Fisheries and Aquaculture
March 13, 2015

Supporting Global Success for the Provincial Seafood Industry

Minister Leads Provincial Delegation at Seafood Expo North America

A provincial trade delegation led by the Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, will take part in Seafood Expo North America in Boston. The expo runs from Sunday, March 15, to Tuesday, March 17. The United States continues to be the top market for Newfoundland and Labrador�s seafood products, having accounted for 37.4 per cent of the value of the province�s total fish exports in 2014, making this expo a major event for the industry.

�The Provincial Government is proud to play a key role in supporting the success of delegates at the North American Seafood Expo annually. Each year delegates enthusiastically show the vibrancy and success of our province�s seafood industry. I am excited to see this year�s 1,200 square foot pavilion, and participate in the reception organized by department staff. This event is much anticipated by delegates as a superb networking opportunity for provincial firms. I welcome the opportunity to engage with industry players in the coming days to further advance the province�s reputation as a leading supplier of first-rate seafood to global markets. �
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

For many years now, the provincial delegation has hosted a special reception just prior to the expo to promote the fishing industry and facilitate networking between seafood companies and buyers. The annual Newfoundland and Labrador Seafood Industry Reception will take place on Saturday, March 14, and will feature a wide variety of seafood products donated by Newfoundland and Labrador seafood companies. Some feature dishes will also be prepared by Newfoundland and Labrador chefs Courtney Ralph and Damian Marner.

Seafood Expo North America is the largest seafood trade event in North America, attracting over 20,000 buyers and suppliers of fresh, frozen, packaged and value-added seafood products, equipment, and services. Attendees travel from more than 100 countries to do business at the exposition.

For more information about Seafood Expo North America www.seafoodexpo.com/north-america/.

QUICK FACTS

• The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture will lead a provincial trade delegation at Seafood Expo North America in Boston.
• Seafood Expo North America is the largest seafood trade event in North America, attracting over 20,000 buyers and suppliers from more than 100 countries.
• The Provincial Government expects to host more than 400 industry representatives at its annual Newfoundland and Labrador seafood industry reception.

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Media contact:

Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca

2015 03 13                             2:15 p.m.