Seafood Exports On Track For Record Breaking Year

Media release
5/10/99

SEAFOOD EXPORTS ON TRACK FOR RECORD BREAKING YEAR.

The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council is pleased to announce that seafood exports are on track to earn more than $1.3 billion this year.

Exports have continued to rocket away with a 10.14 percent increase in exports recorded for the 7 months to July 1999.

Seafood Industry council general manager Trade and Policy Alastair Macfarlane, said recent GDP figures released by Statistics New Zealand painted a misleading picture of seafood exports by focusing on a small drop in volumes.

“Most of that drop can be attributed to squid, which is a fishery that can fluctuate considerably from season to season due to the forces of nature. However the value of our seafood exports overall has continued to rise significantly.”

Mr Macfarlane said hoki and mussels were the star export performers.

“But there is also some impressive growth in the scallop industry, and the paua and oysters industries are also showing appreciable growth.”

“New Zealand seafood processors have ensured the increase in export returns by adding considerable value to their products. The New Zealand Seafood Industry has also developed a reputation for delivering quality products that are in high demand in the international marketplace.”

“Seafood exporters have faced some daunting challenges in the international market place in the last decade but they have overcome them with active marketing and innovative product development. The New Zealand Seafood industry is now well placed to continue to make some spectacular export gains.”

“Importantly the growth is being achieved within a sustainable fisheries regime that is the envy of the world. Managing our resources sustainably also ensures the Seafood Industry has a solid foundation to sustain future export value increases.”

ENDS

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