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Catering workshop held in Guangzhou, China Canada Beef International Institute (CBII) China worked with the Catering Industry Engine Service Group (which falls under the Guangdong Restaurants Association or GRA) to organize a Canadian beef workshop on September 29 in Guangzhou. The workshop was designed to leverage the resources of the GRA to explore more Canadian beef business opportunities in the foodservice industry. More than 50 industry members were invited to the workshop including buyers, research and development specialists and executive chefs from well-known catering companies in Southern China. The workshop was followed by a Canadian beef inspiration dinner with more than 40 VIPs in attendance. The workshop began with an introduction of Canadian beef attributes and the Canadian Beef Advantage. Canadian beef AAA cuts (chuck eye roll, top blade, ribeye, boneless short rib) were showcased with a cutting and cooking demonstration by a well-known chef followed by a Canadian beef tasting. A networking session between attendees and Canadian beef importers was arranged after the workshop. This event was a great opportunity to approach high-end catering brands in Southern China to build Canadian beef demand. It also enhanced the Canadian beef brand and increased awareness with the foodservice industry by working with the local restaurant association and a celebrity chef. COVID-19 Update Despite downward pressure, China's economy continued its recovery momentum in 2021 with major indicators remaining within an acceptable range. However, it remains challenging to maintain economic growth given the impact of the pandemic internationally and the lingering COVID-19 issues in China. In Hong Kong, the city reported more local infections with some untraceable. This created further concerns that there were hidden transmissions in the community and on January 6, the government announced the resumption of stringent social distancing measures to stifle a looming Omicron outbreak in Hong Kong. The measures included cancelling large-scale public gatherings and banned indoor restaurant dining after 6 p.m. as well as the closure of public venues like sports centres, bars and clubs, theme parks and other venues for at least two weeks. In addition, the much-anticipated border reopening with Mainland China was affected by the surge of infections. Taiwan Update Taipei International Food Show 2021 Participation in international trade shows has always been an important market strategy and a powerful sales and marketing tool. These shows allow the Canada Beef International Institute (CBII) Taiwan team to expand product and brand awareness, facilitate sales and increase demand. It also provides the opportunity to maintain relationships with existing clients and develop new clients in the Taiwan and Southeast Asia regions. In 2021, many tradeshows were postponed including the Taipei International Food Show which was moved to December 22 - 25, 2021. The CBII Taiwan/Southeast Asia office participated at December’s Taipei International Food Show, one of the most important food trade shows for retail, import/export distribution and the food and beverage industry in Taiwan. The booth design included information about Canadian beef food safety, the farm-to-table system and the high-quality standards of the Canadian Beef Advantage. Select Canadian beef products were showcased at the booth including striploin, ribeye, tenderloin, short loin, short rib, chuck flap, chuck top blade, short plate, rib finger and shanks. Beef samples offered at the booth included short rib and chuck top blade. Canadian beef brochures, merchandising guides and other resource materials were provided to visitors. A representative from a Canadian beef supplier was present at the booth and had the opportunity to meet potential buyers and gain a better understanding of the market. Although travel restrictions and quarantine policies had an impact on attendance and participation, the Taipei food show still attracted over 15,000 visitors many of whom visited the Canada Beef booth and tried the delicious beef short rib samples. Feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive. COVID-19 Update On January 28, 2022 the Philippine government lifted its temporary suspension of Canadian beef imports, imposed following the recent atypical case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) announced by Canadian officials on December 17, 2021. The pandemic has returned in both the Philippines and Vietnam. Vietnam has banned all dine-in service in Hanoi and the Philippines has limited dine-in service. Both governments have indicated that stricter measurements may be put in place if confirmed case numbers continue to rise. Local cases in Taiwan also rose in January and the Taiwanese government tightened restrictions and safety measures for foodservice. Back to main page China and SE Asia team Angie Xu, Deana Keo, Iris Sung, Rachel Zhange |
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