Foreign Markets Targeted with New Seal Marketing Campaign

Carino Processing Ltd. will carry out an international branding and marketing strategy for its seal products with funding support through the Provincial Government’s Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program (FTNOP). The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today announced $38,700 to advance this new promotional initiative.

“As part of the Provincial Government’s ongoing support of the sealing industry, almost $39,000 will be provided to help build awareness of Carino products in foreign markets,” said Minister Hutchings. “This funding will help produce a variety of marketing materials that will convey important information about the humane and sustainable nature of provincial sealing activities, and the many high quality products produced.”

The new marketing campaign will feature a website and brochures that will be available in Mandarin and other languages to help the company penetrate new markets.

“Sealing represents a significant economic opportunity for many people in rural areas,” said Calvin Peach, MHA for Bellevue. “I am proud of the support this government provides to our provincial sealing industry, and I commend Carino Processing Ltd. for creating important economic benefits for people in this region.”

Carino Processing Ltd. has identified sales opportunities in a number of growing foreign markets, and especially in China. Print and online promotional materials will focus on promoting seal meat, seal oil, and fur and leather products.

"Carino Processing Ltd. is most appreciative of the continued support of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, in our endeavours to further develop markets for edible (meat and oil) and non-edible (leather and fur) seal products," said Dion Dakins, Chief Executive Officer of Carino.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s sealing industry produces high quality products for the fashion, pharmaceutical, and food industries. The production value of sealing has been as high as $55 million annually, and the industry remains strong with approximately 90,000 seals harvested in 2013 – approximately 30 per cent more than was harvested in 2012.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2013 10 25                                     10:05 a.m.