Results of TFO Canada being your Sourcing Partner
Making trade happen is the ultimate goal of TFO Canada and is solidified in our new statement of purpose “TFO Canada improves lives through the creation of sustainable trade partnerships for exporters from developing countries with Canadian and foreign buyers.” Our contact service is one that encourages trade to happen as it brings developing countries exporters in contact with Canadian importers and buyers.The activities under this service are as follows:Why should you use these contact services? Hear from other importers on their success through TFO Canada:
- Mantab is a Quebec-based company that imports high quality canned fruits and vegetables. Through its Canadian Market Access Program, TFO Canada offered logistical support to Mantab to participate in a Trade Mission to Expo Alimentaria in Peru. This logistical support enabled Mantab to send two representatives on the Trade Mission, which allowed them to cover more areas and meet every supplier at the event. Their presence at Expo Alimentaria translated into business. In addition to cementing their relationship with present suppliers, they were able to gain some new ones as well. While on the Trade Mission, Mantab met a non-Peruvian supplier who was exhibiting at the show, and they ordered containers of hearts of palm, which were received shortly thereafter. From another supplier, the organization ordered containers of roasted red peppers on the spot. When they received the shipment, they were so pleased with the quality of the product that they made a substantial order.
- Maiga Shea Butter is a Canadian company with African roots based in Toronto. Operated by Saidou Maigo, the company has been in business for over 8 years providing organic skincare products with shea butter as the base ingredient. Saidou participated in TFO Canada’s Buyers’ Mission to Burkina Faso in February of 2014, which resulted in the enhancement of his shea butter supply chain. The importer indicated that TFO Canada brought a level of professionalism to sourcing supplies through its services. Going on a buyer’s mission that is well-organized makes it easier for importers and manufacturers than taking on these activities on their own. The presentations and information provided were invaluable, especially in locating women who produce Shea butter.
- Worldwide Foods Corp, a Toronto company that specializes in importing fresh produce, received an e-blast from TFO Canada about a Costa Rica Buyers’ Trade Mission. Founder Miguel Pinto immediate thought it was a good opportunity to do business with Costa Rica. He had been on previous trade missions with TFO Canada and quickly realized that such an alliance was good for his business. “When you are a part of a TFO Canada Trade Mission, there are no questions about payment because of the organization’s reputation. Exporters trust TFO Canada, and know that buyers are serious about doing business. You are also able to negotiate better prices, and the quality of the products is better.” The businessman adds, “TFO Canada gives importers access to markets and new vendors.” At the Buyers’ Mission, Miguel entered into a sourcing contract for rambutan from one supplier. The shipments comes by air, so the size of each shipment depends on how much space is available on the aircraft. During the three years since participating in the trade mission to Costa Rica, Miguel has increased the amount of rambutan he buys from the supplier by 40% each year.
Choose TFO Canada as your sourcing partner and you can experience the same success of importing from developing countries.
Visit our website and search the foreign supplier database for products you wish to source internationally and watch our e-blasts for invitations to upcoming Buyers’ Missions.