Companies from Atlantic Canada who participated in the European Seafood Show from May 4-6, 2004 in Brussels, Belgium, expect to generate almost $15 million in total sales over the next 12 months.
As part of an overall trade strategy of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the four provincial governments and the International Business Development Agreement, the exhibition gave Atlantic Canadian companies a chance to meet international top-level decision makers in imports/exports. The show also focused on packaging, processing, distribution and the securing of business deals with new and existing customers.
“With Atlantic Canadian seafood-related exports valued at more than $3 billion last year, new trade relationships will build on Canada’s already established reputation in the international seafood industry,” said the Honourable Joe McGuire, Minister of ACOA. “By participating in these kinds of trade activities, our companies continue to expand their knowledge and export sales, which contribute to the economic growth of our region.”
“PEI seafood products are shipped around the globe allowing the world to experience the taste of Prince Edward Island seafood,” said Michael F. Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. “The province has long been recognized as a leader in supplying quality raw material and superior food products. The fisheries and aquaculture sector has been steadily increasing over the past decade and is currently valued at over $300 million annually.”
The exhibition was the largest of its kind and attracted visitors from more than 160 countries. It featured 60 national pavilions and 1,200 exhibitors from over 70 countries. Areas of focus for the show included seafood products and seafood services and organizations.
The Prince Edward Island participants included Royal Malpeque Oysters Ltd., Malpeque Seafoods Ltd. and the PEI Seafood Processors Association Atlantic/Canada Lobster Promotion Group.
The International Business Development Agreement invests in projects to help small to medium-sized Atlantic Canadian companies enter, explore and succeed in international markets. The Agreement involves the four Atlantic Canadian provinces and three federal departments - the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Industry Canada, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Atlantic Canadian Exhibitors:
Prince Edward Island: Atlantic Canada Lobster & Seafood Promotion Group, Charlottetown; Royal Malpeque Oysters Ltd, Malpeque; Malpeque Seafoods Ltd, Malpeque.
Nova Scotia: H & H Fisheries, Eastern Passage.
New Brunswick: Connors Bros. Ltd., St. John; Island Fisherman Co-operative Association Ltd., Lameque; Leslie Leger & Sons Ltd., Cap-Pelé; Orion Seafood Group Canada, Shediac; Pack Nature Canada, Shippigan; South Shore Trading, Port Elgin; Trico Seafood, Allison.
Newfoundland & Labrador: Newfoundland & Labrador Seafood, St. John’s.
For more information, contact Ralph Meechan, Office of the Minister for Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, (613) 941-7241; Shauna MacNeil, Senior Communications Officer, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, (506) 851-6403; or Julie Whitlock, Communications Officer, Prince Edward Island Business Development Inc.,
(902) 894-0367.