Prince Edward Island government and industry representatives, in partnership with their New Brunswick counterparts, have completed a three-city promotion of frozen lobster products in China to build awareness of Atlantic Canadian lobsters. The trade mission is in partnership with PEI Business Development and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The objective of the trade mission is to promote new and expanded markets for lobster products in China.
“This promotion and marketing initiative is part of the provincial government’s Five Point Lobster Plan, and reflects the government’s commitment to the lobster industry,” said Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair. “The development of new and expanded markets and products is a vital part of our efforts to strengthen the industry.”
The members of the mission were in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai last week where they met with Chinese seafood interests. They were accompanied by award-winning chef Hans Anderegg of the Culinary Institute of Canada who offered product demonstrations to chefs and food service operators. The highly successful events in the three cities were attended by more than 400 chefs, importers, wholesalers and members of the media.
The mission is participating in the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo November 3-5 in Qingdoa. This is the largest seafood show in Asia with more than 30 countries and 700 exhibitors attending. More than 15,000 qualified buyers from China and around the world attend the show.
The Prince Edward Island companies participating in the mission include Mariner Seafoods, Ocean Pride Fisheries and Ocean Choice International.
China represents a major export market opportunity for Prince Edward Island lobsters. Total exports to that country are now more than half a million dollars annually. The province also exports lobster products to Japan and South Korea.