SEVEN Jamaican brands are now displaying some of the island’s best products at the SIAL Canada trade exhibition in Toronto, Canada.

Carita Jamaica, Scotch Boyz, Linga Ya Farms, Caribbean Dreams, Tru Juice, Monymusk Plantation Rums and Home Choice are representing Jamaica at the event which recorded more than 15,000 buyers from 60 countries last year.

The island’s participation at SIAL Canada started yesterday April 30, 2019, and will end tomorrow, May 2, 2019.

From its participation in the trade show, the local brands not only seek to increase their presence in the market as Canada’s demand for ethnic and organic food continues to increase, but also hopes to make valuable connections in Canada in attempt to raise their international profiles.

To date, there are more than 20,000 grocery stores in Canada and suppliers hope to gain prominence on a few of the shelves.

“Based on the continued diversification of the Canadian population, and our strong Diaspora community in the country, we believe that this is the perfect opportunity to have a more aggressive push in that market for Jamaican products,” Jampro’s President, Diane Edwards, said while adding that Canada has always been part of Jampro’s export promotion focus.

“Ethnic food, organic products, and beverages, are really doing well in Canada, and many of our Jamaican brands can capitalise on these developments. Our North American Regional Office is focused on creating the environment for Jamaican brands to make a more significant impact in Canada, and take advantage of these food trends.”

Edwards noted that 80 per cent of attendees at SIAL 2018 were decision-makers in purchasing goods for retail and distribution, allowing for valuable international exposure in new markets for Jamaica’s agricultural producers and manufacturers.

“Agriculture and food manufacturing are pillars of the Jamaican economy, but we still have not realised its full potential. By working closely with our partners in agriculture, including the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries to create sector building strategies, and securing impactful international exposure for our local manufacturers, we expect to see greater success for our food growers and manufacturers in this financial year,” she said.