L’article Reducing GHG Emissions and Operational Performance: A Strategic Lever for Exporting Companies est apparu en premier sur Groupe Export Agroalimentaire.

Better Understanding NielsenIQ Data

NielsenIQ data comes directly from retailers (major chains, grocery stores, pharmacies, Walmart, etc.) and reflects overall sales across the country. It helps track market trends, evaluate the performance of categories, brands, or products, and better understand consumer behavior.

From initiation to advanced analysis

The first webinar was designed for beginners and aimed to demystify NielsenIQ reports. During the session, Cédric taught participants how to read key indicators such as dollar sales, unit sales, tonnage, distribution, velocity, and market share. When properly interpreted, these metrics provide a clear picture of a product’s performance.

The exercise went beyond simply reading an Excel table. As Cédric explained, understanding the numbers also means learning how to tell a story with the data. For example, a brand may show sales growth but still lose market share if the category as a whole is growing faster.

Another key takeaway was how to calculate inflation using the data. While this figure doesn’t appear directly in reports, it can be deduced by comparing dollar sales growth with changes in units or tonnage. This simple but revealing exercise shows whether growth is truly coming from increased volume or merely from higher prices or a shift in promotional strategy. The training also highlighted the importance of distinguishing between national brand and private label data.

In short, this first module gave participants the ability to decode NielsenIQ reports and, most importantly, see them as a strategic tool. Behind every number, there’s a story to tell buyers, partners, or investors.

The second, more advanced webinar focused on transforming a simple Excel file into a true strategic compass. The goal: going beyond basic metrics to build a solid and credible diagnosis.

Using Excel-based reports, participants learned how to calculate additional indices themselves—whether to measure inflation within a category, assess performance by region (such as comparing Quebec with the rest of Canada), or analyze a specific segment to uncover hidden opportunities. Cédric recommended the “funnel” approach: start with a broad view of the category, then drill down into brands, formats, or specific UPCs to understand what drives observed trends.

Another key tool covered was regional development indices. By comparing a brand’s market share in Quebec with its national performance, companies can quickly see where they are “underdeveloped” and quantify potential opportunities. Finally, distribution analysis shed light on a frequently overlooked lever: the gap between market share and distribution share.

In short, this second module delivered an essential lesson: NielsenIQ data is not just a static snapshot of sales. When properly interpreted, it becomes a persuasive tool to convince a retailer, adjust pricing strategies, or prioritize the right formats.

Watch the Webinars to Learn More!

Would you like to access these webinars asynchronously? Groupe Export allows its members to watch them for free to deepen their knowledge!

To obtain the recording and presentation, simply contact Samira Silbermann, who will gladly provide you with access to the content.

Please note that the webinars are conducted in French.

Ready to Take Action?

Byzzer is particularly relevant for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to validate market potential abroad, prepare a product launch, or convince a foreign buyer. The data can guide R&D, refine an export strategy, or strengthen the credibility of a pitch with partners.

NielsenIQ data goes far beyond an Excel spreadsheet! It is an essential tool for making strategic decisions and accelerating business growth.

Interested in purchasing a NielsenIQ data report? Contact your export advisor today!

L’article Understanding and Leveraging NielsenIQ Data with Byzzer est apparu en premier sur Groupe Export Agroalimentaire.

Updated by the Groupe Export team to reflect market changes—such as mergers, acquisitions, or new banners—this catalogue has become a go-to reference for many of our members. In fact, nearly 100 companies already use it and frequently tell us how valuable it is to their export strategy.

Exclusively available to members, the U.S. Store Directory is far more than a simple list: it’s a strategic asset to guide your go-to-market plans and identify the best sales channels for your products.

Directory Content

The directory, written in English, contains several relevant and essential pieces of information to help guide your business strategy, including:

• Headquarters address
• Parent company
• Number of stores
• Store locations by state
• U.S. regions covered
• Revenue
• Website
• General company profile

You would like to get the U.S. Store Directory exclusively offered to our members ?

Contact: Tanja Popovic, Export Advisor – tanjapopovic@groupexport.ca

L’article Get to Know Your Potential Buyers: A Strategic Asset for Breaking into the U.S. Market est apparu en premier sur Groupe Export Agroalimentaire.

To provide an overview of Quebec’s agri-food processing sector, Inno-centre commissioned the research firm Léger to carry out the study between January 20 and February 19, 2025. A total of 131 executives from food processing companies participated. The findings were presented on June 17, 2025, in Brossard, during the Summit on Agri-Food Export, in front of nearly 200 attendees.

The study revealed that exporting companies are generally further along in their climate transition. Martin Lavoie, CEO of Groupe Export, emphasized the influence of international markets on agri-food exporters: “Customers, buyers, suppliers, partners, and even the export markets themselves are pushing processors to adopt more sustainable practices. In fact, 70% of the exporters surveyed indicated that new requirements from international buyers—primarily from Europe (37%) and the United States (33%)—are their main motivation. Implementing an effective ESG strategy is becoming a necessity, whether to diversify markets or to begin exporting.”

