FREDERICTON (GNB) – Several New Brunswick companies joined a delegation led by Premier Brian Gallant and Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet to participate in North America’s largest seafood show in Boston.

“New Brunswickers are world leaders in the fish and seafood sector,” said Gallant. “With the looming trade agreements Canada is involved in, there are significant opportunities for growth in our fish and seafood exports. This is an opportunity to open new markets and find more customers across the globe which will spur economic growth in our province.”

Seafood Expo North America (formerly known as the Boston Seafood Show) is taking place March 6-8. 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 2014, New Brunswick was the second-largest exporting province, with more than $1 billion in fish and seafood exports. This is the sixth straight year New Brunswick’s exports have increased in the sector. During the last six years, exports have risen by 57 per cent. Estimates for 2015 export sales indicate a continuation of this increase (projected at $1.3 billion), with greater diversification into expanding markets such as Asia.

“New Brunswick’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors are vital economic drivers, creating thousands of important jobs for our rural, coastal communities,” said Doucet. “Our support of New Brunswick’s globally competitive seafood companies at Seafood Expo North America 2016 is one way we are working to add value to our province’s seafood industry as it works to expand markets beyond our shores.”

The delegation includes:

  • Michel and Charles LeBlanc Fisheries Ltd./Intercambio, Cap-Pelé;
  • Shediac Lobster Shop Ltd., Shediac;
  • True North Salmon Co. Ltd., Blacks Harbour;
  • VIP Seafood Inc., Shediac;
  • Partner Seafood Inc., Shediac;
  • South Shore Trading Co. Ltd., Port Elgin;
  • Paturel International Co., Deer Island;
  • Captain Dan’s Inc., Richibucto;
  • Northern Harvest Sea Farms, Letang;
  • Gourmet Chef Packers Ltd., Shediac;
  • Westmorland Fisheries Ltd., Cap-Pelé;
  • Mills Seafood Ltd., Bouctouche;
  • Lizotte Machine Vision, Rivière-Verte;
  • Cube Automation Inc., Tracadie;
  • Midland Transport Ltd., Dieppe;
  • Downeast Plastics Ltd., Cap-Pelé;
  • RPC Sæplast, Saint John; and
  • Master Packaging Inc., Dieppe.

The provincial government is also hosting a reception to showcase New Brunswick seafood.

 

07-03-16