Food and Beverage Ontario supports call for trade deficit strategy by CAPI

CAMBRIDGE, ON, July 7, 2014 /CNW/ - Food and Beverage Ontario (previously the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors) endorses the recommendations by the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) as outlined in its extensive policy statement titled 'Taking the Sector from Trade Deficits to a Competitive Resurgence' released in June.

CAPI urges the food processing industry, supply chain partners, producers, government, financial institutions, researchers and innovation specialists to work together to tackle the trade deficit and become more competitive in the global market.

"We recognize that the food processing industry is the engine of the economy of Ontario," said FBO chair Norm Beal. "Undertaking the strategy recommended by CAPI would help processors across Canada continue to build business that have substantial potential."

FBO is a not-for-profit organization representing common interests of food and beverage processors across Ontario. It speaks on behalf of more than 3,000 Ontario companies generating over $39 billion in sales annually. CAPI is an independent, non-partisan research institute.

"CAPI is asking the industry to make an important decision," said FBO executive director Steve Peters.  "Does the Canadian industry want to become the supplier of choice for consumers around the world, or do we want to be the consumers of food from other regions of the world?"

CAPI's policy statement linked the decline of investment to the trade deficit in secondary food processing (products such as wine and pizza).

"FBO understands the importance of building partnerships and bringing varied expertise to the table to tackle issues and opportunities in the industry," said Peters. "CAPI's research results clearly challenge us in industry, government and other stakeholders to act quickly so Canada can be the country of choice for consumers all over the world."

FBO recently unveiled 'Ontario's Food and Beverage Processing Industry Strategy: The New Engine of Ontario's Economy.' Many of the challenges identified by FBO are reflected in CAPI's research.

"The path to capturing new markets and reclaiming Ontario's position as a strong exporter of processed foods and beverages is a key part of the future of Ontario's economy," said Peters.

To view CAPI's research visit:
www.capi-icpa.ca

Image with caption: "Food and Beverage Ontario (CNW Group/Alliance of Ontario Food Processors)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140707_C2064_PHOTO_EN_4139.jpg

SOURCE: Alliance of Ontario Food Processors

For further information: Isabel Dopta, Director of Communications, 519.993.1192, [e-mail]