EXPORT SAVVY 2025 The official publication of the Canadian Food Exporters Association Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 Rule Britannia! Canadian Trade Across the Pond Membership Matters Processing Canada’s Food and Beverage Sector in 2025 ALSO INSIDE Culinary Delights4 Published For: Canadian Food Exporters Association (CFEA) 250 Queen Street, PO Box 1282 Port Perry, Ontario, Canada L9L 1B9 Phone: (416) 445-3747 E-mail: info@cfea.com www.cfea.com Published By: Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 Return undeliverable copies to: 309 Youville Street | Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 2S9 Toll Free Phone: (866) 999-1299 Toll Free Fax: (866) 244-2544 E-mail: sales@matrixgroupinc.net Web: www.matrixgroupinc.net President & CEO Jack Andress Operations Manager Shoshana Weinberg sweinberg@matrixgroupinc.net Senior Publisher Jessica Potter jpotter@matrixgroupinc.net Editor-in-Chief Shannon Savory ssavory@matrixgroupinc.net Editors/Social Media Managers Jenna Collignon / Kaitlin Vitt / Paul Adair Finance/Administration Lloyd Weinberg, Nathan Redekop accounting@matrixgroupinc.net Director of Circulation & Distribution Lloyd Weinberg distribution@matrixgroupinc.net Sales Manager Jeff Cash jcash@matrixgroupinc.net Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Account Executives Colleen Bell, Jackie Casburn, Chandler Cousins, Rich Cowan, Rob Gibson, Jim Hamilton, Frank Kenyeres, Sandra Kirby, Andrew Lee, Brian MacIntyre, Chad Morris, Lynn Murphy, Wilma Gray-Rose, Monique Simons, Joseph Ukaoha Layout & Design Cody Chomiak Advertising Design James Robinson ©2025 Matrix Group Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Matrix Group Publishing Inc. up front 5 From the Desk of the President of the CFEA delectable dishes 6 Pork Belly Tacos 6 Simple and Delicious Maple Pumpkin Pie made with Jakeman’s Maple Syrup 7 Marinated Paneer Wraps 7 Halal Gyro Bowl 8 Savoury Italian French Toast features 9 Processing Canada’s Food and Beverage Sector in 2025 11 Rule Britannia! Canadian Trade Across the Pond 13 Membership Matters about CFEA 14 Upcoming Events 15 CFEA Membership Benefits & Services inside 2025 EXPORT SAVVY 100 PER CENT COMPOSTABLE PAPER BAGS FOR KITCHEN ORGANIC WASTE (FOOD WASTE BAGS) Hytrend Investments Group ......................12 GINSENG Ontario Ginseng Growers Association ..........................................IFC TEAS AND NUT BUTTERS G.E. Barbour Inc. ........................................8 WINE / ICEWINE Pelee Island Winery and Vineyards Inc. ......3 Pillitteri Estate Winery ...........................OBC INDEX TO ADVERTISERS5 The dinner table is so much more than a simple piece of furniture; it’s a safe haven during times of tribulation and a place of fond memories of conversations shared. The kitchen table is a comforting sanctuary, where the act of breaking bread with family and friends can provide a much- needed break from the chaos outside and give us a greater sense of stability, familiarity, and togetherness. In times such as these, when the world seems to be at odds with itself, we need the dinner table more than ever – laden with the food and beverages brought to you by the members of the Canadian Food Exporters Association (CFEA). For nearly 30 years, the CFEA has worked to raise the international pro- file of Canadian food, beverage, and ingredient products and increase the number of small to medium-sized food and beverage processors and manufac- turers exporting across the globe, there- by growing the profitable export sales of Canadian food and beverage prod- ucts. The stories found in the pages of Export Savvy help CFEA in its mis- sion by showcasing the strength of the Canadian food and food export sector, highlighting opportunities in a vari- ety of global markets, and covering the issues and challenges discussed around dinner tables in kitchens across Canada. To help set that table, turn to page 6 in this issue of Export Savvy to check out some of the recipes from our mem- bers across the Canadian food and bev- erage sector. Our members play a key role in transforming agricultural commodities into food, feed, and non-food products that are sold in Canada and around the world. Check out page 9 to learn more about this important sector from mem- bers who live it and hear about both the challenges and opportunities expe- rienced by Canadian processed food exporters. Rule Britannia! As part of the British Commonwealth, Canada and the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) enjoy a strong trading rela- tionship thanks to the many historical and cultural bonds we share. But after Brexit, what does that relationship look like? Turn to page 11 to learn more about how our relationship across the pond is evolving, as well as how the old