Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

Nova Scotia Seafood is a global branding initiative supported by the Government of Nova Scotia, Canada, aimed at promoting the province’s premium seafood products in key international markets. Headquartered in Halifax, the brand represents one of North America's most significant seafood industries, known for its cold, clean waters, sustainable practices, and high-quality harvests. Nova Scotia Seafood connects global buyers with the province’s trusted seafood exporters and processors.

Organizational Overview

The Nova Scotia Seafood brand is managed by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Government of Nova Scotia. It serves as a unifying identity for the province’s seafood sector, helping to expand export opportunities, drive global recognition, and support local businesses. The brand acts as a government-backed trade facilitator that bridges international buyers with Nova Scotia’s licensed producers, harvesters, and processors.

Nova Scotia’s seafood industry is a pillar of the regional economy, employing over 17,000 people and contributing significantly to provincial exports.

Product Portfolio

Nova Scotia is internationally renowned for a diverse range of high-quality seafood products. The province harvests over 50 species and exports to more than 80 countries worldwide.

Key species promoted under the Nova Scotia Seafood brand include:

• Shellfish

  • Live Lobster (Homarus americanus) – Nova Scotia is the world’s largest exporter of live lobster
  • Sea Scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) – Known for their size and taste
  • Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) – A cold-water delicacy
  • Coldwater Shrimp (Pandalus borealis) – Wild-caught and sustainably harvested
  • Oysters, Mussels, and Clams – Farmed and wild varieties with consistent quality

• Finfish

  • Haddock, Halibut, Herring, and Mackerel – Wild-caught and sustainably managed
  • Atlantic Salmon and Trout – Aquaculture products with high traceability and certifications

All products are available in various forms including live, fresh, frozen, and value-added formats, depending on buyer needs.

Sustainability and Compliance

Nova Scotia’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors are among the most stringently regulated in the world. Seafood products from the province meet or exceed national and international standards for:

• Sustainability – Aligned with Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) science-based quotas
• Traceability – End-to-end supply chain verification
• Food Safety – Certified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
• Third-party certifications – Many producers hold Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certifications

The province also promotes innovations in eco-certification and digital traceability to support sustainable seafood growth.

Export and Market Reach

Nova Scotia is one of the largest seafood exporters in Canada, accounting for approximately 30% of national seafood exports by value. In 2023, the province exported over CAD $2.5 billion worth of seafood.

Top export markets include:

• United States
• China
• European Union (France, Germany, Italy)
• Japan and South Korea
• Middle East (UAE, Qatar)

Live lobster, in particular, is air-freighted daily to Asian markets, while frozen scallops and crab are shipped to the U.S. and Europe in large volumes.

Logistics Advantage: Nova Scotia’s proximity to major North Atlantic shipping routes, five commercial airports, and the Port of Halifax gives the province unmatched logistical capabilities. Products can reach Europe in less than 6 days and Asia in less than 48 hours from harvest.

Trade Development and Services

Nova Scotia Seafood works actively to support businesses through:

• International trade missions and expos
• Virtual trade show participation
• Buyer-supplier matchmaking programs
• Branding and co-marketing resources for exporters
• Language-specific campaigns in Mandarin, Korean, French, and more

The initiative also collaborates with export development agencies and trade commissioners to identify new markets and streamline trade access.

Digital Outreach and Consumer Engagement

With a strong digital presence across social media and industry portals, Nova Scotia Seafood promotes storytelling around its producers, sustainable practices, and the origin of its seafood.

Social Media Channels:

• Facebook, Instagram, Twitter – Used to engage B2B and B2C audiences
• Market-specific campaigns in China (WeChat, Weibo) and Korea

Content often includes chef collaborations, recipes, harvest stories, and behind-the-scenes views of Nova Scotia's fishing communities.

Brand Trust and Global Recognition

Nova Scotia Seafood is globally recognized for:

• Top-tier quality and freshness
• Cold, clean harvesting environments
• Trusted, licensed suppliers
• Government-backed assurance and traceability

International buyers choose Nova Scotia Seafood for consistent access to high-value, traceable, and sustainably sourced seafood products.

By connecting global markets to one of the world’s richest marine environments, Nova Scotia Seafood continues to drive growth for Canadian exports and reinforce its reputation as a global leader in seafood excellence.