Appealing to the discerning appetite of Asian consumers is Park Tak International's expertise. The key ingredient is passion - infused with local flavour and packaged to suit the market. Park Tak bridges Canadian food manufacturers and the Asian market, representing a range of products from snacks to confectioneries and beverages. Trusted by more than 40 leading Canadian companies, it has become one of the country's largest value-added food exporters to the Far East. "I have brought to Asia many products from around the world, but it is in Canada that I found the most promising opportunity to help food companies reach Asian consumers," says president Albert Ng, who is originally from Hong Kong. Ng translated his passion for food into a growing enterprise. His global experience and dual perspective have proven invaluable in adapting Canadian products to the Asian palate, using the country's staples including maple and ice wine as a driving force. Ng has also given rise to Park Tak's own brands, Paky Taky, Natural Park, Canpop and Goody2Eat, which feature naturally flavoured popcorn, dried fruits and candies. Among the best-sellers is maple-flavoured popcorn, whose Asian sales recorded a 67 per cent increase last year. Japan has been the most receptive market, followed by Hong Kong, Singapore and the mainland. Targeting Asia's growing health enthusiasts, the company is expanding its lines to organic, 100 per cent natural, sugar-free and functional varieties, and it is introducing smaller packages. Slated for launch in September, certified-organic Natural Park Sprouted Flaxseeds is expected to boost Park Tak's branding and emphasis on healthy food. "Adjusting to the Asian market's taste and demand - even down to packaging and label requirements - is crucial," Ng says. "We are focusing more on research and development, finding what other commodities Canada can uniquely offer to Asia." Park Tak welcomes partners to add to its network of importers, traders, distributors and stores in Asia.
