Canada seeks to promote seafood exports

The Canadian government announced Saturday (Jun 19) it would be investing in the marketing of Canada's seafood industry to increase sales of salmon, mussels, cod and shellfish.

The government will invest more than CAD1 million (US$0.98 million), with the money being directed to the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) to help promote the diversity and quality of its products worldwide.

Seafood producers rely on exports, Oceans Minister Gail Shea said.

"In addition to providing revenue to the area, international commerce stabilises the industry, creates jobs and assures the prosperity of all Canadians," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

The new promotional activities will focus on the superior quality and health benefits of salmon, mussels and cod in Canada to help increase sales on a global scale.

To reach its objectives, the CAIA plans to launch a public relations campaign for salmon and in-store tasting of mussels.