Five local food businesses head to Toronto trade show
Five food companies head to Grocery Innovations Canada (Image Credit: R.D.C.O.)
Five Central Okanagan food businesses are showcasing their products to national retailers this week at Grocery Innovations Canada in Toronto.
Cabin 5, UMAMI Crave the Fifth, Little Creek Dressing, Mindful FÜD and Planty of Nosh are participating in an Okanagan pavilion supported by the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC).
The trade show gives the companies an opportunity to connect with buyers, explore new markets and expand beyond B.C.
Nji Mbitaownu, an economic development officer with the COEDC, says the initiative helps local producers build partnerships and grow the region’s food manufacturing sector.
The trade mission is supported by Accelerate Okanagan’s Market Diversification Fund, delivered with the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior. The fund matches business investments of up to $10,000 to help companies pursue new markets.
The COEDC also partnered with Export Navigator to provide two workshops to help participating businesses prepare for the show and engage potential buyers.
The initiative builds on Kelowna’s designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and aims to raise the profile of Central Okanagan-made products across Canada and beyond.