P.E.I. Mussel King to Expand Export Markets
News Release
Funding supports increased capacity for shellfish cold storage in PEI
October 5, 2017 – Morell, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Prince Edward Island is home to a thriving mussel industry, recognized around the world for the quality of its product. Demand for high quality shellfish products from the Island continues to grow, with customers looking for a diverse range of new and value-added exportable options. That is why the federal and provincial governments are contributing more than $1.6 million for cold storage facilities at P.E.I. Mussel King Inc. to help reduce damage caused during transportation and ensure an efficient, uninterrupted supply of frozen shellfish products to clients.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with the Honourable Heath MacDonald, PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, today announced federal and provincial support to add cold storage capacity to the existing processing facilities at P.E.I. Mussel King Inc.
This latest cold storage project meets a growing demand on PEI to handle shellfish product that would otherwise be shipped off-island for cold storage, significantly reducing the high energy costs associated with transportation. The funds announced today will help the company compete in the rapidly growing global market for convenient frozen shellfish products.
A repayable contribution of $500,000 is being provided through ACOA’s Business Development Program, while the Province of PEI, through Finance PEI, is providing a $1,150,000 loan for the project.
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 thriving seafood industry, strong export potential, growing innovation ecosystem, and skilled workforce.
Quotes
“Thanks to forward thinking companies like P.E.I. Mussel King, the food sector in PEI continues to evolve and diversify, building on our rich traditional industries. Through government support, we want to ensure that established and emerging food businesses can compete globally. Our government has set an aggressive target to export $75 billion of agri-food products by 2025, and innovations in the agri-food sector will be key to getting us there.”
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan
“P.E.I. Mussel King is a fine example of a home grown Island company that has found tremendous success in the seafood export industry and has helped cement our reputation as Canada’s Food Island. This investment will help the company expand its markets and increase its exports. By supporting improvements to infrastructure that help Island companies grow, we can help make big things happen.”
- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism
“The addition of our own cold storage facility is the next logical step in our overall growth strategy. We now control our product from harvest to final transport. Vertical integration is evidence of our ongoing commitment to deliver top-quality products and services to the global market.”
- Esther Dockendorff, President, P.E.I. Mussel King Inc.
Quick Facts
-
Incorporated in 1994, P.E.I. Mussel King is a processor and distributor of fresh and frozen in the shell mussels.
The company is part of a fully integrated operation that encompasses three mussel farms owned by the Dockendorff family, leaders in the P.E.I. mussel industry for over 30 years.
Under the direction of President Esther Dockendorff, PEI Mussel King continues to innovate, bringing new processes and techniques to the Atlantic region.
In 2016, P.E.I. Mussel King was awarded “Exporter of the Year” by Trade Team PEI.
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Andrew Sprague
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
902-368-5535
P.E.I. Mussel King
info@peimusselking.com
902-961-3366
Page details
- Date modified: