Release:
Twenty-seven Atlantic Canadian companies attend Seafood Expo North America
March 4, 2016 – Moncton, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
It is no secret that the United States of America is a crucial market for Atlantic Canada’s seafood exporters. Last year, the U.S. imported more than $2.78 billion in seafood products from Atlantic Canada, an increase of $594 million over the previous year. That is why a delegation of 27 Atlantic Canadian companies and organizations will once again be participating in this year’s Seafood Expo North America (SENA) – the largest seafood expo on the continent – which will be held March 6th to 8th in Boston, Massachusetts.
A federal-provincial investment of more than $134,000, which is being provided through the International Business Development Agreement (IBDA), will enable the participating companies to create a significant and coordinated onsite presence through the Atlantic pavilion, as well as provide them with access to business meeting rooms and advertising.
Quick Facts
- While at SENA, Atlantic Canadian companies will showcase the region’s wide variety of seafood products to over 20,000 buyers representing importers, exporters, wholesalers, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, and retail and foodservice companies from more than 100 countries.
- In 2015, Atlantic Canada’s worldwide fish and seafood exports were valued at $4.4 billion.
- Atlantic Canada exports its seafood products to over 100 countries around the world. The United States of America is Atlantic Canada’s largest export market representing roughly 63% of seafood trade.
“New Brunswick’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors are vital economic drivers, creating thousands of important jobs for our rural, coastal communities.Our support of New Brunswick’s globally-competitive seafood companies at SENA 2016 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.”
– The Honourable Rick Doucet, Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Province of New Brunswick
“As Canada’s largest exporter of fish and seafood in 2015, our province recognizes how important trade missions to key markets such as this one in Boston are to our seafood industry.This event is an international stage to promote our industry and province, and to help our Nova Scotia economy grow, expand distribution and identify new market opportunities.”
– The Honourable Keith Colwell, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Nova Scotia
“Being part of the Boston seafood show for more than 20 years is one of the initiatives that has helped Prince Edward Island reach $268 million in international seafood exports – which is nearly double our total from five years ago. We are proud to join with the other Atlantic provinces in exploring every opportunity to grow our seafood industry.”
– The Honourable Alan McIsaac, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Prince Edward Island
“The seafood industry is a key economic driver in Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, particularly for our rural communities. Showcasing our province’s products at Seafood Expo North America helps strengthen our worldwide reputation for high quality seafood. Participation in the expo builds upon existing relationships, and helps create new ones, as we continue to seek opportunities for our vibrant seafood industry.”
– The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Province of Newfoundland and Labrador
