Answering global live lobster market demands with Nova Scotia seafood 

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

B.M.C. Seafoods Ltd. expands to increase international exports, create jobs and deliver premium grade lobster 

January 15, 2019 – Meteghan, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

A strong and competitive food and beverage industry is vital to Atlantic Canada’s prosperity, creating good jobs, growing the middle class and bringing premium grade products to the tables of consumers here in Canada and worldwide. That is why the Government of Canada is helping to create new opportunities for Atlantic Canadian food processors to increase profitability, expand operations and deliver high-quality products to new global markets.

Operating in Meteghan, Nova Scotia, for more than 20 years, B.M.C. Seafoods Ltd. is now expanding its facilities to offer premium grading of live lobster to satisfy high international market demand in Europe, Asia and across the world. The expansion will increase B.M.C. Seafoods’ lobster holding capacity by 50,000 pounds and will allow the company to operate year round, convert 50 seasonal positions to full-time jobs, and create 13 new jobs.

Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), made a Government of Canada announcement today in support of B.M.C. Seafoods’ expansion.

This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which supports strategic investments in initiatives that build on the region’s competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential, assets in Atlantic Canada’s food and beverage sector and skilled workforce.

Quotes

“Atlantic Canadian food and beverage products are world-renowned for excellence, variety and high quality, thanks to food producers and processors who follow the highest quality standards. The Government of Canada understands the value in supporting export-focused companies and is working to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of Atlantic Canadian food producers and processors who strengthen the region’s economy.”

-       The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Seafood is undoubtedly one of Atlantic Canada’s largest export opportunities. By helping companies like B.M.C. Seafoods grow their operations and expand their export markets to more countries around the world, we are creating local employment opportunities and propelling our entire region toward future economic prosperity.”

-       Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova

“This expansion will help us compete toe-to-toe internationally with large scale-seafood corporations by enabling us to provide premium quality live lobsters to markets around the world. Through extending our operations, we are helping to ensure the superior taste of Nova Scotia lobster will be known far and wide.”

-       Cedric Robicheau, President and Owner, B.M.C. Seafoods Ltd.

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada provided a $225,000 repayable contribution through ACOA’s Business Development Program to B.M.C. Seafoods for the project.

  • The contribution will allow B.M.C. Seafoods to purchase chillers and a refrigeration system, grading and packaging equipment, a monitoring and security system, pumps, filters and more for the premium grading of lobster.

  • As a result of this project, B.M.C. Seafoods will be able to purchase live lobster from a total of 67 fishing boats in nine geographical fishing areas and will be able to hold up to 300,000 pounds of live lobster.

  • B.M.C. Seafoods is currently working to meet all Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Transport Canada requirements for the successful export of the increased volume and quality of product.

  • Seafood leads all Atlantic Canadian food exports with $3.2 billion in exports annually.

  • The Atlantic Canadian food and beverage sector produces $6.6 billion in annual revenues and accounts for nearly 20,000 businesses, from small family-run operations to large corporate enterprises.

Contacts

Chris Brooks
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
chris.brooks@canada.ca

Wayne Gaudet
B.M.C. Seafoods
902-645-2597 / 902-769-7665 (cell)
qualitylobster@eastlink.ca 

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