country might still be the land of new opportunities. “Every lesson I learned as a kid was at the dinner table. Being Greek, Sicilian and Ruthenian – we are an emotional bunch. It is where we laughed, cried, and yelled – but most importantly, where we bonded and connected.” – Michael Symon, American chef and restaurateur Susan Powell, President Canadian Food Exporters Association UP FRONT From the Desk of the President of the CFEA Membership with CFEA definitely has its benefits. Turn to page 13 to hear from members what the associa- tion is doing on their behalf to give them every advantage available to remain on top of an ever-competitive global market. The world today can seem a scary place and – at times – many of the hurdles we face can feel overwhelming. Just know that when things seem out of control, you can always find solace at your dinner table and the myriad of challenges impacting our lives can feel smaller, if only for a little while. So, feel free to pull up a chair and rest assured that a CFEA member will be there to provide the foods, beverages, and ingredients that help make being together so special. Cheers! In times such as these, when the world seems to be at odds with itself, we need the dinner table more than ever – laden with the food and beverages brought to you by the members of the Canadian Food Exporters Association.6 Culinary Foodies rejoice! Ready your kitchens, collect your fellow connoisseurs, and prepare to go gourmet with your next gathering. INGREDIENTS • 6 – 6” Flour tortilla • 6 – 4 oz Portions of pork belly • 6 Lime wedges • 3 oz Balderson cheddar • 2 oz Maple hot BBQ sauce GARNISH • Baby spinach • Pickled red cabbage • Chipotle sour cream • Grilled corn • Green onions DIRECTIONS On a barbecue grill braised pork belly while brushing on maple BBQ sauce. Quickly grill tortilla shell on BBQ to soften. Prepare the tacos with the grilled pork belly, cheddar and garnishes, and pair with Pillitteri’s Cabernet Franc. Cheers! DELECTABLE DISHES Culinary Delights Pork Belly Tacos Recipe compliments of Pillitteri Estates Winery Simple and Delicious Maple Pumpkin Pie made with Jakeman’s Maple Syrup Recipe compliments of Jakeman’s Maple Products Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 1 hour Serves: 8 INGREDIENTS • 2 Eggs • 1 tsp Cinnamon • 7/8 cups Cold milk • 1/2 tsp Ginger • 1 1/2 cups Pumpkin cooked • 1/2 tsp Nutmeg • 1/2 tsp Salt • 1/4 tsp Cloves • 3/4 cup Jakeman’s Maple Syrup DIRECTIONS Cut pumpkin in half, remove seeds and cook for 10 minutes covered in a microwave, or bake in a regular over for approximately one hour / until tender. Remove pumpkin from skin. In a blender add all ingredients, and blend until mixed. Pour mixed ingredients into an unbaked pie shell. Bake in shell at 400 degrees for one hour / until firm. Serve with whipped maple cream. *Can be made as pumpkin tarts with unbaked tart shells. To make whipped maple cream: Whip cream with 1 tbsp of Jakeman’s Maple Syrup until stiff. Note: Added cook time needed for pumpkin preparation. Photo courtesy of Jakeman’s Maple Products. Photo courtesy of Pillitteri Estates Winery.7 Halal Gyro Bowl Recipe compliments of Al Safa Foods Canada INGREDIENTS • InstaPot Yellow rice ingredients • 1 1/2 cup Parboiled basmati rice • 3 cups Water • 2 Bay leaves • 1/4 tsp Turmeric • 1 1/2 tsp Chicken bouillon powder • 1/2 tsp Allspice • 3 tbs Oil DIRECTIONS Turn instant pot turn on the sauté feature. Mix together the oil and rice, then add in the seasonings, mixing well before adding in the water. Turn off the sauté feature, close the lid, and press the rice button for 12 minutes – high pressure. Quick release and enjoy! INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup Sour cream • 1/4 cup Mayo • 1/4 cup Finley chopped cucumber • 1/4 cup Chopped fresh dill • 1 Clove garlic • 1 tsp Salt DIRECTIONS In a food processor, puree the cucumber with the garlic, add in the salt, sour cream, and mayo and mix together – add in the dill and pulse a few times together. Place in a glass jar and refrigerate a few hours before using. Assemble your gyro bowl with ingredients of your choice. This recipe includes cherry tomatoes, grilled roti / naan, sliced cucumbers, kalamata olives, feta cheese, pickled onions, and arugula. Enjoy! Marinated Paneer Wraps Recipe compliments of Nanak Foods Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS • For the Marinated Paneer • ½ cup Nanak Dahi • 1 clove Garlic grated • ½ tsp Cumin powder • ½ tsp Turmeric • ½ tsp Karmiri lal mirch • 1 tsp Dried fenugreek • 1 block Nanak paneer, cut into cubes • 2 tbsp Sunflower oil • ½ tsp Chaat masala • Green Chutney Aioli / Mayo • 1 Jalapeno • 1 clove Garlic • 1/2 bunch cilantro • Handful of mint • ½ tsp Cumin powder • Juice of 1 Lime • 1 tbsp Olive oil • 2 tbsp Mayo or