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Rappahannock River Oyster Company inks Canadian export deal

Posted at 12:14 PM, Nov 12, 2015
and last updated 2015-11-12 12:14:26-05

RICHMOND, Va. — Rappahannock River Oyster Company is now exporting clams and oysters to Canada thanks, in part, to Governor Terry McAuliffe’s September trade and tourism mission to that country, the governor’s office shared.

Rappahannock participated in several meetings with seafood importers during the trade mission, including one with Lagoon Seafood of Lachine, Quebec. In the weeks following, Rappahannock negotiated with Lagoon and is now making weekly shipments of Virginia clams and oysters to the importer. In addition to the new sales negotiated with Lagoon, Rappahannock also secured a deal with SeaCore, a Toronto-based seafood importer, to regularly supply the company with Virginia oysters. SeaCore delivers oysters and other seafood to retail chains and restaurants in the greater Toronto area. Sales figures are confidential.

“Growing our international sales is a critical part of our strategy to expand our business and develop not only the Rappahannock brand, but the Chesapeake Bay oyster brand as well,” Travis Croxton, co-owner of Rappahannock, said.

The governor said growing exports to Canada and other countries will provide more revenue and job creation in Virginia.

“With more than 80 percent of the world’s consumer base living outside of the United States and every one dollar in exports from Virginia generating approximately $1.30 within the state, it is clear why growing exports is key to the Governor’s work to build a new Virginia economy,” Agriculture and Forestry Secretary Todd Haymore said. “Working with the international marketing and development teams in Virginia and our network of trade offices around the world, we are able to support small businesses like Rappahannock.”

Oyster Trail Ribbon Cutting, Tides Inn, Irvington

Oyster Trail Ribbon Cutting, Tides Inn, Irvington

Earlier this week, Governor McAuliffe and First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe officially opened the Virginia Oyster Trail, a public-private sector initiative that connects and promotes oyster producers, restaurants, wineries, craft breweries and artisans over 250 miles around the Chesapeake Bay from the Northern Neck to the Eastern Shore.