19 March 2015 - Among the world’s largest seafood companies, seven Philippine seafood exporters showed the best of the Philippines at the Sea Food Expo in North America from March 15 to 17 in Boston, Massachusetts. They were hosted by Philippine government officials led by Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Asis G. Perez, and other DA and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) officials at the Philippine booth. Philippine Consul General Mario De Leon and his spouse Mrs. Eleanor De Leon, Economic Officer Felipe Carino, and Agricultural Attache Dr. Josyline Javellosa, welcomed and assisted the Philippine delegation in Boston, some whom were first-time participants.
The Seafood Philippines 2015 Pavilion showcased a new logo with a fish design incorporated in Philippine colors displayed in its booth (No. 2585), which was shared by exhibitors from participating companies such as Brand Exports Philippines Inc., FRI Seafood Trading, Inc., Nuevo Fresco Marine Trading Corp., Permex Producer and Exporter Corp., Sikat Araw Trading Corp., RDEX Food Int’l Phils. Inc., and D&L Seafoods.
On March 14, the Consul General and his spouse tendered a dinner reception in honor of the Philippine delegation and private sector participants led by Undersecretary Perez in Boston’s Chinatown district.
During the reception, Consul General De Leon said that there is huge opportunity for Philippine seafood in the United States. However, the local seafood industry has to be managed well, and the public sector can provide the appropriate support that will enable local businesses to compete internationally by introducing international fishing standards and sustainable practices. Setting reasonable fishing limits that protect marine resources from environment degradation can be achieved with the support and cooperation of the private sector and NGOs, he added.
Undersecretary Perez conveyed his Department’s action plan to help local fishermen achieve greater participation in the seafood industry, through increased access to new markets and receiving greater value for their catch. He also believes that sustainability in the local seafood industry is necessary and can be achieved by institutionalizing policies that consider realities on-the-ground in cooperation with all stakeholders, including fisher folk communities. There is need to promote a plan that is inclusive, sustainable, and economically beneficial for all participants, he stated.
After the exposition hall opened, the Philippine delegation invited guests and participants to see its booth featuring innovative seafood products on display. Philippine exporters were on hand to interview interested buyers and provide a short public presentation.
This year, products such as milkfish (fresh, frozen, processed plain/ marinated and deboned “Bangus”), tuna (fresh/chilled), shrimp (frozen), octopus (frozen), dried fish products, canned sardines, canned tuna, shrimp paste (bagoong), and sweet & spicy chicharon (salmon skin) were exhibited by participating companies, according to Agriculture Attaché Javelosa.
Citing a survey, the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC said that the show attracts 20,000 buyers and suppliers of fresh, frozen, and value-added seafood products, equipment and services and about 100 countries come to the seafood show to meet, network and do business. In addition, a survey from the past indicate that 79% of surveyed attendees said that they influence or are involved in purchasing decisions, 86% found new products or companies, 52% of surveyed buyers found new suppliers and 68% met with their current supplier.
The Boston Seafood Expo is one of two major exhibitions supported by the Department of Agriculture this year, the other one being the Seafood Exposition in Brussels, Belgium from April 21 to 23. The Department of Agriculture endorsed and selected Philippine participants to the Boston event after their applications were submitted last January. END