Japanese seafood companies participates in IBSS

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) will sponsor a Japan Pavilion at the upcoming International Boston Seafood Show (IBSS), from 15 to 17 March 2009 in the US.

There are now 10 Japanese seafood producers who have signed up for the show with an aim to introduce the North American seafood industry and consumers to the diversity and exceptional quality of Japanese seafood offerings, while highlighting the vital role seafood plays in a healthy diet.

Japan is recognized as having the highest longevity rate in the world.

A major factor in this longevity is the large proportion of seafood in the average Japanese diet; MAFF estimates fishery products account for 40% of the animal protein intake, and 20% of total protein intake, of the Japanese.

With its participation in the show, MAFF hopes to capitalize on the growing popularity of seafood, specifically sushi and sashimi, in America, which currently imports about 84% of its seafood, up from 63% a decade ago (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, July 2008).