OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 06/15/12 -- Canada's food and beverage industry will increase its competitiveness in key global markets with the support of the Government of Canada. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament Paul Calandra (Oak Ridges-Markham) announced today an investment of $765,000 to the Canadian Food Exporters Association (CFEA) to raise awareness of Canadian products at important international trade shows.

"Our Government's top priority remains the economy, and Canada's food and beverage industry plays an important role in creating jobs and keeping our economy strong," said MP Calandra. "By helping industry get the tools and resources needed to boost sales in international markets, our Government is creating opportunities for Canadian farmers and companies to grow and prosper."

This investment will allow the CFEA to lead trade missions with its members to key international trade shows, including Food Taipei, which begins June 27, to get their products in front of thousands of potential new customers. Trade shows provide industry members with valuable opportunities to promote the quality, safety advantages, and environmental benefits of Canadian products; to create new international contacts; and to strengthen existing business relationships. As a registered Canada Brand member, the CFEA has access to tools and promotional items to help with marketing strategies.

"The Canadian Food Exporters Association is very appreciative of the funding we receive from the AgriMarketing Program. The Association leverages this support to provide export programs for small to mid-sized food, beverage, and ingredient manufacturers to make them more competitive in the international marketplace," said Susan Powell, President of the CFEA. "This financial assistance has allowed for an acceleration of our efforts, and we remain dedicated to opening new markets for our members."

The food and beverage processing industry is Canada's largest manufacturing industry in terms of value of production and the largest manufacturing employer, providing jobs for 290,000 Canadians. Exports of processed food and beverage products were worth $23.3 billion in 2011, an increase of 12 per cent from 2010, and reached some 190 countries.

Today's announcement is part of an $88-million investment provided through the AgriMarketing Program under Growing Forward, which helps industry implement long-term international strategies, including activities such as international market development, industry-to-industry trade advocacy, and consumer awareness and branding. The CFEA is a non-profit industry association that aims to increase exports and raise the international profile of Canadian food, beverage, and ingredient products.

To find out more about the AgriMarketing Program or the Canada Brand international strategy, visit www.agr.gc.ca/agrimarketing or www.marquecanadabrand.agr.gc.ca.