July 11, 2016, FREDERICTON (GNB) – Seven New Brunswick companies participated in a 10-day mission to France, where they attended business-to-business meetings and events to leverage potential export opportunities.

Meetings with buyers and distributors of France’s largest supermarket chains in Paris, Vannes, Lorient and Toulouse have generated strong results for producers of seafood, cranberries, spirits and more.

“New Brunswick has an export-driven economy,” said Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “Our agri-food and seafood products are sought after in this market, and this has been a great opportunity for these companies to increase sales and create more jobs here at home.”

The following companies participated:

  • AGB Products;
  • Distillerie Fils du Roy;
  • Eastland Kitchens;
  • MMAAZZ;
  • Partner Seafood;
  • Springbrook Cranberry; and
  • Westmorland Fisheries.

The meetings were arranged through partnerships established with the France-Canada Chamber of Commerce, with chambers of commerce in Paris and in the Morbihan and Tarn regions and with the Canadian Embassy. Participants also attended a session on “How to do business in France” before they left.

A New Brunswick pavilion at the Festival Pause Guitare in Albi during the weekend of July 8 featured Acadian musicians and tourism experiences. Earlier in the mission, a special Canada Day event organized by the Canadian Embassy highlighted New Brunswick seafood products and McCain french fries.

Backgrounder on participating companies:

AGB Products

This fourth-generation family business has been working in the field of metal manufacturing for more than 100 years. Its mission is to quickly design and manufacture quality metal products.

Distillerie Fils du Roy

This microdistillery produces spirits (gin, vodka, absinthe, anisette, rum, and single malt whisky), blueberry and cranberry liqueurs, and specialized beers.

Eastland Kitchens – Bos Brothers

This is an innovative company that makes high quality kitchens and wood products. Its products follow changing trends in the industry. It offers a standard option for all its products, but has the capability to handle special requests for its customers.

MMAAZZ

This company is a world leader in virtual remote detection technology for bottling and packaging. Its solutions are smart: sensor-enabled replicas of containers are placed on the production line to identify the root causes of failures related to a shock, pressure, and vertical load in bottling and packaging processes.

Partner Seafood

This seafood production management and marketing company opened in 2007. Founder Paul Farrah, with 20 years of experience in the field, set up a company focused on quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Springbrook Cranberry

This organic cranberry producer offers a range of products such as dried, frozen, and fresh (in season) cranberries, juice, and pomace, a by-product obtained from the juice extraction process.

Westmorland Fisheries

Founded in 1973, it is one of the largest lobster processors in Canada. The company had more than 400 employees at the height of production in 2015. It specializes in the processing of frozen lobster products marketed under the Rocky Point brand.

MEDIA CONTACT(S):

Mary-Anne Hurley-Corbyn, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-476-7596.