Mindanao-based companies will showcase the region’s best seafood products for the international market later this month at the largest annual seafood trade show in North America.
Selected Mindanao seafood companies are among the 800 companies from 36 countries exhibiting at the 29th International Boston Seafood Show (IBSS) 2011, which will be held 20-22 March in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
The Mindanao companies heading to the U.S. are producers and exporters of sardines, as well as fresh, processed and canned tuna and other seafood products.
They include MS Seafood Supplier, Nuevo Fresco, FAB Resources, Jarla Trading, JN Mercado and FRI Trading. Also participating are Fishta Seafood Corp, Asia Pacific Aquamarine and Well Delight Tuna.
Annual seafood sales in the US are close to $65 billion. The U.S. imports about 80 percent of the seafood Americans consume, with an annual per capita seafood consumption of approximately 16 pounds.
The ageing of the “baby boomer” population, coupled with their preference for seafood products, is expected to increase seafood consumption, thereby providing increased opportunities for Mindanao producers of fresh and processed seafood. In 2008, Mindanao’s total direct exports to the U.S. of selected seafood products monitored by the GEM Program reached approximately $97,900,000, an increase of five percent from 2007.
Seafood products currently exported to the U.S. include sardines, tuna (in fresh, chilled, or frozen form), canned tuna, seaweed, prawns and octopus. The Mindanao seafood exhibitors are expected to establish marketing links with buyers in the U.S. during the Boston show, as well as to observe market movements and trends.
“The government’s support of the Mindanao firms’ participation in this event is part of our ongoing efforts to open up business opportunities to benefit the local economy,” said Sec. Luwalhati Antonino, chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).
The Mindanao exhibitors will be participating in the food show through the Department of Agriculture, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers and Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).
The GEM Program, which is implemented under the oversight of MinDA, is one of the USAID-funded programs covered by the Mindanao Peace and Development Assistance agreement between the governments of the Philippines and the United States. [MinDA]
The GEM Program has been assisting Mindanao food companies to expand their access to both domestic and international markets by participating in trade fairs and establishing links with exporters and potential buyers; conducting market information campaigns; and collaborating with government and private sector partners.
At least 17,000 registered buyers are expected to attend the Boston show. These include supermarkets, wholesalers, importers, food retailers and distributors, hotel and restaurant suppliers, food service and catering organizations (including international chains), and airlines.
