Keeping Traditional Export Markets Engaged

Food Export–Northeast is always exploring opportunities to promote the Northeast U.S. seafood industry overseas. And recently, the trade association set its sights on Spain, a traditional export market and one of the largest worldwide markets for fish and seafood with consumption of 45.2 per kilograms per capita annually. Additionally, U.S. seafood exports to Spain exceeded $80 million in 2018, and accounted for 10% of total U.S. seafood exported to the EU.  

“Spain has been a long-standing EU export market for Northeast U.S. seafood,” said Colleen Coyne, Seafood Program Coordinator, Food Export–Northeast. Because of the potential to increase export sales there, we wanted to engage buyers and restaurateurs and reinforce our high quality, consistent supply and taste messages in that part of the world.”  

To help stay top of mind with Spanish buyers, restaurants, food service operators, retailers and overall local tastemakers, Food Export–Northeast hosted a reception at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador in Madrid in September. The goal was to promote Northeast U.S. seafood spotlighting American lobster, scallops, monkfish and squid and to introduce Jonah crab. Madrid’s USDA Foreign Agricultural Trade Office and U.S. Ambassador Duke Buchan III provided considerable support and coordination assistance.

More than 50 people attended and enjoyed a menu prepared by celebrity Chef Sergio Fernandez who prepared delicious samples featuring mini lobster rolls (Madrid style), squid with onion compote and licorice juice, scallops with coconut soup and artichoke, grilled monkfish with red pepper mayonnaise and garlic chips and a Jonah crab bikini sandwich made with apple and Havarti cheese. “Each sample item received rave reviews with some remarkable interest around the newcomer – Jonah crab,” said Coyne. “Buyers found it tasty and fresh. Interest in monkfish and American lobster was also strong.” 

“Promotions in Spain will continue with special attention given to introducing Jonah crab,” noted Coyne. “Having something new is a great way to entice existing buyers to our events where we can showcase all of our Northeast U.S. seafood products.”

To see what Spain tastemakers had to say about Jonah crab, watch the video

About Food Export USA—Northeast

With its extensive programs and educational offerings, Food Export USA–Northeast (Food Export–Northeast) is recognized as the preeminent expert and cost-effective resource for Northeast seafood and agricultural suppliers looking to sell their products overseas. Founded in 1973, Food Export–Northeast is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively with its 10 member states’ agricultural promotion agencies from Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, to facilitate trade between suppliers and worldwide importers and to promote the export of food, agricultural and seafood products from those states. Since its founding, the organization has helped Northeast seafood suppliers gain access to a broad range of export markets, supported overseas in-market educational and promotional programs and offers emerging suppliers access to funds to help grow their export business. The organization is funded through the Market Access Program (MAP), administered by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.

Learn more about us and what we do for the Northeast seafood industry here.  Contact us.