Borden, P.E.I. — For Confederation Cove Mussel Company in Borden-Carleton, Seafood Expo North America is an opportunity to find new business, strengthen existing relationships, open new markets and grow its earning potential.
Confederation Cove is among more than 30 Island seafood companies that took part in the annual expo March 19 to 21 in Boston. The company has attended the show for more than 25 years and continues to take part because of the networking opportunities that have led to new customers for its line of products.
“The Boston show is an important part of our annual business development initiatives,” says Terry Ennis, president and CEO of Atlantic Aqua Farms and Confederation Cove. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase our P.E.I. mussels, lobster and oysters to the global seafood industry and the world’s top seafood buyers as we continue to promote our products and grow our exports of Island seafood.”
Seafood Expo North America is the largest seafood trade event in North America, attracting more than 19,000 buyers and suppliers of fresh, frozen, packaged and value-added seafood products, equipment and services. Attendees travel from more than 100 countries to participate.
“Seafood Expo North America helps our Island seafood companies tell their story to an international marketplace and promote the exceptional food product we have here in Prince Edward Island,” says Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Alan McIsaac. “As a government, we will continue to seek out ways we can work together with industry to expand our markets, grow our economy and showcase why we are Canada’s Food Island.”
Fisheries and aquaculture in Prince Edward Island has a value of approximately $400 million per year and is three per cent of provincial GDP. The industry is the economic driver in many rural communities, employing more than 8,500 people in peak season.