Fisheries and Aquaculture
January 2, 2015

Fostering Growth in International Trade

Seafood Trade Delegations Helping Producers Increase Export Sales

Seafood trade delegations supported by the Provincial Government are helping local processors expand into new markets. As an example, participation in trade shows has helped increase provincial seafood sales to markets in Southeast Asia by more than 250 per cent - from $19 million in 2006 to $67 million in 2013.

"The Provincial Government has made it a priority to help new and established seafood producers expand their customer base overseas, as this creates new economic activity, supports jobs, and promotes prosperity in rural communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. We target trade shows that connect provincial producers with the maximum number of seafood buyers in key markets - an approach that has helped grow provincial seafood exports to more than $823 million in 2013."
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

Approximately $6.5 million has been invested by the Provincial Government since 2006 to support seafood industry marketing initiatives that include participation in international trade shows. Over the past year, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture organized trade delegations to four global shows: Seafood Expo North America in Boston, Seafood Expo Global in Brussels, Seafood Expo Asia in Hong Kong, and the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo in Qingdao. Assistance provided to producers at trade shows has included organizing booth space to help delegates showcase their products and hold meetings, as well as assisting with costs.

In addition to growing sales in previously unexplored markets, the trade delegations also help expand sales of provincial seafood in countries where provincial producers have already established customers. Markets in China have been a particular focus for provincial producers in recent years, with seafood exports to China growing in value from $153 million in 2006, to approximately $172 million in 2013 - an increase of more than 12 per cent.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government has organized trade delegations to several international seafood trade shows each year since 2006 to promote increased seafood exports.
• In 2013, the United States market was the largest market for provincial seafood, receiving almost 40 per cent of value of exports that year, with China being the second largest, receiving approximately 20 per cent.
• More information about the supports offered by the Provincial Government to processors seeking to enhance their marketing efforts can be found at www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca/marketing/.

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Media contact:

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

2015 01 02                              11:10 a.m.