Boston Seafood Show Draws
Maine Contingent

by Fishermen’s Voice Staff

Maine Governor Paul Lepage, left, met with Maine seafood producers at the Boston Seafood Show in March. John Hathaway, right, a lobster processor and owner of the Shucks company in Richmond, Maine, talked about lobster processing and international marketing with Governor Lepage, and Maine DMR Commissioner Pat Keliher (back to camera). ©Photo by Sam Murfitt

The country’s largest seafood show draws thousands of visitors from around the world to Boston. On March 11-13, Maine had its fair share of exhibitors and visitors at the waterfront exhibition hall for The Boston Seafood Show.

Asia again sent the largest number of exhibitors and visitors. Asia is the largest consumer of seafoods and the largest producer of aquacultured seafoods. They also prize wild seafood over farmed.

According to International Boston Seafood Show information, there were 1,019 exhibitors from 42 countries at the show. IBSS documents indicate 17,000 seafood and equipment buyers from 90 countries from around the world attended the show last year.

Maine lobster had a very visible presence as did Governor Paul Lepage and the new Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher. Fresh lobster was available, but several versions of processed and frozen product could be found among the rows of exhibitors.

John Hathaway has processed lobster at Shucks in Richmond, Maine for several years. He has advanced the process with new technologies and accessed world markets as demand has grown for fresh frozen serving size lobster. Hathaway spoke with Governor Lepage at the Shucks exhibit.

Last year was Shucks first year at the show where they had one booth. However, this year the company strategy was different. They had six booths with a sit-down kitchen they built, where, said Hathaway, they “could sit down with prospective customers, show them the product, show them what they can do with our product in a more private space than the show floor.” The goal was to introduce their product to 12 to 15 key customers from around the world to build a business relationship.

Hathaway wanted their exhibit to be open, but with the option of greater privacy. He said they were not only giving samples away, they wanted to invite key people to a place where they could adequately show their product.

That included Asian and European customers and for example, Governor Lepage. Hathaway said the fact that Lepage came to the show was very important. Hathaway said, “the governor was supportive of the industry, he’s aware of the importance of the brand and the Canadian issue regarding the rebranding of Maine lobster there. All indications are that he is willing to promote the product.”

Hathaway also said Lepage plans to go to the Hong Kong seafood show in September, something Hathaway described as a major move.

Shucks promotions include the “Shucks Maine World Series” where international chefs compete cooking. Last year who critics picked the winner crowned a Hong Kong chef. Next summer there will be a Shucks Maine World Series in Portland, Maine.