Boston bound firms seek new business

SCOTTISH seafood companies will be looking for new business in North America this week as they head to the annual Boston seafood exhibition.
With Brexit on the horizon, the US provides opportunities for firms to expand within an existing market.
Among the Scottish exhibitors are Loch Fyne Oysters, the Scottish Salmon Company, Dawnfresh, Wester Ross and Scottish Seas.
Dundee based Ace Aquatec is also taking a stand at the event for the first time, as part of its drive to grow the North American market for its electric stunner and new electric predator deterrents.
Seafood Expo North America (SENA), held over three days from March 17-19, attracts around over 22,000 seafood professionals from across North America and the rest of the world.
Seafood Scotland’s trade marketing manager, Clare MacDougall, who is responsible for the Scottish delegation at the show, said: ‘We are always working with the industry to build on existing trade, as well as attracting new business from emerging markets.
‘SENA is a huge opportunity for companies to talk directly with those responsible for making purchasing and buying decisions about our world class seafood.’
As part of its in-show activity, Seafood Scotland will host a series of cooking demonstrations, with Scottish chef, Mark Greenaway.
Greenaway will take part in the Great Scottish Seafood Cook Off against a local Boston chef. Both chefs will use a variety of species including cod, langoustine, salmon, trout, crab and smoked salmon creating unique dishes representative of their signature style.
Seafood Scotland has also planned activity around the show which will see local restaurants feature Scottish seafood on their menus and will work with local retailers to promote the provenance and quality of going Scottish.
MacDougall added: ‘This is our fifth year at SENA, and we like to do things a bit differently, ensuring we engage with the market in new and exciting ways.
‘For the past few months, we have been working with influencers, retailers and restaurants in Boston, asking them to try out some of the wonderful Scottish seafood available in North America.
‘Our aim is to increase the opportunities available to the industry and create further demand for our incredible variety of species.’
Simon Briggs, sales director at Loch Fyne, said: ‘The US market offers huge potential for Scottish smoked salmon and SENA provides the opportunity for us to showcase the new Loch Fyne smoked salmon packaging and the exclusive Mey Selections smoked salmon range.
‘At Loch Fyne, our guiding principle is to present the best in authentic Scottish seafood with genuine provenance, single source Scottish salmon always smoked in the Highlands, whilst minimising our environmental impact.
‘These factors are of significant importance in the North American market. As we return to SENA, we aim to further establish both brands and to continue to expand our distribution network in the US.’