Representatives from two Essex County companies are taking part in an Ontario trade mission to China, starting today.
Thomas Canning President and CEO Bill Thomas says he's been to China before to promote his company's products, but never as part of a trade mission. "It does always help you to open doors to places where you can't always reach yourself," he says. "It's very helpful in creating contacts and sales opportunities to increase the business."
Although he was unable to provide figures, Thomas says his company already has a foothold in the world's largest market. "There's quite a good amount of sales that are done online," Thomas says. "We are selling some products online in China now, but I think there's a lot more opportunity for us in that market."
Representatives from Pelee Island Winery are also expected to take part in the trade mission from today until April 25.
A release from the Ontario government says the Chinese market is Ontario's second largest agri-food export market with total sales last year of $832-million. The last trade mission was in January 2013.