SHANGHAI, CHINA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/13/12 -- The Harper Government is raising the demand for Canada's high-quality food and beverages and creating more export opportunities for Canadian producers at an international trade show and special event in Shanghai, China. Canada's flavourful foods will be showcased to Chinese importers and retailers, world-class chefs, journalists, and consumers at the three-day event.

"The Harper Government knows how important the Chinese market is to our agricultural industry and to our economy," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Market access and development help attract investment, drive innovation, and ensure long-term growth in Canadian agriculture."

The 16th Food and Hotel China (FHC) exhibition is taking place November 14-16 in Shanghai. Canada will have a strong presence with over 40 Canadian exhibitors participating with the support of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in partnership with the Canadian Consulate General in Shanghai, Food Beverage Canada, and the Agri-Food Export Group. Canadian exporters will be able to showcase their high-quality goods to more than 29,000 Chinese food industry buyers expected to attend this year's trade show.

A special Savour Canada event hosted by Consul General Rick Savone will also take place at FHC on the International Gala cooking stage on November 14. Local TV personality and celebrity chef Clinton Zhu, who is Canadian-trained and best known for judging Dragon TV's Master Chef competition, will conduct a cooking demonstration for approximately 80 invited guests, including media, importers, and retailers. Chef Zhu will create a number of Chinese-Canadian fusion dishes for guests to sample, using a variety of Canadian ingredients including pork, beef, canola, maple syrup, Saskatoon berries, icewine, fish, and seafood.

China is an important export market for the Canadian agriculture and agri-food industry. In 2011, China was Canada's third-largest export market for agriculture and food, including seafood, with a value of $3.1 billion, up from $2.9 billion in 2010.

Market development, competitiveness, and innovation in Canadian agriculture and food will continue to be key priorities in Growing Forward 2.

The Savour Canada event is organized through Canada Brand. Funded through the Agricultural Flexibility Fund, the Canada Brand initiative is designed to complement industry efforts and includes activities such as advertising, retail in-store activities, and restaurant promotions. For more information about the Canada Brand, please visit www.marquecanadabrand.agr.gc.ca.