June 7-11, 1997

A representative from the Food Industry and Development Branch visited Bermuda between June 7 -11, 1997, to gain an understanding of the agri-food distribution and retail system and to evaluate the potential for increased Nova Scotia agri-food exports to the island.

During the visit meetings were conducted with the Chamber of Commerce, the Departments of Agriculture and Fisheries, Customs, Information and Statistics, wholesalers and retailers. There appears to be opportunities for Nova Scotia to increase its agri-food exports to the island.

Wholesalers were very interested to talk with Nova Scotia agri-food companies but stated they had not been approached by Nova Scotian companies for years. They mentioned that historically there were strong trading ties with Nova Scotia but this trading route has significantly diminished. This brings to point one of the reasons why we have minimal presence in Bermuda our lack of recent effort in pursuing opportunities on the island.

Bermuda is a very high-end market in search of quality products. Opportunities may exist for cut flowers, milled grains, fruits, vegetables, premium jams, jellies and honey spreads and high-end pork and other selected meat products.

To address these opportunities a trade mission to Bermuda is being organized to take place between October 8 to 12. The mission will be organized in co-operation with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and will include the participation of five to eight agri-food companies and possibly several non agri-food companies.