A group of seafood processors from the United Kingdom are visiting various seafood plants in the Atlantic region from June 8 to 13. They are primarily interested in seeing new technologies in shellfish processing and aquaculture research. While in Prince Edward Island, from June 11 to 13, they will visit several seafood plants as well as the PEI Food Technology Centre (FTC) and the Atlantic Veterinary College's Lobster Health Research Centre.
This group recognizes that in today's market the only seafood processing companies that are viable are those that add significant value, typically by producing high quality, semi-finished meals. They see Atlantic Canada as having one of the world's most significant shellfishing industries. This geographic area can offer a great deal of expertise to the U.K. industry at all points in the supply chain, from hatcheries to final processing.
The PEI Food Technology Centre is now involved in strategic partnering with national and international companies. This division has been established with a specific mission to pursue proactive food industry developments and partnership arrangements on a local and international level. FTC's strategic partnering efforts were the impetus behind the planning of the U.K. trade mission to Atlantic Canada.
Gary Clements, International Technology Promoter with Biotech-USA, who is heading this mission, notes that "if innovative processes, such as those being used in Atlantic Canada, can be introduced into U.K. fisheries, they could provide an opportunity for local industries to add significant value in their regions, retaining and creating jobs and profit."
Richard Ablett of the PEI Food Technology Centre sees this as an "opportunity to transfer technology and create international partnerships for the benefit of local and U.K. companies."