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July 21, 2011
For immediate release
Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island invest in shellfish sector
Innovation PEI
“It is through key investments made to support small and medium-sized businesses like this one, that Atlantic Canada will continue to generate economic growth and jobs for Canadians,” said the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie. “Our support will sustain the development of new mussel products that will open up new markets as well as increase gross margins.”
PEI Mussel King is expanding their current facility to help grow into larger export markets. This expansion will include an addition to the building and the purchase of new equipment which will help the organization modernize and produce new products.
“PEI Mussel King is a major contributor to the Island economy through their continued production of top notch products. As they open new markets and recruit new clients, that contribution will continue to grow,” said the Honourable Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning. “The Government of Prince Edward Island is happy to work with a company that demonstrates such innovation and commitment to the Island’s seafood industry.”
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, has invested over $1 million to help purchase equipment. The Government of Prince Edward Island, through Innovation PEI and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Rural Development, has invested $4.8 million in this initiative.
“We believe that this expansion is a critical step forward, not only for our company, but for the Canadian mussel industry as a whole,” said Esther Dockendorff, President, PEI Mussel King. “We are realizing new processing capabilities that will diversify our range of value-added products and give us access into new and growing markets around the world. We are grateful for support from both levels of government, which has made this project possible. We will continue to work hard to grow and share our company's success within our local, provincial, and national economies.”
Through this expansion and the addition of new, innovative equipment, PEI Mussel King will be able to grow their frozen mussel product lines for the consumer marketplace.
