Eleven Island companies have forged new leads and strengthened relations with existing customers following an Innovation PEI-backed trip to the Boston Seafood show, says Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allan Campbell.
“The Boston Seafood Show is a significant occasion for many Island seafood companies and it provides an international stage for business owners to showcase their new and existing products and also an opportunity to source new markets,” said Minister Campbell. “Over 11,000 people attended this year’s show. Valuable contacts were made with over 50 new business leads in North America, Korea, Japan and Russia. We expect sales of $10 million plus over the next twelve months for the Island companies that attended the show. I am confident that business will increase for the Island’s seafood industry based on these new contacts.”
This year, the Province of Prince Edward Island hosted the Premier’s Gala Dinner. The relaxed atmosphere provided the perfect opportunity for over 90 guests including Island companies, show walkers and potential buyers to discuss new ideas and promote products.
“It was a beneficial trip for our business,” said Sally Gaudet, Sales Manager for Royal Star Food Ltd. “We anticipate new customers in United States and Europe in the near future.”
The Prince Edward Island Pavilion featured ten booths and showcased the work of Confederation Cove Mussels, PEI Mussel King Inc., Ocean Choice International, BJ Trading and Marketing, Atlantic Shellfish Products Inc. and Royal Star Foods Ltd. Charlottetown Metal Products, Atlantic Aqua Farms, Canadian Mussels/Confederation Cove, Prince Edward Island Aqua Farms and Master Packaging Inc. had displays in other sections of the show.
The Prince Edward Island Pavilion was located in the Atlantic Canada Pavilion of the International Boston Seafood Show. The Atlantic Canada Working group, consisting of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland along with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) were the lead organizers for this year’s Atlantic Canada Pavilion.