bassé Nuts, CLIC International, Montpak International and Montour. Initially, the delegation will meet as a group with the retailers’ senior management and then present their products one-on-one to the buyers.
Meetings are scheduled with the following retailers and distributors:
 

• The Fresh Market: 100 gourmet stores in 19 states;
• LOWES Foods: 100 stores in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia;
• Southern Foods: Offers gourmet products online across the U.S.;
• IFH: One of the 13 largest food distributors in America;
• Gilbert Foodservice: A distributor specializing in restaurants and hotels;
• Tropical Nut & Fruit Co.: A manufacturer and distributor whose products are found in many stores, restaurants, hotels and gourmet shops;
• CircleK SouthEast: A subsidiary of Couche-Tard, with 3,300 stores across the U.S.;
• A Southern Season: A food store with the unique concept of a restaurant within the store. Also involved in online distribution, the company has 250 employees and sales of almost US$31 million.

During this trade mission, the participants will:

• Introduce their company and products;
• Highlight the competitive advantages of their products;
• Show the profitability of their products;
• Confirm their ability to meet demand;
• Define and propose a market entry strategy for the Carolinas; and
• Conclude sales with the retailers and distributors.

It bears mentioning that a study published by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in 2010 showed that the Carolinas are home to 14 million people and 6 of the country’s largest food retailers. In 2008, Canada was their principal partner with $8.6 billion in trade.
"We targeted this important market, where six of America’s largest food retailers are located, because it remains largely untapped by Quebec companies and especially Laval companies. We had to pick seasoned exporters who could set themselves apart, in other words, companies with value-added products that target specific niches. Our four participants meet these criteria," explained Proulx.
"Many of the retailers are impressed with the line-up we have in store for them. This is a strategic trade mission for us because it will pave the way for other Laval companies active in this industry," added Pierre Desroches, President and Executive Director of Laval Technopole

 Credit: News and Press releases from Laval Technopole