Developing new seafood markets through promotion
In early 2024, FocusMaine was awarded a Domestic Trade Initiative grant from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, which will support two years of a pilot Seafood Promotional Council.
Origins and Vision
Emerging from the Market Development Committee’s work (see the reports A Seafood Promotional Council for Maine, Multicultural Marketing Analysis: Cambodian and Vietnamese Seafood, and Cambodian Seafood Purchase Intent Study) the Maine Seafood Promotional Council is a key recommendation outlined in the Roadmap for the Future of Maine’s Seafood Economy. As a co-applicant and co-lead organizational member of SEA Maine, FocusMaine is proud to lead this initiative in partnership with various stakeholders.
Mission and Objectives
The objectives over the two-year pilot period are to:
- Create a Seafood Promotional Council, and
- Execute pilot projects to advance market development and expansion for Maine seafood.
Ultimately, this initiative intends to lay the foundation for an industry-led, financially sustainable permanent Council to advance the Maine seafood brand and expand sales into out-of-state markets, strengthening Maine’s overall food economy through the responsible use of the state’s natural resources.
Press Coverage
November 3, 2024
Maine seafood draws celebrated chefs to Portland, and more are coming | Portland Press Herald
October 31, 2024
Program connects Maine seafood producers with national markets | Portland Press Herald
If you are interested in joining this project, please email Anne Schlitt.
