Northern Lights Seafood will explore the viability of producing a new seafood product with support from the Provincial Government’s Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program. The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, announced $39,000 to help the company research the production and marketing requirements, and the market potential, of producing half-shell frozen scallops.
“Promoting innovation is vital to supporting a globally-competitive fishery. This government’s commitment of $39,000 will help Northern Lights Seafood research a new half-shell frozen scallop product that has the potential to generate new economic activity that will benefit the company, its workers and the region.”
– The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
A wild-harvested half-shelf frozen scallop has never been produced in the province previously, making the product offering unique among Newfoundland and Labrador processors. The scallops will be sourced from harvesters fishing primarily in the Strait of Belle Isle.
“Exploring new products plays an important role in growing our customer base, increasing revenue, and strengthening our ability to compete at home and around the world. I thank the Provincial Government for its support, and look forward to pursuing this new opportunity.”
– Andy Schnare, President, Northern Lights Seafood
Should the new product prove viable, early estimates indicate the company could purchase up to 400,000 pounds of scallops to support production, which in turn could create up to 10-12 weeks of additional employment for as many as 30 plant workers.
QUICK FACTS
- Minister Keith Hutchings announced $39,000 today to support Northern Lights Seafood with the development of a new seafood product.
- This project will include research into establishing a production line, maintaining quality control, training personnel, and will also involve creating a marketing plan.
- Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook includes $4 million for the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program to support projects aimed at enhancing the harvesting, processing, and marketing of provincial seafood over the next two years.
Source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador