CANSEA July Dec 2018

Success Stories of Canadian Companies in Southeast Asia: THAILAND As a result of a Potato Grower of Alberta mission to Thailand in November of 2017, and FritoLay (Thailand)’s visit to potato farms and facilities in Alberta in September 2018, a purchase contract for 2,000 tons of chip stock potatoes was secured. The shipment arrived in December 2018. Following the Seafood Expo Asia trade show, held in Hong Kong during the week of 4-6 September, 2018, a leading Thai fish & seafood importer/distributor that specialises in marketing products through hotels and restaurants purchased 800-kgs of freshwater rainbow smelt from a Canadian supplier exhibiting at the show. VIETNAM In June 2018, a BC-based seafood company supplied its first air shipment of fresh farmed salmon to a major seafood distributor in Ho Chi Minh City. During the 2018 cherry harvest season, a BC-based fruit packer and marketer supplied more than 20,000 MT of fresh cherries to two major fruit distributors, based in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, buying BC cherries for the first time. Another BC-based cherry producer and marketer successfully started exporting fresh cherries to a first-time buyer in Ho Chi Minh City, with 11 shipments to date. In July 2018, a BC-based wholesaler and exporter of live shellfish secured the first order of live BC oysters from a major seafood trader specializing in live seafood products for high-end restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. In September 2018, a Nova-Scotia-based harvester, processor and exporter of Atlantic sea cucumber and other Atlantic seafood secured its first order with a major seafood importer in Ho Chi Minh City. Products include sea cucumber, sea scallops and fresh lobster. In September 2018, a BC-based wholesaler and exporter of live shellfish and seafood products secured its first order of sashimi-grade Pacific cod from a high-end seafood processing company based in Ho Chi Minh City. Also in September 2018, a BC-based wholesaler and exporter of live shellfish and seafood products successfully secured the first order of sashimi-grade Pacific cod from a high-end seafood processing company based in HCMC. INDONESIA A Canadian livestock genetics firm has supplied frozen bovine semen to one of the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture’s beef cattle breeding centers in the Sumatra region of Indonesia. MALAYSIA Two Malaysian food distributors have recently begun sourcing soybeans from Canada: one of the distributors has secured a trial-run of 100 containers, and the second distributor has contracted for 15- 20 containers of Canadian soybeans annually. A Canadian alcohol distributor is planning to launch a range of micro-brew beers in Malaysia in the second quarter of 2019. PHILIPPINES A supplier of Canadian seed potatoes has sealed an agreement with Universal Robina Corporation (URC) for the sale of 135 MT of granola seed potatoes, which will be distributed to three potato farming communities in the Philippines as part of the Department of Agriculture’s Potato Sustainability Program. Trade Leads in Southeast Asia: THAILAND A well-established importer and distributor who specialises in marketing the products through hotel and restaurant industries is exploring the possibility to market sustainable Canadian fish & seafood products in the Thai market. A major Thai potato chip producer is looking to source 3,000 tons of chip stock potatoes (ex: Atlantic, Lady Claire, FL varieties) from Alberta. VIETNAM Following the recent success in securing market access for live Dungeness crab from Canada, a major Vietnamese seafood importer in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is looking to partner with a committed supplier of live crab for long-term business. One of Vietnam’s largest and fastest growing grocery chains, with more than 100 supermarkets and some 1,500 convenience stores, is interested in partnering with committed Canadian suppliers of a range of products. Products of immediate interest include farmed and wild salmon, snow crab, beef, and fresh fruits (apples and cherries). Several Vietnamese importers have expressed interest in exploring the possibility of importing Canadian beef in the wake of Vietnam’s ratification of the CPTPP and the coming reduction in tariffs on beef from Canada . Fresh/chilled and frozen beef cuts: tariffs up to 20% reduced to 0% in Year 3 (Jan. 1, 2020) and other beef product tariffs up to 34% reduced to 0% in Year 8 (Jan. 1, 2025). INDONESIA An Indonesian dairy center is looking for small forage cutting machines and small forage dryers for use in their facility. MALAYSIA A leading pet-food distributor has reached out to the High Commission of Canada to seek information on possible Canadian partners that would be interested in exporting to the region. PHILIPPINES Suppliers of Grade 1 Green Peas One of the largest food processing companies in the Philippines, Universal Robina Corporation (URC), is