In anticipation of the BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival (BCSSF), the BC Seafood Expo and BC Seafood Month this June, 250+ guests, producers, aquaculture industry leaders, seafood chefs, exporters and media gathered March 15 night on Granville Island to celebrate and discuss the growing seafood sector of B.C.
The evening VIP launch of tastings and networking at the Vancouver Fish Company featured eight executive chefs who provided seafood culinary treats with top BC seafood products on‐hand. Participating chefs include: Executive Chefs include: Nathan Fong, Fong on Foods; Nigel McMeans, Blackfin Pub; Angus An, Maenman; Ronald St. Pierre, Locals Restaurant; Chris Whittaker, Forage Restaurant; Taryn Wa, Savoury Chef Foods; Alex Chen, Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar; and John McManus, Vancouver Fish Company.
Highlights of the evening included major announcements regarding new funding and partnerships around the Festival, including $250K from Destination BC for the Co‐op Marketing Partnerships Programs, and $50K for the International Seafood Buyers Mission undertaken with the Ministry of International Trade, as announced by Comox Valley MLA Don McRae. Additionally Serge Corbeil, Director of Government Relations with Air Canada announced a new major sponsorship between the festival and Air Canada, which included additional flight service to and from Comox Valley Airport (YQQ), the host region for the festival. Coast Capital Savings was announced as a Platinum Sponsor, while Flying Fresh Air Freight was announced as the major sponsor for the International Buyers Reception held during the Expo.
This event kicks off the celebration of the upcoming 11th anniversary of the BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival, held June 9 ‐ 18, 2017 in the Comox Valley during BC Seafood Month; the largest shellfish growing region in the province, producing the most oysters in Canada. Visitors of the festival will enjoy 10 days of seafood tastings, informative aquaculture producer tours, signature dinner events and competitions, workshops from aquaculture industry leaders and more.
