A group of food buyers and chefs from across the globe are visiting Prince Edward Island this week to explore the potential of purchasing Island products for export, says Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allen F. Roach.

“Fall Flavours and the PEI International Shellfish Festival provide an ideal backdrop for the province and Island businesses to promote the sights, sounds and tastes of Prince Edward Island to many visitors and potential buyers of Island products,” said Minister Roach. “The Incoming Buyers Mission, being hosted this week by Innovation PEI and led by industry associations, is an excellent opportunity for our Island producers to showcase the high quality and high value of Prince Edward Island products.”

The visiting delegation includes national media, chefs from large hotels and restaurants, as well as buyers from various retail and distribution companies. The group will be meeting each day with different representatives from the Prince Edward Island food industry and touring various businesses across the province.

“These buyers programs are a great opportunity for industries to work together to showcase potential clients and buyers about all the food we produce on PEI. It’s the hands-on, personal experiences that we can provide to these prospects to demonstrate what makes us unique and better,” Kendra Mills, PEI Potato Board Marketing Director.

“Providing Island producers with the opportunity to bring their products directly to buyers and chefs will help develop business relationships and open up new markets for export,” said Minister Roach. “The Incoming Buyers Mission is a two-day event that saves Island producers time and money. Instead of traveling around the region to develop sales relationships, they can do so over just two days. There is great potential to expand our exports, and our department is actively promoting Island products across Canada and in countries around the world.”

The Trade and Export Development division of Innovation PEI assists Island companies in becoming export ready. The division provides training and support for market-entry activities and market-specific information. For more information, visit www.innovationpei.com/trade.