“Prince Edward Island produces some of the best seafood products in the world, and we want to make more people aware of their taste and quality,” said Mr. MacKinley. “This seafood festival will help to expand markets for our seafood products and earn greater loyalty among consumers.”

The Prince Edward Island Seafood Festival, which takes place in Winnipeg from January 16 to 18, will feature lobsters, mussels, oysters, quahaugs, bar clams and smoked/candied salmon. There are a number of seafood events including a chef’s challenge, oyster shucking and chowder competitions, oysters and champagne, and a seafood dinner with wine pairings.

The festival is being funded and supported by the WOW Hospitality Group in Winnipeg which operates seven restaurants in the city, food services company Sysco, the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, Innovation PEI, and the International Shellfish Festival. In attendance will be Liam Dolan of Restaurants Canada and representatives from Atlantic Aqua Farms, Five Star Shellfish and Royal Star Foods. It follows similar promotional events which took place in western Canada over the past two years.

Representatives of Sysco and the WOW Hospitality Group developed the idea of a seafood festival after attending the International Shellfish Festival in Charlottetown in September of 2014 and touring industry facilities.

Mr. MacKinley said that the seafood festival will help forge stronger ties between seafood processors, the food services industry and consumers. “This connection provides a better understanding of the importance and value of Prince Edward Island seafood,” he said.

Prince Edward Island is experiencing an increase in lobster landings and shellfish production, and has undertaken a number of initiatives in North America, Asia and Europe to expand markets for seafood products.