With the European Union (EU) trade ban for shellfish lifted, new opportunities for Northeast U.S. seafood suppliers (initially Massachusetts) to grow their EU export business now exist. An important first step in building this new market for American oysters is to educate international buyers on their superior value and unique flavor profile.
Food Export–Northeast has created a comprehensive online American Oyster buyers guide in eight (8) languages. Not only does the guide outline the superior value of the American oyster, but it also details growing and harvesting methods, as well as handling and traceability best practices. Buyers can download the guide in their choice language.
Additionally, buyers can view video content featuring industry experts, Barton Seaver, a renowned seafood chef and author, and Bob Rheault, Executive Director of East Coast Shellfish Grower’s Association. The videos cover the following topics (all can be watched by visiting the toolkit landing page):
“The opening of shellfish trade between the US and EU is an exciting opportunity for many Northeast oyster growers,” said Colleen Coyne, Seafood Program Coordinator for Food Export–Northeast. “We encourage suppliers to use this online tool to educate overseas buyers and we hope suppliers find the buyer’s guide to be a valuable new addition to their marketing materials toolbox.”
Other Seafood Species Toolkits
To help Food Export–Northeast In-Market Representatives and suppliers engage with interested buyers, we have created comprehensive online toolkits for the following native seafood species, including:
Want to learn more about the resources and programs Food Export–Northeast has that support suppliers in growing their overseas export business? Get in touch or visit our website.
About Food Export USA – Northeast
With its extensive programs and educational offerings, Food Export USA–Northeast (Food Export–Northeast) is recognized as the preeminent expert and cost-effective resource for Northeast seafood and agricultural suppliers looking to sell their products overseas. Founded in 1973, Food Export–Northeast is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively with its 10 member states’ agricultural promotion agencies from Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, to facilitate trade between suppliers and worldwide importers and to promote the export of food, agricultural and seafood products from those states. Since its founding, the organization has helped Northeast seafood suppliers gain access to a broad range of export markets, supported overseas in-market educational and promotional programs and offers emerging suppliers access to funds to help grow their export business. The organization is funded through the Market Access Program (MAP), administered by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Learn more about us and what we do for the Northeast seafood industry here. Contact us.