Exploring value-added opportunities in the seafood industry is one of the benefits of a visit to the province by officials of Kisco Foods Ltd., a Japanese company, says Prince Edward Island Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair.
“Our seafood industry is an economic generator for rural Prince Edward Island and to have the opportunity to showcase our lobster and mussel products and some processing facilities to our Japanese visitors has the potential to be a win-win situation,” said Minister LeClair.
Kisco Foods Ltd. was founded in 1979 and has its head office in Tokyo. It produces and sells sauces, broths, soups and pre-cooked items. Company representatives will be visiting lobster and mussel processing facilities across the province during their two-day visit on May 30-31. In 2010, Prince Edward Island exported approximately $10 million of seafood products to Japan.
The visit is a collaborative effort of the Prince Edward Island Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development and Innovation PEI. During this visit, Kisco officials are exploring opportunities for adding value to lobster by-products.
“Japan is one of our key international markets for our seafood and this visit will help to enhance that relationship,” said Mr. LeClair.