Before exporting to Canada, it is important to fully understand Canadian government product import requisites and local market trends so that you can achieve the most success possible. Exporters should utilize a well-thought out and nice
looking brand image, which can be more expensive due to promotion and advertising costs, or simply use established brands in Canadian supermarkets. It is necessary to break into the market through the trade channel, which most adequately meets the needs of each product. That is, sell through wholesale importers or directly to supermarket chains. Depending on the type of product, there are varying points of sale available to effectively attack different sections of the population. The following list highlights some of the best:
| a) |
Discount Supermarkets. These stores offer variety, quality, and low prices in an attempt to attract consumers from all segments of society. |
| b) |
General Supermarkets. The target of this category of store is the middle and upper middle class consumer who desires access to a constant and varied product supply. |
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Specialized Supermarkets. There are two kinds of stores in this category, ethnic and organic. Ethnic stores cater to minority populations such as Chinese and Indians. Organic stores cater to those high-income consumers interested in nutritious, high-quality products, including international brands. |
| d) |
Convenience Stores. These stores satisfy an urgent or sudden consumer need. |
There are many guidelines one should follow for exporting to Canada, including accepted quality limits, identity standards, container size, and correct labeling. Food must be appropriate for human consumption, produced with the best raw materials, and packaged according to established sanitary conditions.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CIFA) is in charge of making sure processed products follow federal regulations.
Labels are important because they provide consumers with the information they will use to make their purchase decisions. Some basic labeling requirements as established by the CIFA are:
| a) |
Common name |
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| b) |
Net quantity: volume or weight. Honey products require metric units |
| c) |
Grade (1,2,3) if necessary |
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Ingredients list in descending order according to proportion and weight |
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Expiration date or product duration |
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Manufacturer name and address, including zip code |
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| g) |
Country of origin preceded by "Product of..." |
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This information should be written in both Spanish and English for pre-packaged products or in an official language like English or French in products not pre-packaged. There must also be a nutritional label containing the nutritional breakdown of the food. The US nutritional label is not accepted in Canada; the Canadian label should contain the following:
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Carbohydrates (grams) |
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Energy (calories) |
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Sodium or potassium (if applicable) in milligrams |
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Proteins (grams) |
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Fat (grams) |
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Vitamins and minerals (percent of daily recommended allowance) |
In order to ensure that products are healthy and nutritious, all food sold in Canada, both nationally produced and imported, must comply with FDR (Food and Drugs Act Requirements) requirements.
By: The Vancouver, Canada Trade Advisory Board
Phone number: (604) 682 3648
Fax: (604) 682 1355
E-mail: bancomext@trademexbc.come |
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