17 March 2011
Moncton, New Brunswick
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."
"New Brunswick's seafood industry is comprised of a diversified traditional fishery and a vibrant aquaculture sector", explained Premier David Alward. "Our export sales amount to almost 20 per cent of annual Canadian seafood exports and over 100 markets worldwide enjoy our premium products. I am very pleased that, through this mission and others like it, we can support our industry in its efforts to develop new markets and opportunities."
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
Katharine Sidenius Communications
New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
506-444-4405
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
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
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.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Newfoundland and Labrador Seafood) Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association Ocean Choice International Quinlan Brothers Ltd. Whitecap Seafoods
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.
