Government and industry representatives are aiming to develop new and expanded markets for Prince Edward Island seafood products and processing equipment during the annual International Boston Seafood Show which opens on Sunday. Prince Edward Island Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Allan Campbell and Development and Technology Minister Richard Brown, along with MLAs Buck Watts and Charlie McGeoghan, will join 15 Island companies which will have booths or representatives at the show.
“Prince Edward Island seafood and marine businesses have been successful in developing markets around the world, and this event provides an excellent opportunity to meet with existing customers, make new contacts, expand markets and identify additional export opportunities,” said Mr. Campbell. “The provincial government is strongly supportive of efforts to expand the sales of fisheries and aquaculture products, equipment and services.”
“Prince Edward Island seafood companies are competing with the best in the world,” said Mr. Brown. “The Boston seafood show is a tremendous opportunity for Island businesses to showcase products and services. Participating companies are also able to develop valuable business contacts with customers from around the world.”
Companies in attendance at the show include Ocean Choice International, PEI Mussel King, By the Water Shellfish, Acadian Fishermen’s Co-op/Atlantic Queen Seafoods, Charlottetown Metal Products, Mariner Seafoods, Howards Cove Seafoods, Belle River Enterprises, Royal Star Foods, Green Gables Mussels, Future Seafoods, Prince Edward Island Aqua Farms, Atlantic Aqua Farms and Confederation Cove Mussels. The Prince Edward Island Seafood Processors Association and Prince Edward Island Business Development also have representatives at the show.
Mr. Campbell said government and industry need to work hard to maintain and develop markets because of the rise in the Canadian dollar, growing global competition and changing consumer expectations. The total value of seafood products exported to international markets from Prince Edward Island is approximately $200 million a year.
The International Boston Seafood Show is North America’s largest seafood exhibition. It attracts 18,000 buyers and sellers from around the world.