Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through its seafood marketing platform NLSeafood.ca, plays a critical role in promoting and supporting one of Canada’s most vibrant and economically significant seafood sectors. Operating under the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, the government initiative is dedicated to showcasing the province’s sustainably sourced, high-quality seafood to international buyers and trade partners.

Core Business

The NLSeafood initiative is a key export and trade development program led by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Its primary focus is to promote the province's seafood products in global markets by facilitating international trade connections, providing market intelligence, and supporting local seafood producers and processors in expanding their reach. The initiative serves as a bridge between local suppliers and global buyers, offering direct access to exporters while emphasizing sustainability and quality.

Product and Service Offerings

Newfoundland and Labrador’s seafood industry is defined by its wide range of wild-caught and farmed species, harvested from the pristine waters of the North Atlantic. Key offerings include:

• Wild-Caught Seafood

  • Shellfish: Snow Crab, Coldwater Shrimp, Lobster, Scallops
  • Groundfish: Atlantic Cod, Greenland Halibut, Redfish, Flounder/Sole
  • Pelagic Species: Herring, Capelin
  • Specialty Products: Sea Cucumber, Sea Urchin

• Farmed Seafood

  • Finfish: Atlantic Salmon
  • Shellfish: Blue Mussels, Oysters

These products are known for their consistent quality, traceability, and compliance with international food safety and sustainability standards.

Specialization and USP

Newfoundland and Labrador's seafood industry stands out due to:

• Cold, Pristine Waters: Contributing to slow growth rates in fish and shellfish, resulting in firmer texture and superior flavor.
• Sustainability: Over 90% of the province’s seafood production comes from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified or eco-certified fisheries.
• Traceability: Many exporters in the region offer full product traceability, aligning with stringent EU and North American standards.
• Vertical Integration: Many processors are involved from harvesting to processing to distribution, ensuring quality control at all stages.

These elements position the province’s seafood as premium offerings in global high-end food markets.

Financial Insights

The seafood industry is one of the largest contributors to Newfoundland and Labrador's economy:

• Export Value (2022): CAD $1.6 billion
• Top Export Markets: United States, China, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and the European Union
• Employment: Over 17,500 people across harvesting, processing, and support industries

Snow crab alone accounted for over CAD $750 million in export value in 2022, with coldwater shrimp and Atlantic cod being other significant contributors.

Shipment and Export Records

According to trade databases and government records:

• Seafood exports reached over 150 countries in 2022.
• Top species by volume: Snow Crab, Shrimp, Cod, and Mussels
• Average Annual Seafood Export Volume: 200,000+ metric tonnes
• The province’s companies exhibit at major global seafood trade shows including Seafood Expo Global and Boston Seafood Show, facilitating high-volume trade agreements.

Target Markets

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador actively promotes seafood exports to:

• North America: Especially the United States and Canadian interprovincial markets
• Asia: Including China, Japan, and South Korea
• Europe: Primarily the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Germany
• Emerging Markets: Middle East and Southeast Asia for premium shellfish and wild-caught products

Capabilities

• Government-supported trade missions and in-market representation
• Quality assurance support via provincial and federal inspection agencies
• Comprehensive exporter directory through NLSeafood.ca
• Branding and promotional support for Newfoundland seafood companies
• Funding programs for innovation, sustainability, and market development

Certifications and Compliance

The majority of Newfoundland and Labrador’s seafood producers and exporters comply with:

• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Regulations
• EU Approved Processing Facilities
• HACCP and BRCGS Standards

These certifications ensure buyers receive products that meet global food safety and sustainability benchmarks.

Customer Testimonials

While individual testimonials are proprietary to each seafood processor or exporter, the province has been consistently recognized by trade buyers for its:

“Reliable supply chain, exceptional coldwater seafood quality, and professionalism in export documentation and certifications.”

This is validated by repeat partnerships with major distributors and restaurant chains across North America and Europe.

Major Achievements

• Exported over CAD $1.6 billion worth of seafood in 2022
• Recognized by the Marine Stewardship Council for leadership in sustainable fisheries
• Developed the NLSeafood.ca platform to connect international buyers with over 80 local exporters
• Successfully branded Newfoundland and Labrador as a global leader in coldwater seafood

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through NLSeafood.ca, continues to empower the province’s seafood industry by enabling trade, ensuring quality, and enhancing global visibility, all while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible harvesting practices.