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Experiencing the flavours is a great way to get to know Québec City

Experiencing the flavours is a great way to get to know Québec City

It’s the place where old world charm meets innovation. In addition to its European intrigue and natural beauty, Québec City is a dynamic hub for agribusiness and the ideal host destination for events and conferences.

Québec Cityicons.external-link-icon’s unique agribusiness ecosystem fosters innovation and collaboration between science, research, business and powerful meetings and conventions. With a large pool of nutrition and food science researchers, it’s easy for event organizers to source expert speakers and educational experiences for an enriching, immersive business event. 

Its agile ecosystem and conference experience has seen the success of major industry events like BÉNÉFIQicons.external-link-icon, organized by the Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods of Université Laval, being held in Québec City every two years at the Québec City Convention Centreicons.external-link-icon.  
 

Agribusiness events with flair!  

BÉNÉFIQ is a highly acclaimed annual event sparking synergy among scientists and professionals from the biofood and health sectors, from the spheres of academia, industry, government and economy.   

“Participants can connect with researchers and universities, ingredient food manufacturers, government agencies and venture capitalists,” says Renée Michaud, General Director at Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF).icons.external-link-icon  

“As the host city for this incredible event, Québec City is able to help innovative startups. Food manufacturers collaborate with researchers, stakeholders and investors that can propel their product to the next level.”  

More than 600 participants from 10 countries attend BÉNÉFIQ, with around 90 compelling speakers and panelists sharing their experience and passion throughout the event.  

Agrifood epicentre 

From scientists to biologists, Québec City is home to world-renowned thought-leaders and agribusiness pioneers and organisations. Leading-edge institutes like the Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foodsicons.external-link-icon (INAF) of Université Laval allow for agribusinesses and researchers to thrive and shine internationally. 

INAF developed the Innovation Support Serviceicons.external-link-icon (ISS) to support bio-food companies, allowing the acceleration of production by pairing up businesses and consumers, as well as food and nutrition experts. INAF has compiled the largest team of Canadian researchers dedicated to understanding the complex relationships between food, nutrition and health, and the role they play in preventing chronic diseases.  

“In Québec City, we are fortunate to have an ecosystem focused on food innovation, including INAF,” says Julie Daigle, Director, Créneau d'excellence Aliments Santéicons.external-link-icon. “The growth of food processing companies inveitably requires the development of new products that meet the needs of consumers." 

The ISS is constantly on the lookout for new and effective ways to accelerate creative initiatives, reduce time to market and promote commercial success of Québec manufacturers.  

Furmoir Grizzly’s popular shredded salmonicons.external-link-icon is one of the most successful products to emerge from this program, awarded the Prix Innovation en alimentation CTAQ 2020 icons.external-link-iconand Prix DUX Mieux Manger 2021. icons.external-link-icon 

“Grizzly is now one of the largest smokehouses in Canada, with a state-of-the-art production plant, and is always developing new ways to stay competitive in the market, with the support of entities like ISS,” says Daigle.  

“Québec is an innovation hub par excellence for our companies at home and on the global stage.” 

Foodie like no other  

With the Agrifood industry playing such a prominent role in Québec City, meeting attendees can be assured of a dynamic foodicons.external-link-icon scene.  

Experiencing the flavoursicons.external-link-icon is a great way to get to know Québec City,” says Régis Fleury, Account Executive, American Corporate Market.  

“From traditional favourites, like poutine, to home-cooked delights like tourtière and pouding chômeur, as well as French restaurants, ethnic foods and modern cuisine, Québec truly caters to every tastebud.” 

Not only is food and nutrition a key industry in Québec City, it also adds an exciting element for meeting planners looking for a host city with an eclectic food scene.  

Joie de vivre meets fine dining in Québec City to create diverse gastronomic experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From sensual flavours to distinctive ambiances all the way to earthy comfort foods, Québec City’s diverse culinary sceneicons.external-link-icon is sure to leave a lasting mark on your tastebuds and your heart. 

Chef at George V Caterers, Heinrich Meesen, reveals his passion for Québec Cityicons.external-link-icon, its regional seafood and his commitment to sharing his greatest culinary creations with those who visit this historical metropolis for business or pleasure, offering them “the best taste of Québec.” 

Easy access 

Québec City is easily accessible by major Northeastern US airports, as well as by rail and road. Just 2.5 hours from Montréal, and a short flight from Toronto and New York, meeting attendees will discover a destination with European appeal right here in North America.  

Meetings with purpose 

By augmenting speakers’ series with agrifood experts and enriching programming with localized tours, business event organizers can attract delegates, increase revenues, and share Québec’s regional expertise with the world.  

“We call that 'meeting with purpose’,” says Jocelyn Guertin, Sales Manager, International Market at the Québec City Convention Centre, responsible for assisting members of Québec City’s Ambassador’s Club attract and hold food and nutrition events in Québec. Guertin points out that when the time is right for in-person events to resume, Québec City is poised to show off its agribusiness ecosystems and the local industry leaders who are pioneering new innovations in food and nutrition.  
 

Plan your meeting in Québec City hereicons.external-link-icon.

Discover more about Canada’s agribusiness events hereicons.external-link-icon.