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Experts: Opportunities abound for seafood exports to
Europe
New Bedford Economic Development Council
 Export
specialists urged New Bedford seafood suppliers to
capitalize on the demand in European markets for
products such as live lobster, squid, scallops and
mackerel.
During a November 2 seminar held at the New Bedford
Economic Development Council, over 50 participants
learned about seafood export opportunities as well as
the complex regulatory requirements and other challenges
involved in sending U.S. seafood overseas. The event was
sponsored by the Massachusetts Export Center and Food
Export USA-Northeast.
International speakers noted that there are markets for
live lobster, squid and scallops in Spain and Italy,
while Portugal is looking for mackerel, squid and
lobster. In France, high demand exists for frozen or
fresh U.S. scallops.
According to Michael Sullivan, Massachusetts Export
Center’s trade advisor, the workshop was significant
because it enabled current and potential exporters to
make connections with leading authorities at state and
federal agencies that are available to assist them with
the process.
Speakers included Stephane Vrignaud, a U.S. Department
of Commerce fishery trade specialist to the European
Union and David McClellan, in-market representative for
Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece at Food Export
U.S.A.-Northeast. Nelly Masson, also on the panel, is
that organization’s in-market representative for France,
Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
“They are excellent resources because they study the
seafood markets for U.S. producers and are able to
provide that `on the ground’ connection to understanding
and reflecting on the regulations for the products,”
Sullivan said.
He added that although the countries are in the European
Union, the international market distribution method from
one country to the next often varies. The specialists in
each country can address those distinctions.
Participants were advised on the steps necessary to
become an approved supplier and get placed on the EU
list as well as how to meet standards and carry out a
successful transaction with guaranteed payment, Sullivan
said. Export financing and insurance products were also
described.
Odile Texier, chairperson of France’s National
Association of Foreign Trade for Frozen Food Products,
is open to expanding imports from the U.S. but
emphasized that strict monitoring and `best practices,’
are crucial.
“There’s great demand in Europe for seafood and species
coming from the North Atlantic,” Sullivan said. “It
presents a profitable opportunity for local traders. The
price levels are higher in Europe and the current
exchange rate makes U.S. seafood more affordable.”
According to Paula Murphy, director of the Massachusetts
Export Center, New Bedford is already a global seafood
industry leader in terms of landings and there are
numerous opportunities for local companies to either
expand their sales internationally or for smaller
seafood firms to begin exporting.
“Seafood represents the ninth largest export industry in
Massachusetts and growth in our seafood export sales has
consistently outpaced the state’s export performance
overall in recent years,” Murphy said. “Last year,
Massachusetts exported more than $386,000 in seafood to
global markets. These numbers are largely dominated by
lobsters and scallops, but other species such as dogfish
and mackerel recently have seen significant growth as
well.”
Mayor Scott Lang and New Bedford Economic Development
Council Director Matthew Morrissey spoke optimistically
about the possibilities of increased seafood exports to
Europe.
Mayor Scott W. Lang and New Bedford Economic Development
Council executive director, Matthew A. Morrissey, both
spoke enthusiastically.
“The City of New Bedford is doing everything we can to
support our seafood industry, whether it’s advocating
for a more scientific based approach to federal
regulations or looking for new ways to expand market
opportunities for our products,” said Mayor Lang.
For more information, companies can contact the
Massachusetts Export Center’s New Bedford office located
at the New Bedford Chamber of Commerce at 508-999-1388.
Murphy added that the Massachusetts Export Center, Food
Export USA and the International Trade Assistance Center
historically collaborate in hosting a delegation of
seafood buyers in New Bedford each spring concurrent to
the Boston International Seafood Show. “This is a great
way for New Bedford seafood companies to link with
international buyers right at home,” Murphy said. |
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