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NLIS 1
September 29, 2006
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)
 

Government explores opportunities to enter and shape growth of seafood markets in Russia

(Moscow, Russia) - Government is actively working to enter and shape seafood markets in the Russian federation. Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, is visiting Moscow for this year�s World Food Moscow trade show. This is one of the world�s preeminent food shows and provides many opportunities for exploring market development in Russia.

Russia is home to one of the world�s largest seafood markets and is growing rapidly. Canadian seafood sales to Russia have doubled in the last year. The growth is projected to continue for some years to come until the Russian market matures, during this period of growth.

�The Newfoundland and Labrador seafood industry has a unique opportunity to help shape the growth of this market and position our products for optimal market penetration,� said Minister Rideout. �We are in Moscow to take full advantage of this unique opportunity.�

There is already strong demand in the Russian marketplace for pelagic species such as herring, mackerel and capelin, all of which are becoming more abundant in the waters surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador. �There is strong demand in this market for shell on shrimp products and the opportunity exists for further market development of our province�s cooked and peeled shrimp,� said the minister. �As well, there is a growing demand for snow crab products.�

The provincial delegation began their visit by attending the trade show floor to get a better understanding of the global seafood industry. They visited the fish and seafood section, including the Canada booth which was hosted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Also while in Moscow, the provincial delegation had the opportunity to visit supermarkets and seafood shops in the metro Moscow area and examine how the Russian industry markets its seafood products in terms of distribution to the customer.

�In Budget 2006 government committed $100,000 to enhance the promotion of the province�s seafood products and develop a broader range of international market opportunities,� said the minister. �We are following through on that commitment and have found our time in Moscow to be a worthwhile experience for the purpose of exploring new opportunities in global seafood markets.�

Minister Rideout said, �Upon returning to the province, my department plans to meet with industry and discuss its findings at World Food Moscow. Through a joint effort with industry, our government will explore the best possible approaches to strategically position the Newfoundland and Labrador industry to fully avail of the opportunities in the Russian seafood market.�

World Food Moscow has been held annually since 1992. It is the largest international autumn food show in Russia.

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 351-4989, 729-3733

2006 09 29                             9:55 a.m.


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