Fisheries and Aquaculture
May 13, 2014

Global Trade Exploration Supports a Strong Economy

Provincial Delegation Attends the 2014 Seafood Expo Global Trade Show

A provincial trade delegation took part in the 2014 Seafood Expo Global trade show in Brussels, Belgium, from Tuesday, May 6, to Thursday, May 8. This trade show is of great significance, as the European Union (EU) is one of the largest fish and seafood markets in the world, having imported approximately $25 billion worth of product in 2013. Last year, Newfoundland and Labrador exported $117 million of seafood to the EU.

“Seafood Expo Global is the world’s largest seafood trade show, which makes it one of the most important opportunities to market provincial product globally. As the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union will create significant economic opportunities for producers, transshipment companies, and ports throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government was pleased to help local companies build relationships in lucrative new markets.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

More than 25,000 buyers, suppliers, media and other seafood industry professionals from over 145 countries attend Seafood Expo Global annually. The department supported the participation of local companies by sharing a 22 square metre booth with the Barry Group, Newfound Resources, and Bay Roberts Seafoods in the Canada pavilion.

“Bay Roberts Seafoods has its sights set on growth in new markets in the coming year, and attending Seafood Expo Global will play an important part in achieving that growth. On behalf of the company, I want to express my appreciation for the support provided by the Provincial Government at the expo, which helped generate valuable new business opportunities for the future.”
- Dave Russell, Owner, Bay Roberts Seafoods

This year, the Provincial Government also partnered with the other Atlantic Provinces to host a “Taste of Atlantic Canada” reception on May 5, at the Canadian Ambassador’s residence. The event featured live music, Atlantic chefs working at demo stations and a variety of Atlantic seafood and wine. The reception acted as an important networking opportunity for companies and buyers from Newfoundland and Labrador.

QUICK FACTS

• A provincial trade delegation participated in the 2014 Seafood Expo Global trade show.
• In 2013, the United Kingdom was the fourth largest export destination for provincial seafood products, representing 6.1 per cent of export value.
• When the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the EU comes into force, almost 96 per cent of all EU tariffs on Canadian fish and seafood products will be eliminated immediately, resulting in tremendous market opportunities for provincial seafood companies.

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Media contacts: Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca

Dave Russell Owner Bay Roberts Seafoods 709-786-6712

2014 05 13         9:50 a.m.