As the US and EU begin to reopen trade for bivalve molluscan shellfish (starting with the states of Massachusetts and Washington), we been working closely with our European In-Market Representatives (IMRs) to organize a two-stop shellfish-focused trade mission to Yerseke (The Netherlands) and Paris (France) on September 26 through 29, 2022.
This mission is a great opportunity for Northeast US shellfish suppliers to expand their marketing reach, explore new opportunities in various European markets, and build relationships with European buyers. While Massachusetts is currently the only state permitted in our region to export shellfish to the EU, the hope is that the market will expand import allowances to other states soon.
Travel and sample shipping costs may be eligible for a 50% cost-share reimbursement through our Branded Program.
Yerseke, The Netherlands: Yerseke, situated in the southwest province of The Netherlands known as Zeeland, has a considerable history of growing mussels and oysters. The companies situated here specialize in shellfish aquaculture, the importation of shellfish and crustaceans, and managing a vast European distribution network that quickly moves fresh seafood throughout Europe. Over 70% of Yerseke’s annual shellfish harvest is distributed throughout Belgium, France, and Germany. Dutch traders know the European shellfish business like few others. (The Netherlands and Spain are presently the only two EU countries that can export shellfish to the USA.)
Paris, France: France is famous for its love of seafood - particularly oysters – and oyster bars are plentiful in every major French city. Paris-based seafood importers and wholesalers specialize in offering freshness and variety daily to restaurants and retail shops throughout the country. As Europe’s leading oyster consumer, the French market may provide good market development opportunities to US shellfish dealers.
The deadline to register for this trade mission is July 20, 2022. Please find more information about the mission by visiting the event landing page, Food Export’s website, or getting in touch with Food Export–Northeast’s Seafood Program Coordinator, Colleen Coyne.
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.
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