A SUSTA Generic Program

In November 2007, two successful activities in Asia showcased seafood from the southern United States. Representatives from the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture and the Virginia Marine Products Board brought SUSTA-region seafood suppliers to two major events for the industry: the Busan Seafood Show in Busan, Korea and the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo in Dalian, China. Both Korea and China consume large amounts of seafood and are seeking new sources to fill the demand. U.S. seafood enjoys a reputation for high quality in both markets. With consumer interest in both high-end and inexpensive seafood, China’s market holds promise for seafood exporters from the United States.

This was the fifth year SUSTA participated in the Busan Seafood Show, and the second year for SUSTA’s pavilion at the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo. Two companies exhibited with SUSTA at each trade show, where buyers expressed interest in sea clams, croaker, and ray wing, among other products. The pavilion at the China Fisheries and Seafood Show also contained a public area showcasing additional seafood products from the southern U.S. SUSTA’s in-country consultant in China arranged one-on-one meetings with key local seafood traders, and SUSTA provided interpreters to facilitate communications.

Immediate sales were made at the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo, totaling $100,000. Participants expect additional sales of $250,000 from that show, and SUSTA representatives collected 100 trade leads for southern U.S. seafood. Companies that participated in the Busan Seafood Show anticipate sales of $1.1 million as a result of the activity, and 30 buyer-seller introductions were made during the show.

SUSTA plans to continue promoting southern U.S. seafood in Asia in 2008. Details on upcoming activities at the Busan Seafood Show, China Seafood and Fisheries Expo, and other promotions can be found at www.susta.org/events. For more success stories about SUSTA seafood promotions, visit www.susta.org/about/success.html.

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