N.L. seafood producers tout local products at renowned Boston expo

Newfoundland and Labrador's seafood was a hit at this year's Seafood Expo North America in Boston.

"People recognize Newfoundland and Labrador seafoods as being one of the most premium seafoods in the world," said Mark Lane, executive director at Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA).

People have really, you know, taken a bite of the industry.- Mark Lane

"People have really, you know, taken a bite of the industry and they really like what they're tasting."

It's the largest seafood show in North America, with more than 1,200 exhibits representing 40 countries.

The provincial delegation consistedof around50 people, said Lane,whichincluded companies like Whitecap International Seafood Exporters,Ocean Choice International,Northern Harvest Sea Farms and several others.

He said the show is a great opportunity for "networking andspeaking with buyersand distributors" to helpget more product from theprovince to aglobal market.

"About 30,000 people walk through the doors of the Boston Seafood show in three days mostly from the New England states but all around the world and they're very interested in what we have to offer," saidLane, naming salmon,organic blue mussels and steelhead trout as a few that sparked interest.

"People are really interested in the traceability and the sustainability of the species that we have because we have a long track record both in the fisheries and certainly inaquacultureover the last 10 or 20 years."

Tempting the palate to grow business

Lane toldCBC'sThe Broadcast that a chef was onsite preparing different recipes with the products for free taste testing.

But the most important thing outside of the relationship building, is making sales.- Mark Lane

Getting buyers and distributors to taste their wares, he said, isa good way to spark a conversation and sell the provinceto the world.

He said some people may not be familiar with the province and want to know more about farming methods, for mussels and salmon, but theyalso want information about certification, whether it'sorganic orAquacultureStewardshipCouncil (ASC) certified, for example.

Supply and demand

The total exports for Newfoundland and Labrador seafood reached a record $1.2 billion in 2015, withalmost half of that to the United States, said Lane.

He added,this year23,000 metrictonnesof seafood inaquaculturewillneed to getto eastern Canadaand the New Englandstates, so this market is crucial.

Buyers want to know that a supply is consistent, said Lane, and there will always be enough to fill the demand they have.

He saideverythingfrom Newfoundland in theaquacultureindustry is shipped fresh and logistics can sometimes hamper getting product out, especially with theharsh winter weather.

Ice and cool water temperatures have also led to issues with fin fish and shellfish in the past.

During the expo Lane said he had the opportunity to meet with one of the largest brokers in the New England states, who already carries Newfoundland products, who may soon get the products served up onplates in California and Las Vegas.

"People are very interested, very enthusiastic about the seafood and there's a lot of talk about codthe potential of cod inaquaculturepractices from a ranching perspective to ensure a consistent supply, so there are very, very interesting conversations that we're having down there."