Canada's top-quality seafood industry will have the opportunity to showcase its products to celebrity chefs and journalists from around the world with the support of the Harper Government and the Government of New Brunswick. Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Keith Ashfield, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, welcomed the international delegation today to the first-ever Canada Brand Seafood Lovers' Academy, where they will experience first-hand Canada's world-class seafood industry.
"Canadian seafood products are second to none, and they reflect our commitment to safety, quality, environmental responsibility, innovation, and science," said Minister Ashfield. "This session is providing international journalists and chefs with the opportunity to experience Canada's superior-quality seafood products and bring that positive experience back to key markets around the world, which will help boost our exports and our overall economy."
The session offered an innovative and one of a kind experience for seafood lovers, hosted in a natural setting on the world famous Bay of Fundy," said New Brunswick Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp. "Our participation in such events is important to highlight the world class quality of New Brunswick seafood on international markets."
Canada is the world's fifth-largest exporter of fish and seafood, sending products to approximately 120 countries. In 2011, Canadian fish and seafood exports reached $4.1 billion.
The Canada Brand Seafood Lovers' Academy, which began on September 10 and runs to September 14, will give the delegation a unique and personal opportunity to participate in cooking classes and demonstrations, tour seafood facilities, learn about Canada's seafood sector, and enjoy plenty of fresh and delicious Canadian seafood products. Participating countries include the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Austria, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, India, Singapore, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.
This promotion is organized by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Government of New Brunswick, the Lobster AcademyTM, and the Salmon AcademyTM. Canada Brand is a federal government initiative designed to build a stronger brand for Canadian food and agriculture in international markets.
The Canada Brand initiative efforts are designed to complement industry efforts in markets where challenges or opportunities exist and include a variety of marketing activities, such as retail and restaurant promotions and public relations campaigns. For more information about the Canada Brand, please visit www.marquecanadabrand.agr.gc.ca.
Now in its fourth year of successful operation, Lobster AcademyTM has partnered with Salmon AcademyTM to provide ground-breaking learning initiatives for seafood buyers, industry leaders, chefs, and members of the media from around the world. The Academy is a non-profit organization with a mission to enhance the value of North American lobster and Atlantic Salmon, by providing a curriculum to include sustainability and responsible business practices.
