New Brunswick oyster producer gets $800K in government funds

Neguac, N.B.—The federal and New Brunswick provincial governments are investing in two projects at oyster producer Maison BeauSoleil, to help the firm increase its sales in Asian markets.

The first project involves implementing new robotic processing technology to clean and package fresh oysters. The federal government is providing a repayable contribution of $500,000, while the Province of New Brunswick is investing $300,000 in this project.

Maison BeauSoleil is also receiving $60,000 from the feds to hire a marketing consultant specializing in Asian markets to develop a plan to increase the company’s exports to China and Hong Kong.

“Maison BeauSoleil oysters are not only appreciated by local residents, but also in the United States, and now in Chinese markets where we have already set up distribution networks,” said Amédée Savoie, vice-president, Maison BeauSoleil.

Savoie continued, “Now, with robotically automated production, we will be able to reach other markets such as in Europe and the Middle East. What’s more, we will not only be able to maintain existing jobs with Maison BeauSoleil, but will be able to add more jobs for workers in specialized fields.”

The federal funds for both projects are being provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Business Development Program.

“The Government of Canada is deeply committed to helping Atlantic Canadian businesses grow, innovate and export so that they can continue to create good quality jobs and generate wealth within communities. Through ACOA, we are making strategic investments in companies like Maison BeauSoleil to help them build on regional strengths and drive the growth of local economies,” said Navdeep Bains, federal minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.