Program Objectives
The Seafood Marketing Support Program (SMSP) will help Newfoundland and Labrador seafood processing and marketing companies, industry associations, and not-for profit organizations identify, assess, target and develop new market opportunities in response to potential tariffs in the United States (US). The objective of this program is to support market diversification and reduce reliance on the US market while capitalizing on new opportunities in domestic and international markets.
The program will focus on:
- Market information and research
- Market development planning
- Adapting products and packaging for new markets
- Market development activities
- Marketing material and promotional tools
Program Overview
Market Information and Research: identify, analyze and understand current and emerging domestic or international market development opportunities, particularly in retail and direct sales channels. Consultants can be contracted to conduct new market research studies or purchase existing market research studies from qualified market research firms.
Market Development Planning: contract agencies to develop marketing plans, export plans, and/or branding strategies for domestic or international markets.
Adapt Products and Packaging for New Markets: adopting new technology to make changes to product format, packaging and labelling to adapt existing products to new markets.
Market Development Activities: develop domestic and international markets through participation in market development events, in-market promotions, trade shows and missions, whether in-person or virtually.
Marketing Material and Promotional Tools: design, develop, produce and distribute marketing material and promotional tools, including targeted advertising using social media platforms, videos, etc. directed towards retail or direct sales channels, website upgrades to include online sales.
Eligibility Criteria
The following proponents will be eligible for assistance under the program:
- Licensed Newfoundland and Labrador fish processors, aquaculture companies and seafood marketing firms.
- Industry associations representing those listed above.
- Research and development institutions, fisheries organizations, and development associations. All proponents must be in good standing with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and have a head office in the province.
Eligible Activities
- Re-development of packaging for new markets, including graphic design, trial printing and product samples.
- Adoption of innovative processes and/or technology that directly supports market diversification.
- Market research for new domestic and international markets.
- Participation in new tradeshows and other missions, whether in-person or virtual.
- Export development planning, including consulting fees.
- Marketing and promotion efforts focused on new markets.
- Advertising, including traditional and social media.
- Website upgrades, including e-commerce enabled.
- Brand and marketing strategy development.
Application Process
For funding consideration, submit application and detailed project proposal to:
Program Manager
Seafood Marketing Support Program
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
E-mail: smsp@gov.nl.ca