A trade mission made up of ten well-known companies from Canada will arrive in Nicaragua in September with the goal of increasing trade relations with Nicaraguan entrepreneurs, stated the Nicaraguan Association of Producers and Exporters (APEN).
The trade mission is made up of the following companies: the Arc En Ciel, M&M Twins, Green Coffee Bean Imports, Twisted Leaves, Rosell and Turner Imports and Exports, Manley Sales, Caribbean Specialty Herbs, Globimpex, Seven Seas, and Grace Foods Canada.
"The arrival of this mission of Canadian companies interested in the Nicaraguan market, and what we have to export, certainly aims to strengthen the commercial ties between the two countries," said Mario Arana, the general manager of APEN.
The visit is being organized by APEN together with TFO Canada, an office that facilitates access to the Canadian market and that shares its expertise in trade issues to benefit exporting companies in developing countries.
Canadian buyers will explore the opportunities to purchase some of the country's fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, mango, pineapple, green banana, ginger, yucca, and eastern vegetables. They are also interested in cardamom, honey, frozen fruit pulp, palm hearts, special coffee, and jams and jellies, among other products.
"Canadian importers are aware of Nicaragua's potential, especially in fresh fruits and vegetables. This is the second mission we've made to Nicaragua. The members of the delegation are looking for reliable sources of fresh products in the country to supply the Canadian market," stated Marysabel Gonzalez, TFO Canada's project manager for Latin America, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
The Canadians will establish a first contact with Nicaraguan producers in the business roundtables of EXPOAPEN2017, an event that will be held on September 1 and 2, Arana said.
The business roundtables allow national suppliers to approach international buyers to establish new markets and businesses, as they are a way for Nicaragua to present its exportable offer.
EXPOAPEN will bring together national companies that sell various products, such as meat, roots and tubers, cereals and oilseeds, grains and seeds, among others.
The national producers will meet with the Canadian importers and they will also be able to meet with buyers from the United States, Central America, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Ecuador at EXPOAPEN.
Well established companies
Each of the Canadian companies that are part of the trade mission are well consolidated and have established trade ties with producers in developing countries.
M & M Twins, for example, has been in the business of importing and exporting ethnic products for 35 years, offering a range of 200 products from ten countries, such as coconut products, jams, jellies, fruits, and nectars, among others.
Grace Foods Canada offers a wide range of food and beverage choices ranging from coconut water, soft drinks, tropical juices and snacks such as banana.
Another company interested in establishing commercial ties with Nicaraguan producers is Carribbean Specialty, a company established in 1999 that is dedicated to the fresh fruit and vegetable industry.
"EXPOAPEN provides Canadian companies a range of opportunities to do business and develop sustainable business relationships with the exporters participating in the fair. These importers have been evaluated and approved by TFO Canada," Gonzalez added.
Canada, an important partner
Canada, the second largest country in the world, has a population of 36.6 million people, and it is consolidating itself as one of Nicaragua's main markets, as it was the fifth most important market for Nicaraguan exports in the first Semester of this year.
Between January and June this year, exports to Canada totaled US $ 36.6 million, 25.5 percent more than in the same period of 2016 when Nicaragua only exported 29.1 million dollars to Canada, according to data from the Center of Exports, Cetrex.
Excluding sales to the Central American Region, only the exports to the United States (US $ 640 million) and Venezuela (US $ 84.6 million) surpassed the country's sales to Canada in the first six months of this year.
The promotion of fresh fruits and vegetables is a potential opportunity for Nicaraguan producers who want to access this destination, as consumption of exotic products and non-traditional vegetables in the Canadian market, a place where many different cultures coexist, has become more dynamic.
Source: laprensa.com.ni