17 March 2011
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
A delegation of more than 25 businesses and organizations from Atlantic Canada's seafood, aquaculture and fisheries industry will attend the 2011 International Boston Seafood Show (IBSS), North America's largest seafood exhibition. The annual industry trade show, to be held from March 20-22 in Boston, Massachusetts, attracts top-tier buyers and sellers of seafood and seafood products from over 130 countries.
"By investing in this mission, our Government is strengthening an industry that creates jobs for Atlantic Canadians," said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. "Over 45 per cent of Atlantic Canada's seafood exports are to New England, making this a key market for Atlantic Canadian companies looking to expand their exports. Our investment in this mission demonstrates that we are taking strong action to help grow the economy."
"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to participate in the Boston Seafood Show once again in 2011," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "Improved marketing of Newfoundland and Labrador's seafood products is a key priority for my department. We know the importance of continuing to promote our products in the United States as well as other international seafood markets. Boston is a key distribution point for seafood products entering the eastern United States and the Boston Seafood Show attracts important seafood buyers from across the globe. I look forward to meeting with representatives of the fishing industry and other stakeholders during our time in Boston this year."
During the mission, delegates, including representatives from fisheries, seafood and aquaculture companies and organizations from across Atlantic Canada, will interact with key industry specialists, participate in various marketing and networking events, and meet with international seafood buyers from around the globe. While in Boston, the delegates will join together under the Atlantic Canada pavilion to showcase their high-quality seafood products and services. Past missions have been successful for Atlantic Canadian companies – resulting in valuable international contacts, strategic partnerships, and short and long-term sales.
The International Boston Seafood Show is North America's largest seafood event, featuring more than 800 exhibitors, and offering a vast array of seafood, seafood products, services and equipment from all over the world. Over 16,000 potential buyers attend the three-day event. Attendance at this event will provide Atlantic delegates with increased opportunities for new market leads and diversification, as well as increased exposure for participating companies to buyers from around the world.
Supporting the participation of an Atlantic Canadian delegation is part of the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provincial governments' ongoing commitment to stimulate the economy and create jobs by helping Atlantic Canadian businesses grow and compete in international markets.
Funding of $150,000 for the mission is being provided through the Canada/Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development (IBDA). The mission is being led by the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. The IBDA is a federal/provincial agreement between the Government of Canada (ACOA, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, and Industry Canada) and the four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada. It is designed to help Atlantic Canadian businesses enter, explore and succeed in international markets. The IBDA is a key component of a pan- Atlantic effort to foster business relations, attract foreign investment and nurture technological co-operation.
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FOR BROADCAST USE
A delegation of more than 25 Atlantic Canadian companies and organizations will attend the 2011 International Boston Seafood Show to showcase their products. Buyers and sellers of seafood from over 130 countries will be present at the show, creating significant export opportunities for Atlantic Canada's seafood industry.
ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield said the mission helps raise the international profile of Atlantic Canadian companies, increase their export sales, and create spin-off economic benefits for the region.
The federal and provincial governments are investing $150,000 through the Canada/Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development (IBDA) to support the mission.
INFORMATION:
Jennifer Goostrey
Manager, Client Services
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-851-4831
jennifer.goostrey@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-3733, 690-8403
oatesll@gov.nl.ca
MEDIA BACKGROUNDER
Following is the list of the Atlantic Canadian companies and organizations participating in the 2011 International Boston Seafood Show:
Lobster Council of Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Newfoundland and Labrador Seafood) Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association Ocean Choice International Quinlan Brothers Ltd. Whitecap Seafoods
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Bluenose Seafood Inc. Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership Davis Strait Fisheries Ltd. Fisher King Seafoods Ltd. Louisbourg Seafoods Ltd. St. Mary's River Smokehouses United Trans Ltd.
New Brunswick
Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Cuisine Industrielle Pro-Mer Inc. Gourmet Chef Packers Ltd. Partner Seafood Inc. True North Salmon Company Ltd. VIP Seafood
Prince Edward Island
Innovation PEI Atlantic Shellfish Products Ltd. BJ Trading & Marketing Confederation Cove Minigoo Fisheries Ocean Choice International PEI Mussel King Royal Star Foods Ltd.
