Support from the Provincial Government for an innovative company located in rural Newfoundland and Labrador aims to increase its global market reach.
Labrador Gem Seafood, operating in Ramea, will focus on packaging, marketing and distribution as the company ramps up efforts with its North American market plan. The Provincial Government is contributing $75,000 from the Business Development Support (BDS) program to support the company’s new activities.
Building on its experience marketing scallops and sea urchin, Labrador Gem Seafood will use this support to help promote its expanded product line of lobster, snow crab, shrimp and cod. Home to a 10,000 square foot secondary fish processing facility, the Town of Ramea has a strong history of seafood production, and the market for the company’s high quality seafood product creates much needed, long-term employment for the area.
The seafood sector is a significant driver of economic activity in Newfoundland and Labrador, employing nearly 16,000 people in the province. Prior to the pandemic, the total value of fish and seafood production in the province exceeded $1 billion per year for five consecutive years.
Quotes
“Success for Labrador Gem Seafood will ensure that the operation in Ramea will grow, increase employment and deliver a high-quality seafood product to an international consumer. Increased export activity helps create jobs and economic benefits for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“I applaud Labrador Gem Seafoods for their ongoing success identifying markets for the high-quality, multi-species products processed at their facility in Ramea. I am confident this funding will lead to further marketing opportunities while building upon the reputation of Newfoundland and Labrador as global leader in the production of safe, healthy, and sustainably-sourced seafood.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
“This funding will greatly assist Labrador Gem Seafoods to launch a new project which will introduce new packaging and marketing efforts to drive business to our website – attracting global customers to our value-added, secondary products such as half shell scallops. The project’s success will mean new jobs and help secure the economic future of this beautiful Island community.”
Danny Dumaresque
Labrador Gem Seafood Incorporated
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Labrador Gem Seafood Incorporated
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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca
Danny Dumaresque
Labrador Gem Seafood Incorporated
709-685-5719