Sep 16, 2026 From 14 founding companies in 1996 to 175 members today, CFEA marks three decades of helping Canadian companies build successful international markets
September 16, 2026 — Thirty years ago today, the Canadian Food Exporters Association (CFEA) was founded with a simple but ambitious goal: to help Canadian food and beverage companies succeed in the global marketplace.
Today, CFEA celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of connecting Canadian companies with international buyers, markets and opportunities.
What began in 1996 with the support of 14 Canadian food and beverage companies has grown into a national association with 175 members from across Canada.
Over the past 30 years, CFEA has helped Canadian companies explore and develop export opportunities in more than 30 countries, creating connections that have led to new customers, new markets and significant export sales.
“Thirty years is an incredible milestone, but what makes us most proud is the success of our members,” said Susan Powell, CEO, CFEA. “For three decades, we have had the privilege of working alongside Canadian food and beverage companies as they take their products beyond our borders. Seeing a Canadian company make its first international sale, establish a new buyer relationship or successfully enter a new market is what continues to drive us.”
30 YEARS OF IMPACT
CFEA’s 30-year history is a story of Canadian companies reaching new customers around the world.
175
Current CFEA Members
30+
Countries Reached Through CFEA Activities
30
Years Supporting Canadian Food & Beverage Exporters
$82 Million
Estimated Export Sales Generated in 2025–26
152
Canadian Companies Directly Supported in 2025–26
12
Countries Where Companies Opened Trade in 2025–26
A YEAR OF SIGNIFICANT EXPORT RESULTS
CFEA’s anniversary comes at a time when Canadian food and beverage companies continue to demonstrate their potential in international markets.
During 2025–26, CFEA directly helped 152 Canadian companies develop trade opportunities in 12 countries through international trade shows, missions and market development activities.
The participating companies generated an estimated $82 million in export sales as a result of these activities.
These results reflect the importance of providing Canadian companies with opportunities to meet qualified international buyers, understand market requirements and build the relationships that can lead to long-term export business.
CFEA also welcomed many companies participating internationally for the first time, helping Canadian businesses take their first steps into global markets while supporting experienced exporters as they expand into new territories.
FROM CANADA TO THE WORLD
Canada is home to an exceptional range of food and beverage products, from innovative packaged foods and beverages to seafood, meat, dairy, bakery, snacks, confectionery and specialty products.
For 30 years, CFEA has worked to help Canadian companies showcase this diversity to international buyers.
Through its programs and activities, CFEA creates opportunities for members to:
- Meet international buyers and establish new business relationships
- Explore and enter new export markets
- Participate in leading international food and beverage trade shows
- Develop international business and market strategies
- Build distributor, importer and retail relationships
- Expand their brands beyond Canada’s borders
“Our members are the reason we are celebrating today,” said Powell. “Their innovation, determination and willingness to explore new markets have made the past 30 years possible. We look forward to continuing to help Canadian companies build their brands and grow their export business for many years to come.”
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE NEXT 30 YEARS
While CFEA is celebrating its history, the organization remains firmly focused on the future.
Global markets continue to evolve, creating both new opportunities and new challenges for Canadian exporters. CFEA will continue working with its members to identify opportunities, establish international connections and support Canadian food and beverage companies as they build their presence around the world.
Thirty years ago, CFEA started with 14 companies and a vision for Canadian food and beverage exports. Today, 175 members are part of that continuing journey.
The next chapter is already underway.
**30 years of connection.
30 years of growth.
30 years of Canadian food and beverage export success.**
And we’re just getting started.
ABOUT THE CANADIAN FOOD EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION
Established in 1996, the Canadian Food Exporters Association (CFEA) is a national association dedicated to assisting Canadian food and beverage companies in developing and expanding their presence in international markets.
CFEA works with companies across Canada to provide opportunities to connect with international buyers, participate in trade shows and missions, explore new markets and develop their international business.
With 175 members and 30 years of international experience spanning more than 30 countries, CFEA continues its mission of helping Canadian food and beverage companies connect, grow and succeed in global markets.
Canadian Food Exporters Association (CFEA)
www.cfea.com
info@cfea.com
