Capital Seafood to increase exports of live lobster in Canada

Canadian firm Capital Seafood International is set to build a new lobster holding facility as part of its plans to expand from a seasonal operation into a year-round exporter of live lobster.

The company will receive C$400,000 ($303,191) funding from the Government of Canada for its new facility.

Capital Seafood International processes and exports live lobster across the globe.

The technology is expected to reduce mortality and optimise quality outside of the normal fishing season.

Canada Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains said: “The Government of Canada understands the importance of the lobster industry in creating good, middle-class jobs, and is committed to working with producers and processors to ensure continued innovation, growth and prosperity.

“The world is hungry for premium-quality Atlantic Canadian lobster, and our government is pleased to support companies working hard to meet year-round global demand.”

The facility will also see the creation of seasonal and permanent employment opportunities in the region.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is providing the repayable contribution through its business development programme, which works with small and medium sized companies to improve competitiveness in export markets.

Capital Seafood International is a subsidiary of Zhangzidao Group (ZONECO) and also exports fresh halibut worldwide, particularly to the Asian market.

Zoneco Group North American Operations president Jack Liu said: “We really appreciate the warm welcome and support we have received from the local community, fishermen, and all levels of government since we came to Nova Scotia five years ago.

“With this new financial support from ACOA, we will be able to further increase our capacity to market more high-quality seafood throughout the world.”