OFEX Export Services

Who we are

Ontario Food Exports (OFEX), of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, is the Ontario government program that assists the food and beverage sector to increase sales revenue by identifying and maximizing their export opportunities.

Counselling

Experienced specialists within Ontario Food Exports (OFEX) provide informal direction and market information to exporters as well as sourcing marketing information for those looking to expand their sales base.
Sector Specialists are available to assist Ontario exporters:

• Specialty/Gourmet//Health Food/Dairy/Delicatessen
• Bakery/Prepared Frozen Foods
• Snack Foods/Dry Prepared Foods/Fruits/Vegetables/Horticulture
• Beverages/Confectionery/Protein Foods
• Primary Agriculture

Geographic Specialists target the following market areas:

• Asia / Pacific
• UK/Germany/Netherlands
• United States
• Mexico

Locally contracted US Trade Advisors in the United States work with the geographic specialists to facilitate buying opportunities for Ontario exporters and to provide 'on-the-spot' market insight.

Incoming Missions

OFEX enables buyers to meet Ontario suppliers and view production facilities first hand. These personal meetings have been key in completing business transactions between many foreign buyers and Ontario companies. OFEX works closely with Ontario firms in organizing effective itineraries for foreign buyers.

Contact your sector specialist or goexport@omafra.gov.on.ca for information on upcoming trade events.

Outgoing Missions

Organization of trade missions by OFEX allows Ontario companies to establish contact with key importers and distributors worldwide in the marketplace. Experience has shown that personal relationships established on a trade mission are critical to gaining and maintaining sales in export markets

Contact your sector specialist or goexport@omafra.gov.on.ca for information on upcoming trade events.

International Trade Shows

Ontario Food Exports co-ordinates participation for Ontario companies at selected international trade shows. These shows facilitate contact with potential buyers as well as provide a showcase to display their products.

In addition, OFEX staff are able to advise you regarding the major international trade shows that could fit your company's strategies.

Contact your sector specialist or goexport@omafra.gov.on.ca for information on upcoming trade events.

A listing of food industry trade shows can be found at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Seminars

OFEX sponsors a variety of seminars. Some concentrate on a specific geographic market for a variety of products, while others may focus on individual product sector's export opportunities in a number of markets.

Profit

The New-to-Exporting Seminar, PROFIT (Program to Raise Ontario Foods International Trade) is designed specifically for those new to food exporting to the USA. Whether new to exporting, or have colleagues who need export training, this program is an outstanding opportunity. This two-day seminar is critical in assisting an organisation to build its export strength. Featuring industry speakers and key contacts that know the export process, PROFIT will prepare a company for what is needed to succeed in the US market.

This affordable course, specific to the needs of the food industry, is ideal for:

• New Marketing staff
• Inside & Outside Sales
• Shipping & Logistics staff
• Marketing/Sales Support staff
• Skills upgrade and development
• Anyone involved in the export process.

Contact your sector specialist or goexport@omafra.gov.on.ca for information on upcoming trade events.

US Trade Advisors

Locally contracted US Trade Advisors in the United States work with the geographic specialists to facilitate buying opportunities for Ontario exporters and to provide 'on-the-spot' market insight.

Sourcing

A comprehensive database is used to match suppliers and buyers.

Contact your sector/geographic specialist or goexport@omafra.gov.on.ca for more information.

Resource Centre

OFEX provides a Resource Centre in Guelph, open to all Ontario agri-food processors, with information on markets, trends, brokers, distributors, agents and many other useful marketing tools.

Publications

OFEX develops a variety of publications on varying markets and distribution channels. In addition, OFEX publishes the quarterly industry update The Ontario Agri-Food Exporter.

Contact your sector/geographic specialist or goexport@omafra.gov.on.ca for more information.

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For more information:
Email: food@omafra.gov.on.ca