(ECNS) -- In order to promote its high quality food and variety of nightlife, Canada has packed them all into a soiree with after-party aimed at China, one of the country's most important markets for tourism and agricultural products.
The event named "A Taste of Canada" is part of a celebration for the 149th Canada Day, presented by Canada China Business Council and Destination Canada and partnered with Four Season Hotel in Beijing.
Sandeep Bhagwath, Executive Sous Chef at Four Seasons, prepared a five-course dinner for guests, using pork, beef, lobster, snow crab and other seafood from Canada.
The dinner was accompanied by live entertainment featuring Canadian singer Marie-Claude LeBel, followed by a dance beat provided by Canadian and Chinese DJs at an after party that lasted till midnight.
"Canada is not all about great natural scenery and clean air, we do have exciting nightlife and diverse food and drinks. We are proud to bring more aspects of Canada to Chinese people," Sarah Kutulakos, executive director of Canada China Business Council, told media at a warm-up wine tasting prior to the event.
She hoped guests would take a bite into Canadian culture and lifestyle and have an unforgettable evening.
Canada's clean environment and strict laws have built a reputation for high-quality food and agricultural products, 45% exported to more than 180 countries every year. China is now its second largest market after the U.S..
With advanced trade ties between China and Canada, more Canada-made beef, pork, seafood and fruit products have entered local supermarkets and online shopping platforms across the country.
Liu Zhiqing is among those who benefited from the growing recognition of Canadian food and drinks among Chinese customers. During a trip to Canada in 2009, the businessman from Shandong was impressed by the fine wines produced by Pelee Island Winery in Ontario and decided to join the franchise. Now, Liu has opened four stores in Dongying of Shandong. He hopes to find more partners in China to enlarge the scope of his business.
"I'm keen to promote the wines because their quality speaks for themselves," Liu said.
Located on the southernmost point of Canada, Pelee Island is on the same latitude as prestigious wine regions like France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Its long growing season, and frost-free weather allow for the growth of quality grapes.
The winery is also joining the soiree as its sole wine sponsor. Five of its wines were offered for tasting, including the 2008 Vidal Ice-wine and 2010 Vinedressers Red. The former won Gold for the Best Value at this year's China Wine and Sprit Award (CWSA), while the latter got Silver at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2014.
Canada is competing on quality rather than quantity with other major global wine producers, said Guy Saint-Jacques, Canadian ambassador to China, who pointed out that China has become Canada's largest market for ice wine and the second largest for table wine. He is confident that the momentum will keep growing as more Chinese customers gain the will and ability to pay for quality food and drinks.
As part of the celebration, Four Seasons Hotel Beijing also prepared special menus featuring Canadian products at all three of their restaurants that lasted a week at the end of June.
