News Release

SEOUL, South Korea (GNB) – The provincial government is supporting New Brunswick companies working to increase their exports into the South Korean food market.

Deputy premier Stephen Horsman met with representatives of New Brunswick companies participating in this week’s Seoul Food 2017 International Food Industry Exhibition.

“We know New Brunswick producers have a well-deserved reputation for putting excellent food on our tables,” said Horsman. “It is all the more inspiring to see grocers and restaurateurs on the other side of the globe taking notice of the delicious, quality offerings we have.

“We are pleased to be here to lend our support to these companies that are working hard to grow New Brunswick’s economy and create jobs at home.”

The four-day event, which concludes Friday, features exhibitors from 39 countries and is the largest international food and hospitality show in Korea. It is an annual opportunity for industry professionals to source new products and connect with partners from around the world.

Dieppe-headquartered Cavendish Farms participated in the exhibition and Shediac-based Gourmet Chef Packers attended the Canada Food Export Cafe 2017.

Horsman, who participated in the exhibition’s opening ceremony, also met with Canada’s ambassador to South Korea, Eric Walsh, to discuss opportunities in the Korean market.

“We have had the opportunity to meet important players in the Korean food business, and we are connecting them with our businesses to open new markets for our producers of agri-food and seafood,” said Horsman. “Those discussions have been encouraging and we are confident we will soon be showing more consumers in Korea what New Brunswick can deliver.”

The Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement, which took effect in 2015, is offering new opportunities to Canadian companies looking to enter the South Korean market. With a GDP of $1.8 trillion, South Korea is Asia’s fourth largest economy and the world’s 11th largest.

The activities in South Korea follow last fall’s trade mission in China, where New Brunswick companies met with partners to discuss new trade opportunities.