seeking potential suppliers of Grade 1 Green Peas from Canada and is seeking consistent supply of a minimum of 80 tonnes per month on a yearly basis. Please contact the Trade Commissioner for further information on specifications and requirements. URC is prepared to sign an agreement for the continuous supply of Grade 1 Green Peas from Canada that would meet its specifications. Suppliers of Feed Wheat and Alfalfa Hay in Bale The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) is asking for a list of feed wheat and Alfalfa Hay in Bale suppliers. Jollibee Suppliers 1. Beef export to PH Requirement: 75CL beef trimmings (2MT per month) 2. Poultry Requirement: frozen marinated cut-ups (drum and thigh) with an average volume of 150,000 kgs per month for 2019 3. Sauce and Patty 4. Spaghetti Sauce - in frozen format - Purchase of beef raw materials can in frozen block but should have a frozen grinder or ground beef already - Must be capable to produce combination of sauce and meat materials, including sausage Average monthly volume a. Canada – 4MT b. US (if there’s an opportunity for a supplier to support this territory) – 60MT 5. Beef Patty - in frozen format (using individual quick freezing) - Allows production of items with allergens - Purchase of beef raw materials can in frozen block but should have a frozen grinder or ground beef already - Average monthly volume: Canada – 8MT - Average monthly volume for US market: 26 MT (for suppliers with accreditation to export to the US) Improving Market Access-Progress Report VIETNAM The Embassy of Canada continues to support Canada’s vigorous, proactive engagement with Vietnam to address the following issues: Vietnam’s approval, on November 20, 2018, of the Law on Livestock Production, which includes an article that provides legislative authority to ban imports of meat containing residues of ractopamine and other veterinary drugs for which there are international standards for safe use. This Law is set to enter into force on January 1, 2020 Vietnam’s stated plan to implement new quarantine weed seeds measures that would allow for rejection, effective January 1, 2019, of shipments of commodities from Canada found to contain traces of creeping thistle. Vietnam’s approval of legislation that could result in a ban on importation of meat containing residues of ractopamine and other veterinary dugs as of January 1, 2020. MALAYSIA A planned visit by Malaysian officials to Canada for an audit of pork establishments is expected to occur in 2019. The High Commission of Canada has also provided information to the CFIA on import requirements for a number of agri-food products, including oats, wheatgrass and dried ginseng root. Recently, the Port of Halifax confirmed that a direct-shipping route to Malaysia now exists for products exported from Canada, with same-ship return for products going to Canada from Malaysia (with a stop in Sri Lanka). PHILIPPINES Access for Live Cattle Obtained The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) of the Philippines confirmed market access for Canadian live cattle on September 14, 2018. Access for Canadian Seed Potatoes Maintained In December 2018, the Trade Commissioner Service in Manila learned that the Philippines had revised SPS measures/conditions for the importation of Canadian seed potatoes, without prior notification to Canada. With the support of AAFC and CFIA, TCS Manila was able to negotiate, within the same day, with the Philippine Bureau of Plant and Industry (BPI), to revert to the previously agreed SPS conditions until new conditions have been agreed upon between the Philippines and Canada. Access for Canadian Small Ruminant Genetics After negotiations with the Bureau of Animal Industry of the Philippine Department of Agriculture, Canada secured market access for ovine and caprine semen and embryos on August 21, 2018. Ongoing – Bovine embryos Following receipt of a request by the Philippine government to establish a protocol for the export of Canadian bovine embryos to the Philippines, TCS Manila facilitated negotiations between CFIA and BAI on the access for bovine embryos. On January 30, 2019, Canada officially obtained access to the Philippines for Canadian bovine embryos. Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Webinar (February 20 to 21, 2019) In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), TCS Manila and CFIA presented a webinar aimed at providing information on the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) implemented in January 2019. The webinar included a module on enforcement and application of Canadian food allergen labelling regulations and managing undeclared allergens. The webinar helped Philippine exporters to better comply with CFIA regulations for products distributed in Canada. THAILAND Ongoing issues: The Embassy of Canada continues to engage Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development (DLD) in support of Canada’s efforts to negotiate import requirements for poultry