A visit by a delegation of Chinese travel and food writers to Prince Edward Island will help them learn more about the high quality and value of lobsters, says Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair. The visiting delegation represents a range of print, television and online media targeting chefs, hotels, restaurants and consumers in the Chinese market.
“Hosting this influential delegation is part of our ongoing market development initiatives to promote lobster products in the Chinese market,” said Mr. LeClair. “During their visit, they will have an opportunity to learn more about the lobster industry in this province, meet processors and fishers, and sample some of the best lobster in the world.”
The visit is being co-ordinated by the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, Innovation PEI, the New Brunswick Department of Fisheries and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. It is the result of a trade mission undertaken from the region to China last fall to promote Atlantic Canadian lobsters.
The Chinese delegation is meeting chefs, restauranteurs and industry representatives. They also toured the Culinary Institute of Canada and Canada’s Smartest Kitchen. They will continue their visit in New Brunswick later this week. The visit follows a delegation of buyers from China who were in the province earlier this month.
Prince Edward Island currently exports more than a half-million dollars in lobster products to China annually. Mr. LeClair said there is significant potential to expand exports to that country and to Japan and South Korea.
BACKGROUNDER
Members of the Chinese Delegation:
Richard Xu, editor in chief, New Western Cuisine, a print and electronic magazine distributed to higher-end chefs, hotels and restaurants.
Daya Sun, senior editor, Voyage magazine, one of the more popular travel publications in China. Voyage magazine highlights places to visit for high-end Chinese travelers.
Xiao Mi, food specialist, China Central Television (CCTV) and gastronomy blogger. Mr. Xiao is a chef, recipe developer for TV cooking programs, TV host for cooking programs, and a top-five food blogger in China – specializing in the chef's point of view.
Xiao Xing, freelance journalist, and a top gastronomy blogger in China. With over 50 million visitors to her blog, Ms. Xiao targets Chinese consumers with a female perspective on food.
Jean Wu, editor, Food and Wine, a professional industry magazine geared toward high-end restaurants, consumers and hotels.
Gavin Fan, freelance gastronomy writer and photographer. Mr. Fan is one of the top travel bloggers in China, featuring unique places for Chinese travelers to visit.
Fan Xubing, media and marketing co-ordinator, Seabridge. Mr. Fan has been working with representatives from Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick to implement strategic market development activities in China.