CHARLOTTETOWN – Jan. 19, 2024 – Robert Maddix estimates that RDÉE Prince Edward Island’s Quebec sales mission last fall will generate sales of approximately $500,000 in the short term (after six months) and close to $1 million in the long term (after one year) for the nine participating Island companies. Four of these companies participated virtually, while the other five went to Montreal in person.

« Some of our companies were in the market exploration phase, while others were trying to see how they could adapt their products or services to the Quebec market. Others were ready to sell their wares right awy, » explains Maddix, who coordinates these missions. « Everyone learned new things, everyone made valuable contacts, and everyone developed great business relationships. The majority of our participants have been asked to submit bids, while several have already signed major sales contracts. »

Island companies participating the fall 2023 mission sold everything from canned coffee to prosthetics, dog food, digital images and promotional photos, sports training, event décor, food manufacturing software and food cutting boards.

14 MISSIONS, $14 MILLIONS

Maddix adds that the 14 sales missions organized to date have generated a combined total of around $14 million in direct sales, not to mention the orders that followed in the years after the missions. Many of the participating PEI manufacturers and sellers have had to hire extra employees to keep up with the additional demand, and some have even had to expand their factories.

But the coordinator doesn’t have much time to celebrate these magnificent successes, as he must organize the next mission and start recruiting participants. He can accommodate up to 10 businesses (with French capacity) in his 15th mission, which will take place virtually May 6-10, and in person in Montreal May 13-17.

Each participating company will receive sales training to prepare them to meet a dozen potential buyers. Quebec-based Clientis will identify buyers (often wholesalers or distributors) and arrange all appointments.

The project will reimburse participants 40% of their travel expenses (return trip to Montreal, cabs in town, meals and lodging). For further information, please contact Maddix as soon as possible at robert@rdeeipe.org.

These missions are organized in partnership with Innovation PEI and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

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PHOTO 1: Hai Nguyen, right, of The Shed Coffee in Charlottetown, shows her canned coffee products to Victor-Antoine Gauthier of Axelr last November.

PHOTO 2: Solange Aké, right, owner of Stratford’s Distinct Magic Events, accompanied by Clientis project manager Claude Collin, met with Jacinthe Hamel, director of operations for Groupe Cirque du Soleil, to discuss potential event decoration contracts last fall.

 

 

For further information, please contact:
Robert Maddix
Sales Mission Coordinator
RDÉE Prince Edward Island
(902) 314-1714
robert@rdeeipe.org