Nova Scotia’s fresh, premium quality seafood is in the spotlight this week at one of the world’s largest seafood shows.
Premier Stephen McNeil and Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell are joining nine Nova Scotia seafood companies at Seafood Expo Asia in Hong Kong, which runs until Sept. 8, as they build on the province’s strong export performance in an important market.
Seafood exports to Asia were $551 million in 2016, making it the second biggest market for our seafood after the United States. Nova Scotia is Canada’s leading seafood exporter with $1.8 billion sold to global markets last year.
“Nova Scotian companies are competing and winning in this rapidly growing market and we want to see that continue,” said Premier McNeil. “Nova Scotia’s presence at this show is important to secure the relationship with the Asian market and achieve further growth.”
Attending the seafood expo is part of a mission to Asia to promote trade and investment opportunities in Nova Scotia and includes meetings with key government and business leaders to highlight the province’s high-quality products and the companies that produce them.
“Our seafood processors and exporters are working hard to meet the demand from Asia and around the world for our high-quality seafood,” said Mr. Colwell. “Growing our exports means more jobs for our coastal and rural communities and the opportunity for Nova Scotians to build a life for themselves at home. We need to be on the ground in Asia to help make that happen.”
Nova Scotia companies participating in the expo include:
–Capital Seafood International Inc. of Eastern Passage, Halifax Regional Municipality
–Fishermen’s Premium Atlantic Lobster Inc. of North East Point, Shelburne Co.
–Gidney Fisheries Ltd. of Centreville, Kings Co.
–Louisbourg Seafood Ltd. of Louisbourg, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
–Nautical Seafood Ltd. of Granville Ferry, Annapolis Co.
–Ocean Pride Fisheries Ltd. of Lower Wedgeport, Yarmouth Co.
–Victoria Co-operative Fisheries Ltd. of Neils Harbour, Victoria Co.
–Wellink Seafood Nova Scotia of Clark’s Harbour, Shelburne Co.
–Ashore Fisheries of Judique, Inverness Co.
In March, the province unveiled a new brand, 45 Degrees North 63 Degrees West, to promote products in international markets. This brand has helped give Nova Scotia a competitive advantage in those key global markets and will also help communicate Nova Scotia’s key attributes – exceptional taste and premium quality.