News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Seven New Brunswick companies will join a delegation led by Premier David Alward to participate in North America's largest seafood show this weekend in Boston.

The Seafood Expo North America / Seafood Processing North America 2014 (formerly known as the Boston Seafood Show) takes place March 16-18. It is expected to attract more than 19,000 buyers and suppliers of fresh, frozen, packaged and value-added seafood products, equipment, and services from more than 100 countries.

"This has been another record year for New Brunswick,” said Alward. “According to the latest statistics, our fish and seafood exports have topped the $1-billion mark for the first time. Fish and seafood exports are an important part of our government's plan to create jobs and grow rural economies."

Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp will also attend the event.

"Our fishing and aquaculture sectors are important contributors to our economy, particularly in our rural, coastal communities," he said.

New Brunswick will join the other Atlantic provinces to promote the region's fish and seafood. New Brunswick companies that will have exhibits at the Atlantic Canada pavilion are:

●    Produits Belle Baie ltée, Caraquet;
●    Little Shemogue Oyster Co., Little Shemogue;
●    Michel and Charles LeBlanc Fisheries Ltd., Cap-Pelé;
●    Shediac Lobster Shop Ltd., Shediac;
●    True North Salmon Co. Ltd.;
●    VIP Seafood Inc., Shediac; and
●    Partner Seafood Inc., Shediac

The provincial government will also host a reception showcasing New Brunswick seafood.

The Atlantic region accounts for more than 70 per cent of Canada's total seafood exports, which totalled $4.4 billion in 2013. The new trade agreement with the European Union is expected to boost significantly seafood exports and create jobs.