Incoming trade mission to tour NB seafood companies looking to expand or break into new markets
June 1, 2015 – St. Andrews, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
A group of business delegates from seafood importers in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, and a Canadian Trade Commissioner based in Europe, are touring the province to witness firsthand the quality and advantages of New Brunswick’s seafood products.
The incoming trade mission, led by the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, will meet with various seafood processors and distributors to explore potential sales opportunities. The group will make stops in the southeast region, the Acadian Peninsula, and will culminate the tour at the Seafood Forum in Saint Andrews.
In addition to meeting with seafood companies from across the province, activities include visits to oyster aquaculture sites and processing plants, a mini snow crab fishing tour, as well as seafood cooking classes and oyster, snow crab, and cold water shrimp master classes.
The Government of Canada is providing $104,981, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, towards the incoming mission while the Province of New Brunswick is contributing $44,992.
Quick Facts:
- Among the delegates is a renowned chef from Hong Kong who has chosen New Brunswick seafood as the main feature for the next edition of Hong Kong’s Gourmet Magazine.
- The mission also includes a reporter from the French trade magazine « Produits de la Mer » who is preparing a special feature on the New Brunswick seafood industry.
- New Brunswick is the second largest exporter of fish and seafood products in the country, valued at about $1.1 billion in 2014, which represented over 22% of Canada’s seafood exports.
- Currently, the main export destination for New Brunswick seafood is the United States, with approximately 80% of the export value going there.
Quotes:
"Our Government knows that building trade relationships is key to creating jobs and economic opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses, both large and small. This is why we have signed new trade agreements with 38 countries, including the historic Canada-EU Free Trade Agreement offering preferred access to over 500 million consumers in lucrative European markets, to ensure Atlantic Canada’s growing seafood industry continues to create jobs here at home. We are pleased to partner with the Province of New Brunswick on this initiative that opens new doors for producers and makes sure our fresh seafood reaches kitchen tables across the globe."
- John Williamson, Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“New Brunswick is a recognized global leader in the seafood industry, developing and marketing brands that are recognized internationally. The European market holds tremendous opportunity for our province’s seafood exporters, and we are proud to support this mission to help the industry grow. I wish the delegates a productive and enjoyable time during their stay in New Brunswick”
- The Honourable Rick Doucet, Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Minister responsible for Trade Policy
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Lisa Gautreau
Acting Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-471-1565
Elaine Bell
Communications Director
Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
506-453-8607