genetics (day-old chicks) and caprine semen. Efforts are ongoing to press for Thailand to restore market access for Canadian pork. The market is currently closed due to Thailand’s ban on importation of products containing residues of ractopamine. BNGKK TC had worked closely with CFIA/Animal Import and Export Division to submit CFIA proposed export certificates for live pigeon and chinchillas to Thailand Department of Livestock Development (DLD) for approval. DLD Quarantine Section confirmed that the proposed export certificates were validated. INDONESIA Market Access for Ovine and Caprine Semen In July 2018, Indonesia's Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services (DGLAHS) accepted Canada’s draft health certificate for sheep and goat semen, thereby granting market access for these products. Indonesia's acceptance of the health certificate for ovine/caprine semen represents a successful resolution to Canada's multi-year efforts to secure market access for Indonesia for these products. Market Access for Ovine and Caprine Embryos In August 2018, Indonesia's Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services (DGLAHS) confirmed its acceptance of revised draft export conditions for ovine/caprine embryos proposed by CFIA, successfully opening the Indonesian market for these products. Market Access for Bovine Semen In August 2018, Indonesia's Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health (DGLAHS) accepted revisions, proposed by CFIA, to Canada’s existing export certificate for bovine semen. The revised conditions remove Indonesia's requirement that donor bulls be resident at a semen centre for a minimum of 6 months. Market Access for Specified Risk Material (SRM)- Canadian Meat and Bone Meal and Bovine Blood Meal (BBM) On April 1, 2019, Canada and Indonesia agreed on a health certificate to allow exports of Specified Risk Material (SRM) - removed Canadian Meat and Bone Meal (MBM) and Bovine Blood Meal (BBM) to Indonesia to resume. Market Development-Progress Report THAILAND Taste of Canada @ Gourmet Market - Bangkok, August 1 - 15, 2018 The Embassy of Canada in Thailand organized a two-week Canadian food promotion in partnership with the Mall Group, Thailand’s second largest supermarket chain operator, at three high-end Gourmet Market locations (Siam Paragon, Emporium and EmQuartier) in downtown Bangkok. The event was organized in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the province of British Columbia and Canadian agri-food and seafood suppliers. A wide range of products from across Canada were featured, including oyster (BC), geoduck (BC), salmon (ON), live and frozen lobster (the Maritimes), craft beer (BC), apple cider (NS), cherries (BC), blueberries (BC) and other specialty items such as maple syrup (QC), almond milk (ON) and quinoa (MB). Ambassador Donica Pottie presided over the event launch, delivered a key note address promoting Canadian capabilities in agriculture and agri-food, and engaging with Thai industry executives and media to promote the event and raise Canada’s profile in the Thai market. A chef-led cooking demonstration featuring Canadian lobster, oyster and craft beer on this opening day was very well- attended and included a number of Thai food bloggers and raised Canada’s profile in the Thai market. The Taste of Canada event resulted in immediate sales of over CAD$85,000, representing products covering 35 different SKUs, a nearly 20% increase in sales over last year’s event. Among these were three new-to-market products introduced to the Thai consumers (craft beer, apple cider and geoduck). Several potential business leads with new importers were identified and are being pursued as a direct result of this event. Very positive feedback was received from Mall Group management and considerable publicity was generated; highlighting Canada and Canadian food products in the Thai market. Significant coverage in local media included various local publications, a lifestyle magazine, on-line food blogs, local partners’ social media and the Embassy of Canada Facebook & Twitter. Examples include: https://www.facebook.com/ginmaiyood/posts/872603106277618 BKreview https://www.facebook.com/bkreview/posts/1794566567327070 Foodyoucaneat https://www.facebook.com/foodyoucaneat.bkk/posts/1855001984808794 Foody Bangkok https://www.facebook.com/foodybangkok/posts/1850343325058881 Seafood Asia Expo and Asia Fruit Logistica Trade Show- Hong Kong, September 4 - 7, 2018 The Trade Commissioner from Thailand accompanied buyers and facilitated B2B meetings with clients who exhibited at the shows resulting in 1 economic outcome and facilitated the development of several trade leads. FritoLay (Thailand) Delegation Visit Potato Growers- Alberta, September 12 - 20, 2018. FritoLay (Thailand) is a major importer of seed potatoes and chip stock from New Brunswick and PEI and the company has indicated plans to purchase more seed potatoes from Canada. As a follow-up to the Potato Growers of Alberta mission to Thailand in November 2017, FritoLay (Thailand) representatives visited potato farmers and facilities in Alberta in September 2018; leading to a decision by the company to purchase additional seed potatoes from Alberta. VIETNAM Vietstock 2018 Expo & Forum- Ho Chi Minh City, October 17-19, 2018 Vietstock Expo & Forum, Vietnam’s premier international feed, livestock and meat industry show, took place on October 17-18, 2018 in Ho Chi Minh City . Three Canadian companies offering swine genetics and animal nutrition solutions exhibited at the show and participated in technical seminars. Since its debut in 2004, Vietstock Expo & Forum has continued to grow and attract significant interest from international and local exhibitors and visitors. In 2018, the show welcomed over 12,000 delegates and trade visitors and more than 350 exhibitors from 45 countries. Livestock, genetics and feed are subsectors of high growth in Vietnam and in which Canadian capabilities can play a stronger role. “Canadian Delicacies” Gala- Hanoi, November 16, 2018 On November 16, 2018, the Embassy of Canada organised the “Canadian Delicacies” gala reception in Hanoi to promote fine Canadian food and beverage products to the hospitality and food service industry, food retailers and media. The event was attended by more than 150 participants and took place in the context of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Vietnam, as well as the imminent entry into force of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans- Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). During the month of November, many restaurants in Hanoi joined the Embassy of Canada in promoting Canadian beef and seafood to Vietnamese foodies. The gala event was well attended and received wide-spread media coverage. It was made possible thanks to support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada Beef International Institute, and a number of local distributors of Canadian products. STEP Trade Mission to Vietnam- January 21-24, 2019 Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP) lead a mission of companies focusing on grains, pulses, specialty crops and oil products to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. TCS supported programing for the mission which included a market briefing, B2B matching session and site visits. INDONESIA CIGI New Crop Seminar, Fairmont Hotel- Jakarta, November 16, 2018 Cereals Canada, the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) and the Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI) organised a New Wheat Crop Assessment Seminar on November 16, 2018 in Jakarta. The delegation provided information on the quality of the 2018 western Canadian wheat crop, including results from evaluations conducted by CIGI and CGC technical staff in milling, baking, noodle and steamed bread production. More than 45 representatives from from Indonesia’s flour milling and wheat importing industries participated in the seminar. A separate seminar was held for Bogasari, Indonesia’s largest importer of Canadian wheat and its largest flour manufacturer. Opening of Canadian Beef-Focused Restaurant and Meat Shop PT. Brahman Farms, an Indonesian beef and seafood importer, opened the Daughter’s Boucheri” meat shop and restaurant in Jakarta in September 2018. The shop focusses on selling high-end prime cuts of Canadian beef as well as a variety of Canadian seafood products. The on-site restaurant specializes in serving beef and seafood-focused menu items using Canadian beef and seafood. The grand opening was attended by members of the Canadian Embassy trade team, with Senior Trade Commissioner Michael Lazaruk delivering inaugural remarks. STEP Trade Mission to Indonesia, January 28-30, 2019 Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) undertook a business development mission to Indonesia from January 28-30 with a delegation of 4 Saskatchewan agri-food exporting companies. The Trade Commissioner Service in Jakarta arranged a total of 11 meetings for the delegation with key Indonesian importers and end users of grains, oilseeds, pulses, food and feed ingredients, and flour millers. A number of potential commercial opportunities were generated for follow-up by the delegates. CFIA Inspection, November 26 - December 7, 2018 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) conducted an assessment of Indonesia’s food safety control system for fish and seafood products exported to Canada from November 26 to December 7, 2018. The CFIA team was hosted by the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF). The team visited MMAF regional offices, laboratories and several seafood establishments in Jakarta and Medan. Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Webinar In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), TCS Manila and CFIA delivered a webinar aimed at providing information on the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) implemented in January 2019. The webinar included a module on enforcement and application of Canadian food allergen labelling regulations and managing undeclared allergens. The webinar helped Indonesian exporters to better comply with CFIA regulations for products distributed in Canada. MALAYSIA Although Australian and British foods dominate on grocer’s shelves in Malaysia, Canadian products have been making progress in gaining recognition and shelf space. A source of significant optimism comes from a meeting with a major Malaysian convenience store chain, which operates upwards of 400 convenience stores throughout the country, and who have turned their attention to Canadian products. They have just imported close to 800 bottles from a Canadian honey producer, which they will distribute to their network of stores as a trial run and the High Commission of Canada is working to identify further Canadian food products that may suit the needs of this significant retail chain. STEP Trade Mission to Malaysia, January 24-27, 2019 The Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP) led a mission of companies focusing on grains, pulses, specialty crops and oil products to Kuala Lumpur in January. The Trade Commissioner Service assisted in the programing for the mission, which included a market briefing, a B2B matching session and site visits. SINGAPORE Canada @ Speciality Fine Food Asia 2018- July 17-19, 2018 Speciality Fine Food Asia (SFFA), was held from July 17 – 19 in Singapore at Suntec City Convention Centre. The SFFA event was held in conjunction with the Restaurant, Pub & Bar Asia (RPB) event at the same venue. The show featured 160 exhibitors and over 3,300 trade buyers from 37 countries. The High Commission of Canada participated in this event with two Singaporean companies representing Canadian pork and seafood products. Huber’s, a leading Singapore gourmet retailer, showcased a variety of fresh, pork cuts air flown from British Columbia. As well, the local representative office of a New Brunswick seafood supplier displayed a range of Canadian lobster and seafood products. Both companies provided the trade show visitors, comprising of local and regional chefs, importers and end users, an opportunity to sample and taste the variety of quality pork and seafood cuts from Canada. The response was extremely positive, with both companies receiving good publicity and generating trade leads as a result of their participation at the show. The positive response and publicity generated from Canada’s participation at Speciality Fine Food Asia has encouraged our exhibitors and industry partners to commit to a larger Canadian presence at SFFA 2019 in July. New Crop Assessment Seminar- November 19, 2019 The High Commission of Canada supported Cereals Canada, the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) and the Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI) in coordinating the 7th new crop assessment seminar in Singapore, targeted at buyers and end-users of Canadian wheat. Attended by over 50 people representatives from the wheat trading, bakery/food processing and flour milling industries, the seminar provided essential data on the quality of the 2018 western Canadian wheat crop, including evaluations of quality for milling, baking, and production of noodles and steamed bread. A separate seminar and training session was also held for Prima, a leading Singapore-based importer of Canadian wheat. The 2018 seminar was one of the best attended to date, with several traders and millers from Vietnam and Malaysia travelling to Singapore to participate in the event. The seminar provided an excellent platform for the attendees to network with Canadian industry representatives, and provided a valuable platform for Canadian wheat customers to learn more about the product and meet with existing and potential suppliers. PHILIPPINES Metro Channel Foodprints – Alberta and Canada Beef Special Episodes- August 22-29, 2018 The Embassy of Canada collaborated with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry and Canada Beef International Institute to organize a two-episode television feature showcasing Canadian beef and Alberta agri-food products. The feature was shot over the course of seven days by Metro Channel, the cable arm of one of the leading TV channels in the Philippines (ABS-CBN). Metro Channel caters to affluent viewers within the Philippines, as well as to over 1.5 million Filipino household subscribers abroad via The Filipino Channel. Foodprints is one of the channel’s top programs; featuring Sandy Daza, a Filipino-Canadian celebrity chef living in the Philippines. The episodes were aired in October 2018 and will be aired again on The Filipino Channel. The initiative was a good opportunity to promote Alberta as a source of quality Agri-food commodities and to help Filipino consumers understand what sets Canadian beef apart. Canada-Philippines Agriculture Biotechnology Mission- October 22-31, 2018 The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in the Philippines (TCS Manila) organized a mission to Canada focused on Agriculture Biotechnology. Initiated by the Undersecretary (Deputy Minister level) for Policy and Planning, Research and Development of the Department of Agriculture (DA) of the Philippines and funded by DA, the delegation consisted of 12 officials from different units within DA and attached agencies. With the support of Agriculture colleagues in federal, provincial, industry and academic institutions in Alberta (Calgary and Edmonton), Saskatchewan (Saskatoon), and Ontario (Guelph and Ottawa), the Philippines had a productive mission that surpassed their expectations and encouraged them to develop an action plan which will be submitted for approval of the Agriculture Undersecretary for Policy and Planning, Research and Development later this year. Cook Magazine and Canadian Beef Promotion- December 2018 Cook Magazine is one of the Philippines’ premiere culinary magazines; targeting the premium market and active on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Cook Magazine organizes an annual holiday event in December with key partners in the food service, retail and food processing industries. Cook Magazine worked with the Embassy of Canada to promote Canadian beef sourced from a local importer, prepared by the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief and in-house chef, and s served to approximately 150 key food industry representatives and bloggers. In addition, Cook Magazine featured six Canada Beef recipes in its print and online magazines for the months of November and December 2018. This initiative provided an opportunity to highlight the quality and safety of Canadian beef and to promote Canada as a reliable source of agri-food commodities for the Philippine market. Canadian Beef Culinary and Butcher Training- November 19-21, 2018 In partnership with Canada Beef International Institute (CBII) and Rustan’s Supercenters (one of the biggest retail supermarket chains in the Philippines catering to the premium market), the Trade Commissioner Service in Manila organized a three-day butcher and culinary training session for 75 in-house butchers, four in-house chefs and six food service officers and R&D specialists from Rustan’s. With Chef Mathieu Paré of the Canada Beef Center of Excellence (CBCE) in Alberta, and Canada Beef President Francis Andres, the training program provided training on western retailing practices for frozen/chilled Canadian beef, optimization of Canadian beef cuts and easy-to-prepare beef recipes. The training served as a foundation for the Canadian beef promotion held at Rustan’s stores in December 2018 and strengthened the relationship between CBII and Rustan’s Supercenters in the Philippines. Since 2017 the Embassy of Canada has worked with Rustan’s to increase its use of Canadian beef and the company has decided to make Canadian beef available in all 48 of its upper-tier groceries; expanding from 10 stores. With CBII support, Rustan’s intends to expand its offering of Canadian beef cuts beyond Ribeye, to include Striploin, Chuckeye, and potentially other cuts. Rustan’s Food Service arm will also train its team to further use Canadian beef cuts in its food service operations. Canadian Food Diplomacy Feature – November 22, 2018 To promote Canadian agri-food commodities and retail food products exported to the Philippines, and to highlight Canada as a a source of quality and safe food products, The Embassy of Canada worked with one of the leading TV channels in the Philippines, ABS-CBN, and Rustan’s Supercenters, to feature Canada on a program aimed at the Philippine business community: ANC Early Edition. . The program was aired on December 6, 2018 and posted the same day on the show’s Facebook page (facebook.com/ANCearlyedition) and shared from the Embassy’s Facebook page: Teaser (1,700 views): https://bit.ly/2Uh5WGp Full Episode (5,700 views): https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1104651403034245&id=270083006779622 The feature also promoted the Canadian Beef Dine and Wine Event hosted by the Trade Commissioner Service in Manila, in partnership with Canada Beef and Pillitteri wines, on November 22, 2018 (see next page). Rustan’s Shelf Life Canadian Retail Social Media Promotion- November 22, 2018 To promote Canadian retail food products that are being sold at Rustan’s, as well as new products that will be sold beginning in January 2019, and to promote Rustan’s December 2018 Canadian Beef promotion, The Embassy of Canada in Manila worked with Rustan’s to film a Canadian edition of its social media video series, Shelf Life. The series features a celebrity or a public figure shopping Rustan’s while discussing the products they are buying. Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines, His Excellency John Holmes, is the first Ambassador featured in the Rustan’s Shelf Life video series, which appears on Facebook, the most effective retail food marketing tool in the Philippines: Facebook (3,800 views): https://www.facebook.com/rustansfresh/videos/278911709434085/ The same video has been uploaded on Rustan’s Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPBMTPhnMtE&t=1s The initiative helped TCS Manila to strengthen its business development relationship with Rustan’s. Canadian Beef Dine and Wine Event- November 22, 2018 Recognizing for the potential for growth in the Philippine market for Canadian beef, the Trade Commissioner Service in Manila (TCS Manila) and Canada Beef International Institute (CBII) have developed a strategic approach to beef promotion in the Philippines aimed at targeting intermediate (meat importers, retailers, food service) and end users (consumers). CBII and TCS Manila organized a consumer-targeted social media promotion in conjunction with a Canada food event featuring a cooking demonstration by Canadian Beef Center of Excellence (CBCE) Executive Director Mathieu Paré and a Filipino celebrity chef that traveled to Alberta for a two-episode shoot in August 2018. Attendees included TV crews from two programs on ABS-CBN (a leading TV channel in the Philippines), 18 food writers and bloggers, 70 purchasing managers of high-end restaurants and hotels and their respective chefs, and Rustan’s Supermarket Pillitteri wines were featured and paired with Canadian beef. The event highlighted what sets Canadian beef apart from other options in the market and demonstrated the applicability of Canadian beef in local cuisine. As the first event organized by TCS Manila with the Association of Purchasing Managers of Hotels and Restaurants in the Philippines (APMHRP), a good relationship has been established for future initiatives targeting the Philippine food service industry. Online blog articles that came out following the event, in addition to the TV features, include: https://wnot.com.ph/2018/12/02/food/canadian-wine-and-beef-sear-its-way-into-philippine-cuisine/ http://cookmagazine.ph/blog/2018/12/02/canadian-wine-and-beef-sear-its-way-into-philippine-cuisine/ http://thehungrykat.com/post/180956430404/canadianbeef https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/12/07/18/canadian-beef-is-breaking-into-the-ph-market Canadian New Crop Seminar 2018- December 5-6, 2018 In partnership with the Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI), Cereals Canada, the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) and Alberta Wheat and Barley, TCS Manila organized an information seminar followed by a networking lunch on December 5, 2018. The seminar on Canada’s new wheat crop provided the opportunity to increase technical knowledge of Canadian wheat among local milling wheat importers and millers, indentors and traders, and to brand Canada as a source of quality, safe wheat products. With 65 participants, it was the largest new crop seminar to date in the Philippines. A number of company visits with some of the biggest wheat millers in the market provided Canadian delegates with an additional opportunity to promote increased Canadian wheat exports to the Philippines. The companies visited included San Miguel Corporation/San Miguel Mills, PILMICO, RFM Corporation and La Filipina Uy Gongco/Philippine Foremost Mills. Canadian Beef Promotion- December 2018 In partnership with Rustan’s Supermarket, Canada Beef International Institute (CBII) and TCS Manila organized a promotional activity for the entire month of December 2018; the peak month for retail food sales. To maximize the opportunity to promote Canadian beef, the four stores with the highest volume of sales featured three recipes at their food service stations. Featured recipes were learned by Rustan’s food service team during training with CBII Executive Director, Chef Mathieu Paré (Beer-soaked Ribeye Roast with Skillet Corn and Kale Salad, Peppered Striploin Beef Steaks with Caramelized Onions and Fruit Salsa, and Sheperd’s Pie made from chuck eye). During four weekends in December, CBII had a booth at each of the four Rustan’s stores and provided samples of Canadian steak. Canadian Seed Potato Farming 101: the Sustainable Potato Train-the-Trainers Program- January 2-4, 2019 In November 2018, Universal Robina Corporation (URC), one of the largest food processing companies in the Philippines, signed an agreement with the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) to supply seed potatoes to three potato farming regions as part of a food sustainability project focused on augmenting the potato-growing capacity of Philippine farmers in three key regions. The Embassy of Canada in the Philippines worked with URC and DA, as well as Canadian exporters, to facilitate the supply of CAD$125,000 worth of high-quality granola seed potatoes (generation 3 variety) from Canada for first phase of the project. In addition, the Embassy coordinated with Canadian potato experts to deliver a two-day technical training program for farmers, URC representatives, DA officials, and academic institutions involved in teaching potato farming and conducting