Digby Firm Gears up for Christmas

Annapolis Basin Seafoods is gearing up to make a splash this Christmas with its new smoked salmon and steelhead products. The company can now smoke and freeze these fish products thanks to an expanded facility and new equipment that's been installed with government help.

"This new smoked product line will be very popular for the Christmas and winter cruise season," said company president Randy Brennan. "Our freezing and smoking capability lets us compete on a level-playing field with the world's major smoked fish producers in Norway, Scotland and Chile."

Annapolis Basin Seafoods has received a $124,500 provincial loan to assist with startup and marketing costs.

"This project has enabled the company to target more lucrative American markets," said Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, who was on hand today for a tour of the plant.

"The company is making a significant contribution to the Digby County economy. It's employing 11 people and providing a more stable market for steelhead aquaculture operators by adding value to the fish product," added Mr. MacDonald.

Annapolis Basin Seafoods was established in 1996 and currently ships its products to other regions of Canada and the United States.