Island seafood processors are showcasing their products to a major European seafood retailer this week in an effort to expand the market for their products around the world, says Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair.
“We are honoured to have one of the world’s great seafood retailers in our province. By touring our processing plants they can see and experience first-hand the world class quality of Island seafood,” said the minister.
Representatives of the Portugese company, Modelo Continente, are visiting Prince Edward Island from July 8 to July 10. They are accompanied by a trade commissioner from the Canadian Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal.
The contingent is touring Royal Star Foods, Ocean Choice International, PEI Mussel King, Acadian Fishermen’s Co-op and Future Seafoods. They are also meeting with representatives of the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Rural Development and Innovation PEI.
Planning for the mission began in April 2010 through discussions with industry and provincial government representatives at the European Seafood Show in Brussels.
“Portugal is one of the top seafood consumers in the world and Island seafood processors are to be commended for their success in establishing new partnerships in foreign markets,” said Mr. LeClair.
The estimated annual seafood consumption in Portugal is 58 kg per capita. This is substantially more than Canada where consumption is 23 kg per capita, and the USA where it is 7.5 kg per capita. Portugal seafood imports are valued at almost $300 million annually.
Modelo Continente operates retail stores and supermarkets in Portugal. It is a subsidiary of Sonae, the largest retailer in Portugal. In 2009, the company operated 794 stores in Portugal and 38 in Spain.
The tour is supported by the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Rural Development; Innovation PEI; and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.