A program launched in 2021 to market the quality of seafood from the Canadian province of Nova Scotia has added seven new participants.
The Nova Scotia Seafood Quality Program is continuing to add seafood companies to its standard to promote the province’s seafood to world markets, Nova Scotia’s Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture announced in a release.
The NSSQP is oriented toward the province’s top exported seafood products, including lobster, sea scallops, and Atlantic halibut. The NSSQP is "a comprehensive scheme that combines elements of food safety, seafood quality, sustainability, and traceability into one comprehensive certification."
"For some species, it is the only certification scheme which explicitly incorporates product sampling, product inspection, and evaluation as a central requirement under the certification," the program said on its website.
The certification process entails a company self-assessment and pre-screening, a brand application, an initial site and product audit, followed by a deliberation and decision by the NSSQP Committee, and subsequent annual or semi-annual surveillance.
“By strengthening their quality standards, companies can provide sustainability, quality, food safety, and healthy options that influence buying decisions in the global market,” Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Steve Craig said in a release. “Certification raises the profile of Nova Scotian seafood companies and their products in a market that is fast-changing and competitive.”
In addition to the certification itself, companies that reach the standard also receive promotional benefits, the provincial government said.
“Certified companies gain access to the Nova Scotia seafood brand marketing materials and trademarked logo for use in their own marketing, become recommended suppliers on the Province’s seafood marketing website, and can be included in strategic marketing promotions throughout the year,” Nova Scotia’s news release said.
So far, the companies that have achieved certification are: North Bay Fisherman’s Cooperative, NovaCan Live Seafood, Premium Seafoods Group, Lobsters R us, Bill & Stanley Oyster Company, Live Stor Sydney – Live Seafood Storage System, and Fisherman’s Premium Atlantic Lobster.
Photo courtesy of Nova Scotia Seafood
