Wednesday March 18, 2026 | VICTORIA, BC [Updated 9:35 am & 2:44 pm PT]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham joined BC seafood businesses last week in Boston at Seafood Expo North America to make new global partnerships and help promote and grow the sector.
BC seafood exports amount to $1.3 billion annually to international markets including $809 million to the US, with China and Japan being the second- and third-largest export markets for BC seafood.
The Seafood expo represents an important opportunity to diversify trade interests and expand BC sales and export markets, something Popham has been working on over the past year in the challenging economic conditions precipitated by the trade war brought on by the United States.
Seafood Expo North America is recognized as North America’s largest seafood trade event, bringing together global suppliers, processors, buyers and food-service leaders.
BC seafood sector:
BC is home to more than 100 types of seafood species and produces a diverse range of close to 200 seafood products for export to international markets.
Nineteen B.C. seafood businesses and industry associations joined Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food at the 2026 Seafood Expo North America March 15 to 17 to help showcase BC seafood to an international audience and increase export opportunities.
About 90 Canadian food organizations and enterprises were there including Agriculture and AgriFood Canada, Arbutus Cover Enterprises, BC Crab Fisherman’s Association, Clear Ocean Seafood, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Marina Del Ray Foods, North Delta Seafoods Ltd, Orca Specialty Foods Ltd, Quality Seafood Source Inc, Sea Agra Seafoods, Walcan Seafood Ltd, and others.
“B.C.’s seafood is recognized globally for its quality, sustainability and innovation,” Popham said.
“Participating at one of the world’s largest seafood trade events allows B.C. producers to shine on an international stage, creates new relationships and strengthens the province’s competitiveness in global markets,” said Popham.
The three-day expo in Boston attracts thousands of buyers and suppliers from around the world, making it a strategic opportunity to expand B.C.’s exports, which total $1.3 billion annually.
French Creek:
BC seafood will be represented by local businesses such as French Creek Seafood of Parksville at the B.C. Pavilion.
French Creek Seafood which exports fresh, sustainable salmon, spot prawns, halibut, cod and shrimp to international markets was featured in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s news release last week.
“Seafood Expo North America is one of the most important events of the year for us, putting French Creek Seafood in front of buyers we may not reach otherwise and helping us strengthen relationships that keep our business moving forward,” said Brad Mclean, owner, French Creek Seafood.
“For BC seafood companies, the show is an important opportunity to showcase our quality products, secure new markets and ensure we stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global industry.”
Supporting competitiveness of B.C.’s seafood sector:
With an array of products, including wild and farmed salmon, halibut, shellfish, geoducks, crab and spot prawns, BC’s seafood sector is a cornerstone of the province’s food economy. Participation in major international trade events like the Seafood Expo North America helps BC businesses:
- reach new buyers and distributors
- expand into additional global markets
- strengthen brand recognition for B.C. seafood
- build partnerships throughout the seafood supply chain
- highlight the province’s leadership in sustainable production
“Seafood Expo North America is a key global event for the seafood industry, providing a valuable opportunity for B.C. harvesters, processors, and industry associations to connect with buyers and showcase the premium quality and sustainability of B.C. seafood,” said Katie Lindsay, marketing manager, Underwater Harvesters Association.
“As the sector navigates ongoing trade and tariff challenges, events like this are more important than ever. We’re thrilled Minister Popham will attend to advocate for our hardworking fishing families and highlight the strength and importance of B.C.’s seafood sector,” said Lindsay.
Promoting BC’s world-class seafood:
The Province hosted a BC seafood reception at the expo event to create an exclusive setting for international buyers, distributors and partners to meet BC seafood companies, taste local products and explore new business opportunities.
BC chefs hosted a live promotional cooking demonstration, highlighting the flavour, versatility and quality of seafood products harvested and produced in the province.
“It is a privilege to represent British Columbia as part of the team of BC businesses and associations showcasing what our province has to offer the world,” said Robert Clark, chef, Aramé Culinary.
“Seafood producers play a vital role in communities across British Columbia, both economically and culturally. I’m grateful for the opportunity to use my experience and specialized knowledge to help support their efforts and strengthen our presence in global markets,” said Clark.
Supporting industry connections:
Since getting rolling again as the Agriculture and Food Minister last year (Popham was shunted to the Tourism and Arts ministry in 2022 to 2024), she has been working on trade diversification in the food sector.
Throughout the expo in Boston, Minister Popham met with federal and provincial counterparts as well as key industry associations to discuss competitiveness, market access, sustainability leadership and future growth opportunities for BC seafood producers.
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NEWS SECTIONS: FOOD & AGRICULTURE | TRADE DIVERSIFICATON