Atlantic Lobster Reaches China!

From gov.ns.ca

Fisheries and AquacultureNovember 13, 2009 3:45 PM

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Atlantic Canadian lobster has made a splash in China during a recent 10-day promotional tour by industry and government staff.

Industry representatives made significant progress in developing business relationships during the tour that marketed live lobster to cities with booming economies and populations of about eight million people each. A Chinese partner has immediate plans to expand and buy more Atlantic lobster.

"Our lobster industry is vital to the future growth and prosperity of our province, especially for the many Nova Scotians who live in our coastal communities," said Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "This project provided the Nova Scotia lobster industry with a great opportunity to showcase our premium Atlantic Canadian lobster in a significant Asian market.

"This is just the first of many possible opportunities to boost our exports to China."

The live lobster China tour was developed by the Nova Scotia Fish Packers Association. The industry-driven project received financial support from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and industry partners.

The delegation, lead by Greg Roach, Fisheries and Aquaculture assistant deputy minister, met with vice-mayor Zhang Yuanfu of Qingdao Municipal People's Government and Shen Qi Feng, vice-director general, Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Economic Co-operation.

"It was really an eye-opener to see the growing wealth and economic activity in China," said Peter Swim, president of Island Marine Products, one of the project partners. "This market in China offers a great opportunity for us to sell our live lobsters."

Industry tour representatives were from Ferguson's Lobster Pound Limited, Island Marine Products Limited, Canadian Gold Seafood Limited and K&N Nickerson. Tour events included a Canadian Live Lobster Cooking tournament and a tour of All Success Trading International, the project's Chinese partner in Qingdao, which will expand to hold more Nova Scotia live lobster for distribution in China.