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 C$19 million in 2006 to C$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 C$823 million in 2013," said Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Approximately C$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 C$153 million in 2006, to approximately C$172 million in 2013 - an increase of more than 12 per cent.