Éric Waterman, Vice President of Agri-Food at Inno-centre, stressed the importance of engaging in sustainable practices now:
“Today’s commercial instability, particularly from our southern neighbors, has pushed sustainable development requirements to the background. But this lull is temporary. Businesses should adopt a long-term vision and view reducing their carbon footprint as both a strategic lever and a competitive advantage.” He added, “Europe is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, and regulations will clearly move in that direction. The companies that succeed in export markets will be those that have already begun investing in GHG reduction.”

The survey also addressed carbon accounting, brand image, and barriers to undertaking sustainability initiatives. Key findings include:

• 58% of exporting companies surveyed have already conducted a carbon footprint assessment, compared to 28% of companies operating solely in the Canadian market—showing a clear willingness to go beyond regulatory requirements to structure their own actions.
• Enhancing brand image and reputation remains the top motivation for climate action, cited by 58% of exporters and 54% of non-exporters.
• The lack of skilled resources is a more significant barrier for 44% of internationally active companies.

Inno-centre’s support program for food processors is made possible thanks to financial support from the ministere de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation (MAPAQ) and of the ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), as part of the Plan pour une économie verte 2030, and through collaboration with the Centre international de référence sur l’analyse du cycle de vie et la transition durable (CIRAIG). 

*Léger cannot guarantee that the sample is representative of the population studied. No weighting was applied to the results. Furthermore, since no margin of error can be associated with a convenience sample, the findings cannot be extrapolated beyond this group.

Inno-centre Tools – GHG Calculator

Get a quick and simple overview of your food processing company’s emissions. The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Estimation Tool provides a five-minute assessment of your CO₂ emissions. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, this tool is ideal for gaining a better understanding of your environmental impact — all in complete confidentiality.

Learn More

Contact Inno-centre

Éric Waterman, VP Agri-Food
eric.waterman@inno-centre.com

L’article Sustainable Actions by Quebec’s Agri-Food Exporters Recognized by International Markets est apparu en premier sur Groupe Export Agroalimentaire.

When credit insurance becomes a headache, it’s not just the finance team that suffers the consequences. In many exporting agri-food companies, the endless responses and unexplained refusals also affect salespeople, managers, and even owners. Frustration, blockages, and time wasted: poor management of the credit insurance policy can quickly become an obstacle to growth.

Before: Delays, Refusals, and Lots of Frustration

Take, for example, an agri-food company that exports its products to Europe and North America. Before seeking help from a credit insurance broker, the situation was tense:

• Endless delays in getting responses on coverage requests;
• Refusals without clear explanations, leaving the salespeople helpless;
• Complex policy management, involving multiple departments and causing misunderstandings.

“We were simply told, ‘Sorry, it’s refused,’ without any concrete solutions. This blocked our sales and created internal tensions,” says the company’s financial director.

After: Smooth Management and Tailored Solutions

A specialized credit insurance broker changes the game. Right from the start, the broker establishes regular communication with the team. The broker and the client organize several exchanges per week to understand needs, clarify processes, and resolve blockages.

The situation is automatically transformed:

• Proactive follow-up: The broker steps in as needed to manage exceptions and negotiate complex files;
• Simplified management: The insurance policy is integrated into internal processes, making daily management smooth;
• Reduced tensions: Salespeople can focus on their tasks with confidence.

“At the beginning of our relationship, our broker would visit the company several times a week because things were chaotic. Now, I speak to her every three months. She anticipates problems and brings us customized solutions,” says the financial director.

Your credit insurance should be a growth driver, not a barrier.

If you’d like to simplify the management of your credit insurance and free up your teams, personalized support can make all the difference.

Group Export Agri-Food has a member specializing in credit insurance, who you can contact directly for any assistance.

Sophie Côté Assurance-Crédit
sophiecote@scaci.ca
1-877-821-6028

L’article How to Simplify the Management of Your Credit Insurance and Ease Internal Tensions est apparu en premier sur Groupe Export Agroalimentaire.

Each year, Group Export organizes more than thirty subsidized trade shows and commercial missions worldwide. The association selects these locations based on the general interest of its members. However, many other events that facilitate business meetings are organized across all continents. For this reason, to support and assist agri-food exporting companies in selecting trade shows outside those organized in a turnkey format by the association, Group Export has created a directory of all business-to-business (B2B) trade shows worldwide, available exclusively to its members.

This catalog, available in English, offers a comprehensive overview of international trade fairs specializing in the agri-food sector, enabling companies to discover the latest trends, innovations, and market opportunities in the industry.

Wish to receive the catalog?

Contact us to learn how to obtain this free catalog.

Ask for the catalog

Not a member? You can join Group Export online directly. For more information, we encourage you to contact Catherine Dinel, Member Services Agent, at servicemembre@groupexport.ca.

L’article TRADE SHOWS CATALOG est apparu en premier sur Groupe Export Agroalimentaire.

