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Macedonian Processed Vegetables Exporters Successfully Market their Products in Canada
 Exports of Macedonian processed vegetable products to Canada are currently small, but important. According to the World Trade Organization, Canada is one of the world’s ten largest importers of
processed vegetables. Canada’s openness to imports and impressive record of economic growth cause it to be a very attractive market for processed vegetable exporters, which makes Macedonian companies
eager to enter this huge market.
In May AgBiz and its partner MAP (Macedonian Association of Proccesors) organized a six-day sales and marketing mission to Toronto, Canada for seven leading Macedonian processed vegatables exporters. Executives from Bonum Plus, Vipro, Tehnoalat, Altra, Trgoprodukt, Best Foods and Lars had an opportunity to visit several retail stores, both supermarkets and ethno shops, in Toronto and its surroundings. They found that Macedonian pepper-based products such as roasted peppers, lutenica, ajvar, and pepper spreads are represented in almost every ethnic store in Canada, but less in retail chains, and enjoy a very good consumer reputation.
“In our daily work, there is a constant demand for new and unique products, and even traditional items. This is an excellent opportunity for Macedonian exporters and their very tasty products such as home
style ajvar and lutenica.” said the manager of one of the stores visited.
To increase their visibility on the Canadian market, participating companies presented their products, processing operations and readiness for cooperation during a promotional event that took place at the largest family-owned salad company in Canada. At this tasting occasion, the Macedonian representatives explained their products, how they are consumed, and the raw materials and technology used in the production processes. The event was organized in cooperation with the General Consulate of the Republic of Macedonia in Toronto.
The guests were greeted by the Ambassador, Mr. Martin Trenevski.There were around 15 participants at the event including Canadian food importers, food brokers and distributors.The seriousness of the contacts established with new Canadian customers resulted in 150,000 Euros worth of new orders being
signed for Macedonian pepper-based product exports to Canada and a business meeting in Macedonia in August, 2010 being arranged with potential Canadian buyers.
The participating companies also provided samples of their products and promotional materials to the Macedonian Consulate for further circulation and promotion.
AgBiz helps Macedonian agribusinesses improve their export capacity and competitiveness.
“We eye witnessed many details related to the Canadian processed vegetables market, met potential customers and directly presented our products to them. There are good possibilities for opening new markets for our products, but a lot of homework will be required to identify the most appropriate entry strategy.”
- Viktor Petkov, owner of Vipropromotion.
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