Canada, B.C. help food, beverage producers reach new markets

Food and beverage producers and processors in British Columbia are getting help to increase sales and build export markets so the province has a more resilient and diverse economy in the future.

The B.C. Agriculture and Food Export Program supports eligible B.C. food and beverage businesses and associations and increases international opportunities for B.C.’s agriculture and food industry, with funding through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

This intake of the program builds on the B.C. trade mission Premier David Eby led in June 2025, promoting B.C.'s strengths in key sectors such as agricultural products.

B.C. agriculture, food and beverage exporters that completed projects in the first 3 intakes have reported success signing new retail partnerships and increasing sales in global markets.

Pacific Rim (PACRIM) Distributors in Vancouver received almost $23,000 to expand Canadian craft beer and spirit sales in new markets. The distribution company partnered with Costco Japan to provide samples of B.C. craft beer in 19 Costco locations in Japan and attend the Canadian Costco Fair in Japan. PACRIM also used the funding to run online ads for a line of B.C.-crafted cocktails in Costa Rica. These activities are helping raise awareness of Canadian craft beverages and increasing sales.

Vancouver-based Padmashri Naturals Inc. received more than $26,000 to target new markets in Singapore and Thailand. The company participated in tradeshows in both countries and developed digital campaigns and promotional materials to help increase brand awareness and educate customers about their B.C.-made Ayurvedic wellness supplements. These activities helped build meaningful distributor connections and establish early brand awareness in Southeast Asia.

Applications are open until September 5, 2025. The B.C. Agriculture and Food Export Program is delivered by MNP.

Sustainable CAP is a 5-year (from 2023 to 2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.