FREDERICTON (GNB) – Eight New Brunswick companies will join a delegation led by Premier Brian Gallant and Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet to participate in North America's largest seafood show this weekend in Boston.

“New Brunswick’s globally-competitive seafood industry is a vital part of our economy, creating valuable jobs in our rural coastal communities,” said Gallant. “Our export development strategy is providing support to New Brunswick businesses so that we can create the conditions for job growth.”

Seafood Expo North America, formerly known as the Boston Seafood Show, takes place March 15-17. It is expected to attract more than 20,000 buyers and suppliers of fresh, frozen, packaged and value-added seafood products, equipment, and services from more than 100 countries.

In 2013, New Brunswick was the second-largest exporting province with more than $1 billion in fish and seafood exports. This is the fifth straight year New Brunswick’s exports have increased in the sector. Over the last five years exports have risen by 46 per cent.

“We praise the hard work and ingenuity of New Brunswick companies and their valuable contribution to our economy and job creation efforts” said Doucet. “New Brunswick is a recognized global leader in aquaculture, developing and marketing brands that are recognized internationally. Our support of seafood companies at this expo is one way we are working to add value to our province’s seafood industry, as they work to expand their markets beyond our shores.”

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./Intercambio, Cap-Pelé;
  • Shediac Lobster Shop Ltd., Shediac;
  • True North Salmon Co. Ltd., Black’s Harbour;
  • VIP Seafood Inc., Shediac;
  • Partner Seafood Inc., Shediac; and
  • Ceafood Marketella, Saint John.

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

In 2014, domestic fish and seafood exports from Atlantic Canada accounted for 71 per cent of all Canadian fish and seafood exports. Sixty-two per cent of Atlantic Canada’s fish and seafood exports, or almost $2 billion worth, were destined for the American market last year.

 

13-03-15