How much funding can be received?

Develop sales strategies and discuss export opportunities with expert consultants in specific food and beverage sectors, including primary agriculture and processed goods.

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This grant targets Ontario food and beverage companies seeking to expand their business internationally. It specifically assists businesses aiming to establish a presence in key and emerging export markets.

Companies aiming to export to the United States.
Businesses pursuing markets in the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Enterprises looking to enter Mexico.
Organizations targeting key Northeastern Asian markets such as Japan, South Korea, and Greater China.
Firms aiming at key emerging markets in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East like Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, India, and the GCC.

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$7,000

Participate in a trade show in Italy to introduce Canadian honey products to the European market

$8,500

Send a delegation to Japan to explore markets for Canadian wheat products

$6,000

Host a seminar in New York City for potential buyers of Canadian blueberry products

$4,700

Attend a food trade show in Chicago to explore export opportunities for organic maple syrup

$5,500

Participate in an international seminar in Spain for marketing Canadian seafood

$6,500

Organize a trade mission to Germany to expand the market for artisanal cheeses

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As the page you are looking for cannot be found, the eligibility criteria for this grant are not available.

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Business owners in the Ontario food and beverage industry who are interested in exporting their products can apply for support and services provided by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).

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This grant supports Ontario food, beverage, and agricultural companies looking to expand their business into international markets. Eligible activities focus on promoting export opportunities and building business relationships with international buyers.

Engaging in trade missions organized by ministry Export Marketing Officers.
Participating in international trade shows such as the PLMA show in Chicago.
Attending practical seminars and webinars designed to help businesses become export-ready.
Hosting incoming buyers' missions to connect with international buyers visiting Ontario.
Working with ministry staff to learn about market trends, challenges, and export regulations.

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Evaluation and selection criteria for this grant are:

Export readiness of the company
Potential for market growth and expansion
Alignment with targeted export markets
Demonstrated commitment to international trade
Product quality and competitiveness

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Step 1: Initial Inquiry
- Contact the OMAFRA contact centre to indicate your interest in speaking with their export services team.
- Use the provided phone number (1-877-424-1300) or email address (ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca) to reach out.
Step 2: Gather Information
- Learn about the export services and programs offered by OMAFRA, including trade missions, seminars, and support in becoming export-ready.
- Consult the ministry’s calendar for dates and times of relevant trade missions and seminars.
Step 3: Prepare Application
- Compile necessary information about your business and its export goals.
- Ensure you understand the requirements and expectations for participation in the available programs.
Step 4: Submit Application
- Follow directions provided by the export services team to submit your application to participate in programs like trade missions or PROFIT seminars.
- Ensure all necessary documents and information are included in your submission.
Step 5: Await Confirmation
- Receive confirmation from the export services team acknowledging receipt of your application.
- Wait for further instructions or a decision regarding your application.

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Here is additional relevant information for Ontario food and beverage exporters:

The Government of Ontario provides support to help businesses become export-ready, including understanding export regulations and distribution channels.
Trade missions and international shows are organized to facilitate direct interactions with global buyers.
The Program to Raise Ontario Food Investment and Trade (PROFIT) seminar focuses on entering the US markets, providing valuable insights from industry speakers.
The ministry regularly hosts webinars to help manufacturers understand international markets better.
Contact details for further assistance with export services are provided: Phone: 1-877-424-1300; Email: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.

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Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters

Apply to this program

Boosting Ontario's Food and Beverage Exports

The Government of Ontario offers comprehensive services to help food and beverage companies expand their markets internationally. These services are designed to help businesses become export-ready, increase sales, and establish a competitive edge in the global market.

Exploring Ontario’s Food and Beverage Export Assistance Programs

The export assistance program provided by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is a valuable asset for food and beverage businesses looking to expand their reach beyond domestic borders. This initiative serves as a catalyst for businesses to not only increase their profitability but also to fortify their global presence through meticulously designed export programs. The primary focus of these programs is to help Ontario food and beverage companies become export-ready, develop robust strategies to enter foreign markets, and gain exposures such as trade missions and international exhibitions that can significantly enhance their market presence.

One of the significant benefits of this program is the potential for increased sales and profit margins. By expanding their market presence internationally, companies can achieve higher economies of scale in production, thereby saving on costs and increasing profitability. A diversified export strategy helps businesses stabilize against domestic market fluctuations, thus securing a more consistent revenue stream. Companies can leverage these programs to reduce their dependency on the local market, tackle economic shifts more proficiently, and avoid the impacts of seasonal demands. Additionally, excess production capacity can be efficiently utilized through exports, often resulting in reduced average costs per unit and enhancing production efficiencies.

The support offered by OMAFRA through its Export Marketing Officers is multi-faceted, incorporating activities that span across several continents including the United States, European Union, key Northeast Asian markets like Japan and South Korea, and emerging markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. This global approach ensures that Ontario businesses have access to diverse commercial environments, enabling them to secure substantial market share and expand their business horizons. Trade missions organized by the ministry serve as platforms for Ontario companies by bringing them face-to-face with international buyers, ensuring direct communication and strengthening business ties through both incoming and outgoing missions. These missions provide real opportunities to connect with decision-makers who can play a pivotal role in international expansion.

International trade shows are another key component of this initiative, allowing Ontario businesses to showcase their products at eminent global events such as the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) show in Chicago. These exhibitions provide unmatched visibility and networking opportunities, bringing Ontario's agri-food excellence to the forefront of global markets. By participating in such shows, companies are not only promoting their products but also effectively contributing to the overall branding of Ontario’s agri-food sector on a global stage. The seminars and webinars facilitated by the ministry are designed to arm businesses with critical insights into export regulations and distribution channels. Through these educational events, businesses receive hand-on assistance in navigating the complexities of international trade, thereby fostering confident and knowledgeable exporters.

Overall, the export services offered by the Government of Ontario are designed to help food and beverage enterprises capitalize on international opportunities, reduce dependency on domestic markets, and navigate through the evolving landscape of global trade with greater ease. Through strategic collaborations and networking opportunities provided by these initiatives, Ontario companies can enhance their competitiveness, thus establishing a prominent position in international markets. Participation in this program is a strategic step towards achieving sustainable growth, and it helps companies not only expand their market reach but also contribute to the economy by developing a robust export-oriented business framework.