vegan mayo • Salt TO ASSEMBLE • 4 small Naan`/ paratha/ pita/ flatbread • Quick Pickled Red onion • Pomegranate • Cabbage, shredded • Mint and Cilantro DIRECTIONS Start by preparing the Nanak Paneer. Combine Nanak Dahi, cumin, turmeric, kashmiri lal mirch, dried fenugreek, and garlic in a bowl. Add the paneer and let marinate for 10 minutes or overnight. To make the green chutney aioli, blend jalapeno or green chili, garlic, juice of 1 lime, cilantro, mint, olive oil and salt to a chunky sauce. Pour it into a bowl and blend in the mayo/vegan mayo. Heat a frying pan with sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the marinated paneer pieces and let it cook for about a minute or 2 on each side until the paneer is golden. Transfer to a bowl, sprinkle with chaat masala and toss. Cover with cling wrap to keep the paneer moist. Photo courtesy of Nanak Foods. Photo courtesy of Al Safa Foods Canada.8 INGREDIENTS • 8 Slices of Day-old bread • 4 Slices of Mozzarella cheese • 8 Slices of Prosciutto • 1 Tomato, sliced • 3 Eggs • ½ cup Milk • 2 tbsp Basil pesto • 1 tsp Salt • 1 tsp Pepper • ½ cup Grated parmesan cheese • ¾ cup Three Farmers, Garlic & Herb Crunchy Little Lentils DIRECTIONS In a 9x12 baking dish, lay four slices of bread side by side. Add a slice of mozzarella cheese and prosciutto to each slice of bread and top with the remaining slices of bread. In a medium sized bowel, add the eggs, milk, pesto, salt and pepper, and mix well. Pour the egg mixture over top of the sandwiches, cover and place in the fridge for a half hour. Pre-heat the oven to 350F. Sprinkle half a tbsp of Three Farmers, Garlic and Herb Crunchy Little Lentils inside each sandwich along with a slice of tomato and top with sandwiches with grated parmesan cheese. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Remove from oven and lightly sprinkle a small handful of Crunchy Little Lentils atop of the sandwiches and serve. Savoury Italian French Toast Recipe compliments of Three Farmers Foods EXPORT SAVVY 2024 The official publication of the Canadian Food Exporters Association Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 A Growing Market: Export Opportunities in the Middle East From Eh to Zed: The Canadian Agrifood Secor in 2024 and Beyond Raising a Glass to Canadian Spirits ALSO INSIDE Australia: More than Shrimp on the Barbie EXPORT SAVVY 2025 The official publication of the Canadian Food Exporters Association Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 Rule Britannia! Canadian Trade Across the Pond Membership Matters Processing Canada’s Food and Beverage Sector in 2025 ALSO INSIDE Culinary Delights RECEIVE EXPORT SAVVY! If you would like to have Export Savvy mailed directly to your home or office, email ssavory@matrixgroupinc.net to be added to the mailing list. CFEA members are eligible to receive this publication for free. Please reach out too, if you would lie to adjust your current mailing details. Photo courtesy of Three Farmers Foods.9 But what if you were told that one of the key metrics used to determine Canada’s economic health is based on something you can find on the shelves of grocery stores around the world? BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS According to the most recent data from the federal government, it’s actually the Canadian food and bev- erage processing industry that is the largest manufacturing industry in the country in terms of value of production, with sales of goods manufactured worth $156.5 billion. This is also an indus- try that accounts for 18.2 per cent of total manufacturing sales, as well as for nearly 2 per cent of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The processed food and beverage industry is – by far – the largest buyer of Canadian agricultural production and the majority (70 per cent) of all processed products made here in Canada are for the domestic consumer. In terms of exports, in 2024, Canadian exports totalled nearly $59 billion, an increase of approximately $2.5 billion over 2023. Nearly 90 per cent of these exports end up in three major global marketplaces: the United States ($62.1 billion), China ($9.7 billion), and Japan ($4.9 billion). The largest cross section of the Canadian food and beverage processing industry is meat product manufactur- ing, followed by grain and oilseed mill- ing and dairy product manufacturing. Other sectors within the whole include other food manufacturing, bakeries and tortilla manufacturing, beverage manu- facturing, animal food manufacturing, FEATURE By Paul Adair, Staff Writer Processing Canada’s Food and Beverage Sector in 2025 or all the talk in the news about lumber, energy, and the auto- motive sector, Cana- dians can be forgiven for believing that these industries are the true economic drivers of Canada. Next >