Funding for mussel processors to increase sales to retailers

Funding has been made available to PEI mussel processors that sell directly to retail operators to help them promote and sell their products to existing markets. 

The PEI Mussel Retail Promotional Support Initiative assists mussel processors with the cost of activities to increase the sale of their products to retailers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have been working closely with the mussel and aquaculture industries throughout the pandemic to figure out ways to help mitigate the damage to their industries because of restrictions in restaurants and the hospitality sector. Our mussel industry was highly affected by a slow summer in 2020 and I’m very pleased we can step in to provide some financial relief to mussel processors on PEI to help boost their sales.”

- Fisheries and Communities Minister Jamie Fox

The cost of the program is shared between mussel industry stakeholders and the provincial government and funding is being delivered to processors through Food Island Partnership.

“With the decrease in traditional restaurant sales due to COVID-19, this initiative was developed to strengthen mussel sales by increasing promotional efforts at retail”, said CEO of Food Island Partnership Bryan Inglis. “We have been working closely with mussel processors to help support their efforts to maximize potential sales at retail before the summer season.”

Media contact:
Kip Ready
Department of Fisheries and Communities
kjready@gov.pe.ca
(902) 314-3407