MONTREAL — Nearly 100 industry stakeholders recently came together to share ideas on how to position Montreal as North America’s food capital.
Held on November 11, the day-long event was hosted by Francis Reddy and attended by representatives from Quebec’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ), MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE, the Société des casinos du Québec, Tourisme Montréal and the Union des producteurs agricoles.
A number of recommendations emerged from the meeting, including the need to highlight the quality and diversity of Quebec products, emphasize Montreal’s distinctive reputation as a lively and festive destination, address environmental issues related to business and improve the accessibility and use of local products.
Industry stakeholders have been working together since last spring to prepare a plan for developing and promoting Montreal’s food scene and positioning it on the world stage. In addition to the recent meeting, the process has included consultations with roughly 40 local and international experts on how to capitalize on opportunities and address challenges in the sector.
This work will continue until spring 2020, when the Montreal Food Scene Development and Promotion Plan will be published, which will include various action items and a partner-mobilization plan.