BC Blueberries take to the international trade show circuit
For Immediate Release
February 1, 2018
BC Blueberries take to the international trade show circuit
Our ever-popular BC Blueberries are going on a whirlwind tour of trade shows this spring starting off in Berlin, Germany, followed by Dubai, United Arab Emirates and then onto Chiba, Japan.
“Trade shows such as the ones we are attending this spring are excellent opportunities for us to showcase BC blueberries for the international markets,” says Anju Gill, executive director of the BC Blueberry Council. “BC is considered the largest highbush blueberry production region in the world and comprises more than 95 per cent of Canada’s and over 20 per cent of North America’s highbush blueberry production.”
Berlin, Germany
From February 7-9, the BC Blueberry Council will be showcasing its wares at the Fruit Logistica show in Berlin. This show, which is in its 26th year, will feature 3,000 exhibitors and 75,000 visitors from 130 countries.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Held from February 18 to 22, Gulfood 2018 is the largest global industry trade show of its type. Attending for the fifth time, the council will again exhibit as part of the AgriFood Canada pavilion. Last year the show attracted a record of 97,000 trade-only visitors from 185 countries. Over 5,000 exhibitors are part of this year’s sold-out event. Along with offering an excellent opportunity to connect with buyers from the Gulf Region, the show also attracts trade from India and South East Asia, two other emerging markets for B.C.-grown blueberries. At the booth, BC Blueberry Council representatives will be offering samples of freeze dry and dehydrated blueberries.
Chiba, Japan
Foodex Japan, (March 6 – 9) which is in its 43rd year, is Asia’s largest food and beverage exhibition. Over the four-day event, 3350 exhibitors will showcase their wares to 82,000 buyers from food service, distribution and trading companies. Along with offering an excellent opportunity to connect with buyers from Japan, the show also attracts trade buyers from other Asian markets. BCBC will offer up samples of its freeze-dried, dehydrated and frozen blueberry products.
“At all of these exhibitions, we’re looking forward to reconnecting with current buyers, as well as building some new relationships and putting them in touch with suppliers that can fulfil their requests, whether they’re looking for blueberries in fresh, frozen, dried, powdered, juice or puréed formats,” says Gill.
The BC Blueberry Council works closely with government trade offices at both a provincial and federal level, making the most of opportunities to take part in trade missions, delegations and shows such as Logistica, Gulfood and Foodex.
With over 80 years of blueberry-growing experience, the BC Blueberry Council represents 600 highbush growers. Combined, these growers have more than 11,000 hectares (27,000 acres) of highbush blueberries planted in order to meet growing demand. The BC Blueberry Council has a strong commitment to on-farm food safety and works diligently with blueberry growers. It also collaborates with packers and processors to ensure that BC blueberries meet the highest standards for food safety and quality.
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