Maritimes pushing beer and lobster combo

The three Maritime provinces have entered into an agreement with Moosehead Breweries and Atlantic Superstore to provide discount lobster to beer buyers.

'We're eager to support local industries and businesses.' — Andrew Oland, Moosehead Breweries

Starting May 1, buyers of specially marked cases of Clancy's beer will find a coupon good for a $5 discount off live or cooked lobster from Atlantic Superstores in the Maritime provinces.

"We have been working closely with our counterparts in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia over the past number of months to develop new strategies to promote our lobster products," said P.E.I. Fisheries Minister Neil LeClair in a news release Monday.

Lobster fishermen and processors have been concerned about lobster prices as the major spring seasons open up. The season opens on P.E.I.'s North Shore on Thursday. In January, processors were still holding $30 million worth of frozen inventory from last season.

Federal and provincial politicians have been discussing through the winter how to provide a boost for the industry.

Provincial politicians were joined in Dipper Harbour, N.B., on the Fundy shore, by representatives of Moosehead and Atlantic Superstore.

"This promotion is an opportunity for Moosehead to partner with the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island to deliver two Atlantic Canadian specialties, beer and seafood," said Andrew Oland, president of Moosehead Breweries.

"Fishermen of this region have been loyal supporters of Moosehead brands for years. We are a homegrown company with proud Maritime roots and, in return, we're eager to support local industries and businesses when we have the opportunity."

New Brunswick Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet said the partnership will broaden the lobster market in the Maritimes. The coupons are good until July 31.