potato-related research. The training promoted Canada’s expertise in potato farming, its broader capabilities in modern agricultural practices (including machinery and equipment applicable to potato farming, including post- harvest storage facilities), and its desirability as a supplier of safe, high-quality potatoes. The training provided extensive information to the heads of potato farming cooperatives who will train farmers in communities that receive the Canadian seed potatoes. Articles on the partnership between URC and DA may be found here: https://www.philstar.com/business/agriculture/2018/11/11/1867487/urc-da-partner-potato- production https://www.manilatimes.net/da-urc-team-up-to-boost-potato-output/464626/ http://www.jgsummit.com.ph/news/urc-partners-with-department-of-agriculture-to-help-support- local-potato-farmers-20181109 https://businessmirror.com.ph/urc-inks-sustainable-potato-program-with-da-donates-quality-seeds-to- co-op/ Agri-Food News From Southeast Asia THAILAND Thailand’s biggest shopping mall, Icon Siam, is opening: https://goscootbangkok.com/2018/10/10/icon-siam-biggest-mall-thailand/ New Tofusan soymilk with barley: https://www.minimeinsights.com/2018/10/04/new-tofusan-soymilk-with-barley/ Thailand Board of Investment: Thailand Gears Up for Food Production to Serve the World: https://www.prnewswire.com/ news-releases/thailand-board-of-investment-thailand-gears-up-for-food-production-to-serve-the-world- 300479394.html INDONESIA Indonesia's 2018 food wheat imports to rise 6 per cent despite cost hike: industry https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/energy-commodities/indonesias-2018-food-wheat-imports-to-rise- 6-per-cent-despite-cost-hike-industry SINGAPORE A news article demonstrating Singapore’s reliance on global food imports and the continued push to diversify its food supply sources. The article also highlights the major countries that currently supply a variety of key food product categories to Singapore: http://www.asiaone.com/health/where-does-singapore-source-its-food Reorganization of Singapore’s food safety regulatory body and the disbanding of the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) effective April 2019: https://www.gov.sg/news/content/new-singapore-food-agency PHILIPPINES Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) Bans Pork from Exporting Countries DA has recently imposed strict quarantine protocols to prevent the entry of pork and pork-based products from Belgium, China, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Moldova, South Africa and Zambia due to African Swine Fever. http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057977 http://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/no-entry1-i-da-bans-pork-from-8-countries-to-prevent-spread-of- deadly-african-swine-fever https://journal.com.ph/news/nation/philippine-bans-entry-pork-products-8-swine-fever-countries http://www.foodevolution.com.ph/2018/12/ph-bans-entry-of-imported-pork-from-8-countries/ Meat Processors ask Philippine Government to retain MDM Tariffs Local industry association, Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc., seek to retain lowered tariff of 5% on MDM until the expiry of WTO-extended tariff concessions in 2020 or the passing of a rice tariffication law, whichever comes first: http://manilastandard.net/business/biz-plus/275657/meat-processors-ask-government-to-retain-mfn- tariffs.html https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/09/17/1852057/meat-processors-seek-retention-tariff-raw- material-imports https://businessmirror.com.ph/no-middle-ground-on-mdm-tariffs-for-ubra-pampi/ https://business.inquirer.net/257535/debate-tariff-rate-increases-meat-products-continues News and Updates from AAFC CPTPP Brings New Benefits for Canadian Exporters to Southeast Asia The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force for Canada on December 30, 2018, providing new opportunities for Canadian exporters of agriculture and agri-food products to Southeast Asia. The CPTPP is a new free trade agreement between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. To date, seven countries have ratified the agreement, including Vietnam and Singapore. The CPTPP provides Canadian agri-food suppliers with preferential access to key Southeast Asian markets, particularly Vietnam. Under the agreement, Vietnam eliminated tariffs on close to 31% of its tariff lines upon entry into force, with a further 67% of tariff lines becoming duty-free within 15 years, and the remaining being provided preferential treatment through other means. Examples of products which will experience tariff reductions or eliminations over time include beef, pork, canola, fish and seafood, among others. To learn more about the benefits in each market, upcoming learning opportunities, and the services available to help you take advantage of the agreement, visit the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada website on CPTPP for Agri-Food Exporters.