28 November 2013

Chandler, Nov. 20, 2013 – For the second consecutive year, GIMXPORT took part in the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo, which was held from November 5 to 7 in Dalian, China. The seven Gaspé fishery companies or organizations accompanied by GIMXPORT expect significant economic benefits as a result of the event.

Pascale Allain and Priscilla Doiron, respectively Marketing and Export Coordinators at GIMXPORT traveled to the event with Gaétan Denis of Crustacés de Malbaie (Saint-Georges-de-Malbaie), Bill Sheehan of Dégust-Mer (Saint-Thérèse-de-Gaspé), Henry Clapperton from Producteurs de homards de Grande-Rivière, Kevin Caron from Poissonnerie Caron (Cap-d’Espoir), Joel Berthelot from Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels du Sud de la Gaspésie (Chandler), Maxime Smith from Groupe MDMP and Gino Lebrasseur from Unipêche MDM (Paspébiac).
The first participation in the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo happened in 2012 with a booth for the “Lobster Marketing” project. This year, Gaspé’s presence was tripled with a booth for the “Gaspé Lobster” project and two individual company kiosks, namely Dégust-Mer and Groupe MDMP-Unipêche.

The Gaspé delegation expects significant economic benefits as a result of the tradeshow, which was very successful. “In order to establish a relationship of trust with Chinese companies and show that we are serious, it is important to ensure Quebec’s presence at the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo for the next five years,” says Pascale Allain of GIMXPORT. “It is very likely that we will reserve five booths for next year’s event.”

Strong potential in Asia for our products

Bill Sheehan of Dégust-Mer was pleasantly surprised by the popularity of his products. “At the end of the second day, I had to place a second order for my business cards and brochures,” he says. “I have at least 10 good potential customers with whom I have regular exchanges.”

For his part, Gaétan Denis of Crustacés de Malbaie met with potential customers in the United Kingdom, Japan and China. According to him, Asia is a particularly promising market for his products. “Traditionally, Asians are accustomed to consume farmed shrimp and wild shrimp harvested in warm waters,” he says. “As consumer habits are changing very quickly, I see a good opportunity in the short term to introduce peeled or shell Northern Shrimp, as well as shrimp flour.”

This mission and the whole process was made possible thanks to the financial support and collaboration of Canada Economic Development (CED), Quebec Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) and the Ministère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l’Occupation du territoire (MAMROT).

GIMXPORT offers companies from Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine a vast range of export and marketing support services in order to contribute to the region’s sustainable development by promoting international trade. In addition to implementing various special projects, the organization offers its members consulting services, information and training sessions, as well as trade mission organization for groups or individuals.

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