Press release
For immediate diffusion
TASTE OF THE NORTH
OFFICIAL EXPORT PARTNER OF L’ASSOCIATION DES PRODUCTEURS DE FRAISES ET FRAMBOISES DU QUÉBEC (APFFQ)
Lévis, February 10, 2022 – The ASSOCIATION DES PRODUCTEURS DE FRAISES ET FRAMBOISES DU QUÉBEC (APFFQ – association of strawberry and raspberry producers in Quebec) and the export partner, TASTE OF THE NORTH, are very pleased to announce a collaborative agreement that will promote the development of producing 100% Quebec-grown strawberries and raspberries, in addition to an increase in exports to the US market. This agreement will strengthen the small fruits sector by shining a light on its export potential in the upcoming years. Next to California and Florida, Quebec is where the most strawberries are harvested in North America. Taste of the North already has 25 years’ experience in exporting fresh Quebecois products: Tomatoes, peppers and small fruits.
The development of new production techniques and technologies for growing in the fields, indoors and in greenhouses, infuses the sector with the ambition required to export more strawberries all year round, even in winter. The Northeast American market has grown to love the quality of Quebec-grown strawberries and their export strengthens the sector’s development and sustainability. Also, on February 18, the APFFQ, in collaboration with Agro Québec, will host a panel on the potential of exporting Quebec’s small fruits under the scope of the 2022 provincial meeting. For more information and to sign up: https://apffq.illuxi.com/event/apffq-evenement (link available in French only)
The president of Taste of the North, Mr. Eric Fréchette, stated he was very happy to have come to this agreement, which will concretely contribute to the growth objectives of the producer members. He then commented on the agreement between the two agri-food sector businesses: « I would like to applaud the incredible teamwork that has made this partnership possible. Our industry has developed through the innovation and rigour of our productions, despite the competition with our neighbours to the South and it’s with great pride that we offer our top-quality raspberries and strawberries from Quebec to the American market. »
As for the president of the Association des Producteurs de Fraises et Framboises du Québec, Mr. David Lemire, he welcomes his new partner with open arms: « Exporting is part of the industry’s strategic development, as it contributes to maintaining a balance between supply and demand. It also allows for our companies to accelerate their growth and improve their economic benefits by producing here, in larger quantities and better quality. »
About Taste of the North
Taste of the North (TON) has worked for more than 25 years in partnership with producers of small fruits and local, regional and specialized transformers in Quebec. They market and distribute top quality fresh and processed value-added foods from Quebec to consumers in most New England states, food retailers (large and small chains) and specialized niche merchants, in addition to market garden stands and the hotel, catering and institutional sectors.
Taste of the North are constantly on the lookout for partners offering unique, value-added products in harmony with the same objectives of freshness, quality and availability as our small fruit producers in Quebec.
Visit www.tasteofthenorth.com for more information
About Association des Producteurs de Fraises et Framboises du Québec (APFFQ)
Quebec is largest producer of strawberries in Canada, third in North America and has nearly 500 companies grouped under the Association des Producteurs de Fraises et Framboises du Québec. No matter if it’s at the grocery store, at a farm stand or pick-your-own, the Les Fraîches du Québec identifies and unites the strawberry and raspberry producers who cultivate the land across the regions to offer berry lovers exceptional freshness and taste!
Visit https://fraisesetframboisesduquebec.com/ for more information.
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Source :
AGRO QUÉBEC
Tel : 514 268-6285
info@agroquebec.com
JENNIFER CRAWFORD | General Manager
jcrawford@upa.qc.ca
ASSOCIATION DES PRODUCTEURS DE FRAISES ET FRAMBOISES DU QUÉBEC
Tel: 450-350-1551
Taste of the North
Éric Fréchette, President
Tél: 418- 520-3722
eric@tasteofthenorth.com
VERSION FRANÇAISE