Increasing exports of Prince Edward Island seafood products is the goal of the delegation attending next week’s International Boston Seafood Show, says Premier Robert Ghiz.
“The International Boston Seafood Show is an outstanding opportunity to showcase the wide variety, high quality and great value of Prince Edward Island seafood products,” said Premier Ghiz. “As a government, we will be strongly supporting our seafood exporters to promote their products and gain new markets.”
The Boston show, held from March 20 to 22, is North America’s largest seafood event, with more than 800 exhibits offering a vast array of seafood products, services and equipment from around the world. It is expected that some 16,000 buyers from 130 countries will be in attendance.
“Attendance at the Boston seafood show has been an ongoing part of the department’s efforts to support the industry increase exports to this key market,” said Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair. “At the same time, we have strengthened our efforts in Europe and Asia to expand and diversify markets for our products.”
Among the companies participating with exhibits in this year’s show are Royal Star Foods, PEI Mussel King, Atlantic Shellfish, BJ Trading and Marketing, Confederation Cove, Beach Point Processing, Prince Edward Aqua Farms, Atlantic Aqua Farms and Ocean Choice International. Charlottetown Metal Products will be exhibiting in Seafood Processing America, a trade show held in conjunction with the seafood show. Charlie McGeoghegan, MLA for Belfast-Murray River, a number of additional seafood processing companies, representatives from the Prince Edward Island Fishermens Association and the Future Fishers program and provincial and federal government officials will also be attending.
“Prince Edward Island seafood companies have established an excellent reputation in international markets for our world class products,” said Mr. LeClair. “I am confident that improved market conditions will result in a stronger demand for our premium products in the coming year.”