NielsenIQ market reports are primarily based on two main data sources. Initially, the program gathers transaction data from retail outlets. POS data, or point-of-sale data, refers to the information for each scanned item logged in the POS system, which contributes to product category data. Additionally, panel data, or household data, includes self-reported purchasing information obtained through surveys. This type of data provides a comprehensive perspective on sales trends and enables brands to gain direct insights from consumers.

Am I Competitive? Data reports help companies answer several of their questions. They allow for analysis and understanding of product performance compared to competitors. The reports also enhance the understanding of customer consumption habits within a specific sector and facilitate the analysis of changes in product volume over time. Essentially, data reports enable businesses to address the following questions:

• How does my product perform compared to my competitors?
• Is my price competitive in the category?
• Are my promotions effective in boosting sales?
• Who are my customers and what are their consumption habits?
• Where are the opportunities to increase my distribution?
• Why does my volume fluctuate?

You have decided to order market reports? Good news! To maximize your meeting with NielsenIQ experts and order your reports, three aspects should be considered. First, if you know the UPC codes of your competitors’ products sold in the U.S., it will be easier to quickly identify the categories to analyze. Next, we suggest identifying your objectives to determine the type of relevant data for your needs. Finally, identify the relevant markets for your products to facilitate your meeting.

For more information regarding NielsenIQ/Byzzer market reports, please visit the dedicated page.

Export advisors in the Market Development department can answer your questions about NielsenIQ. We encourage you to contact them; their contact details are available on this page.

To purchase NielsenIQ market reports, please visit the Trade Shows and Commercial Activities page on the Export Group’s website.

L’article Short summary of the NielsenIQ webinar. est apparu en premier sur Groupe Export Agroalimentaire.

In an increasingly globalized context, Quebec’s agri-food companies face significant challenges when it comes to expanding their distribution beyond provincial borders. During a webinar organized by the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ), Pierre Meunier, a consultant at Meunier Agrostratégie, shared his tips and tricks for successfully implementing a distribution strategy outside of Quebec. This article draws on his advice and explores the essential elements for developing and executing an effective distribution strategy beyond Quebec.

First, according to Mr. Meunier, companies wishing to market outside of Quebec should first analyze their successes within the province. Are these related to sales methods, products, pricing, distribution channels, or marketing communication strategies? The main objective is to identify the factors contributing to your company’s success. If the elements of your success are applicable to other markets, you already have a solid foundation to build upon!

Next, before embarking on marketing efforts, identify and assess the targeted markets. Are there markets with good potential for access, or do they seem saturated? Which markets will you target first? Proximity markets like Toronto and Boston may be excellent options to start with. What is your budget, and is it realistic? What marketing strategy will you use to ensure your integration into these markets? Will you attend a trade show to showcase your products?

During this training, Mr. Pierre Meunier also highlighted several effective market penetration strategies, as well as presenting a realistic timeline and budget for entering new sectors.

Need more information?

Contact us to receive the full training document (in french)!

Contact Mélissa Rhéaume

L’article TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SUCCESSFUL DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY OUTSIDE OF QUEBEC est apparu en premier sur Groupe Export Agroalimentaire.

However, the eligibility criteria for each of these financial assistance measures are sometimes complex. The number of organizations or departments involved is impressive. Who is the right partner for a project? FCC, BDC, EDC, MAPAQ, Global Affairs Canada or a more regional organization, specific to your region? The questions are numerous.

To help applicants navigate through these programs, the federal government has developed an online research tool that lists and explains the programs available to you. And it’s free!

The tool first allows you to identify the purpose of your search: financing, loans, tax credits, wage subsidies, export counselling or partnership.

Then, it is important to specify the goal of the project: innovate, start a business, buy equipment, export products, hire employees, increase productivity, reduce pollution and so on.

The search tool proposes a questionnaire that focuses on various elements to better guide you in your research. It takes into account the nature of the company (sector and main field of activity), the stage of the company’s life, the location, the number of employees and the nature of the incorporation, in order to identify more precisely the programs that may be available and meet your needs. Since some programs are geared towards specific clienteles, these questions allow us to refine the search. This is particularly the case for financial aid encouraging women’s entrepreneurship, Aboriginal entrepreneurship or the next generation of entrepreneurs, for example.

Each existing program is compared to your criteria and a selection is made. At the end of the description of your company and your project, you will have a list of financial aid available to you, specifically for the project you wish to carry out. The links to the pages of each organization also allow you to better understand the parameters for each financial aid measure. The results are sorted by type or category: financing, loans, tax credits, advice, etc.

Of course, you don’t have answers about the amounts that are available to you, but you do know which door to knock on. Please note that some programs allow you to combine financial assistance and apply for more than one measure.

The financial aid search tool is updated regularly and presents the solutions that are available at the time of the search. You can also save your search to quickly find your list of results or receive updates on your favorite financial aid measures.

In less than 10 minutes, discover a range of potential financial aid measures related to your project. This is the breadcrumb trail that guides you through all the economic development measures available to you. Bookmark this link and test it before launching any new project. You have everything to gain!

L’article Financial assistance search: a free online tool for businesses est apparu en premier sur Groupe Export Agroalimentaire.