Atlantic Canadian seafood exporters are seizing global opportunities, expanding into new markets, and showcasing the region’s reputation for sustainable, high-quality products on the international stage.

“Atlantic Canada’s seafood industry has earned a global reputation for quality, sustainability, and reliability. This mission was about more than just promoting great products; it was about helping our businesses open new doors, build lasting relationships, and compete on a level playing field. By connecting our exporters with key European markets and making full use of CETA, we’re creating good jobs and long-term economic growth in coastal communities right across Atlantic Canada.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“Nova Scotia plays a major role in Canada’s seafood industry, accounting for 29% of the country's total seafood exports. The province exports 52 different seafood species to more than 70 countries. At a time when economic growth is more vital than ever, we’re focused on what we can control: expanding into new markets, strengthening trade across Canada, and maintaining our reputation for reliability and quality.” 
– The Honourable Kent Smith, Nova Scotia Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

“New Brunswick seafood is recognized worldwide for its high quality and sustainability. Expanding into new markets is vital for our sector’s growth, and missions like Conxemar help our exporters diversify, build strong partnerships, and support prosperity in rural, coastal and Indigenous communities in New Brunswick.”
– The Honourable Pat Finnigan, Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries

• The Atlantic Canadian delegation included 12 companies and organizations representing live lobster, crab, shellfish, frozen fillets, and value-added seafood.

• Held annually, Conxemar is one of Europe’s premier seafood trade events, attracting over 26,000 industry professionals from around the world.

• A second Atlantic Canada delegation is scheduled to participate in Conxemar 2026 (October 6–8) to build on this year’s success.

• Canada exported over $418 million of fish and seafood to the European Union (EU) in 2023. The top seafood products exported to the EU that year included lobster, cold-water shrimp, scallops, and hake.

• The Food and Beverage Atlantic Association supports the sector through industry development programs, cost-saving initiatives, supplier partnerships and peer-to-peer engagement.

• Support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) was provided through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Program. This support helps businesses and non-profit organizations scale up, adopt new technologies, boost productivity, develop new products, and reach new markets.

• The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) eliminates tariffs on most Canadian seafood exports to the EU and includes provisions for trade facilitation, food safety, and market access.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Atlantic Canadian companies and organizations taking part in Conxemar 2025

Associated links

• Food and Beverage Atlantic
• Exhibition - Conxemar
• Regional Economic Growth through Innovation - Canada.ca
• Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

Natasha Kochhar
Director of Projects and Caucus Relations
Office of the Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Natasha.Kochhar@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Deborah Bayer
Province of Nova Scotia
902-225-4982
Deborah.Bayer@novascotia.ca  

Nick Brown
Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
Province of New Brunswick
nick.brown@gnb.ca