Federal and provincial funding of $250,000 has been announced to Annand Clams of Bideford to open a new facility to produce value-added bar clam products.
Annand Clams is purchasing equipment for their new facility, which will allow them to create value-added product lines to meet a growing demand for bar clams. This facility will be the only bar clam processing facility in Atlantic Canada, and will give fishers a secure market to sell their products.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, provided funding of $45,000 to help the company purchase the equipment. The Government of Prince Edward Island provided an additional $220,000 through Innovation PEI ($15,000) and Finance PEI ($205,000 ).
Annand Clams currently sells four value-added products including fresh frozen clams, clams on the half-shell, deep fried bar clams and bar clam tarts. The company also plans to introduce a new product, bottled bar clams, in the near future.
Bar clams are harvested on Prince Edward Island from April to December every year, and are typically shucked and canned or bottled for use in commercial clam chowders, clam strips, and stews.
Federal Fisheries Minister Gail Shea say her government remains focused on jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.
“We recognize that supporting small and medium-sized businesses in rural areas makes a significant economic impact in our region. This investment will help Annand Clams enter new markets and will strengthen our local economy,” she said.
Allen Roach, P.E.I. minister of innovation and advanced learning, says with long careers in the fishery and processing, the Annand family is perfectly positioned to develop the commercial potential of P.E.I.’s shellfish resources.
David and Carla Annand, co-owners of Annand Clams, say they appreciate the government assistance.
“By growing our business and expanding our products lines, we are able to provide a stable market for local fishers and employment for local workers,” they said.
