To your door! 

Portland, Maine (April 2, 2020) - Today, Diversified Communications, organizer of the annual Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America, announced the new dates for its 2020 event.  The expo will take place at the Boston Exhibition and Convention Center this September 2020, with an exhibit hall open on September 23^rd and 24^th, and a conference program that will start on September 22^nd.

In the last few months and weeks, the seafood industry and community, along with the rest of the world, have been experiencing some of the most tumultuous, emotionally and economically challenging times. “While navigating this unprecedented situation, we know there is a need for business continuity and are committed to providing a platform that will bring back together the industry suppliers and buyers who, due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, were prevented from meeting in March as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Liz Plizga, Group Vice President, Diversified Communications.

The September dates were carefully chosen in consideration of the recent escalating situation with COVID-19, the venue availability, as well as feedback from customers and high-volume retail and foodservice Key Buyers from North America.

“It is fair to say that this year’s event will not be like any other years,” added Plizga. “However, the Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality event and services that are as similar as possible to what our customers have come to expect over the years.”

The September edition will feature a solutions-driven conference program led by industry experts covering today’s most relevant topics. The exhibit hall, which will be held in Halls B and C, will highlight special programs like the New and Featured Product Showcases where buyers can identify the latest seafood product, equipment and services, innovations and trends. 

In the coming weeks, Diversified Communications and its official partners, will reach out to exhibitors, buyers and other seafood professionals to provide further details about the September event. New information will be included at seafoodexpo.com/north-america.

April 2, 2020

Further to the Province’s announcement on March 30^th 2020 and a subsequent conversation between the MRFA and Minister Jeff Wharton on April 1^st 2020, we are proud to be your voice and announce the enactment of this new revenue stream. This temporary measure will be voted on by full cabinet in the next few weeks and we look forward to a more permanent implementation of this legislation. Please see the attached member release for details on this new initiative. We have compiled a list of guidelines and have provided them below. This information is also available on our blog.
 
Under this temporary order for the take-out and delivery of liquor from restaurants: 

only sealed beer, wine, cider and coolers can be taken out or delivered (no spirits or cocktails).

food must be purchased with the alcohol order; no specific food amounts have been regulated.

• the sale of liquor for take-out and delivery must comply with existing regulations, meaning continuing to serve these types of alcohol in accordance with each establishment’s liquor license (types of licenses and their regulations vary and operators should refer to your liquor licenses).

deliveries with liquor as a component must be handled and delivered by someone of legal drinking age and they must possess a current Smart Choices certification. See this link for requirements. https://www.mtec.mb.ca/smart-choices.asp

• delivery and take-out pricing for liquor must be at or higher than current menu pricing that is offered in the licensed establishment.

Your MRFA team continues to be your one voice in the food service industry, so please continue to utilize all the MRFA website and communications tools to keep yourself updated on this and any new information effecting our industry. Any questions on liquor delivery and take-out can be forwarded to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and one of our team will be more than happy to assist you.

March 31, 2020

The Manitoba government will authorize the sale of liquor with take out and delivery meal service by licensed establishments, Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton announced today.

The MRFA is proud to have represented our members' interests to government and helped to get this legislation passed which will aid our industry during this difficult time.

During this time, the MRFA is opening up our emailing list to non-members and making our new Blog posts public. We do this with the hope that the more information is shared throughout our industry, the better we can weather this storm together. We are dedicated to providing information and resources as they become available.

Please encourage your colleagues and other food service industry professionals to visit our site and sign up for our emailing list, view our blog, engage with us on social media, and share information with us so that we may in turn share information with everyone in our industry. 

If you have information you believe we should share, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 204-783-9955.

March 30, 2020

The Manitoba government is issuing a new public health order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of all Manitobans, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.

The chief provincial public health officer is issuing orders under The Public Health Act as approved by the minister of health, seniors and active living.  Among the measures will be in place as of 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, the following concerns the restaurant and food service industry. 

All restaurants and other commercial facilities that serve food are prohibited from serving food to customers in their premises.  This prevents eat-in dining at all facilities.  However, restaurants and other commercial facilities can prepare and serve food for delivery or takeout.  If this takes place, the operator of the restaurant must ensure that all people maintain the appropriate social distancing from other customers when picking up food.

During this time, the MRFA is opening up our emailing list to non-members and making our new Blog posts public. We do this with the hope that the more information is shared throughout our industry, the better we can weather this storm together. We are dedicated to providing information and resources as they become available.

Please encourage your colleagues and other food service industry professionals to visit our site and sign up for our emailing list, view our blog, engage with us on social media, and share information with us so that we may in turn share information with everyone in our industry. 

If you have information you believe we should share, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 204-783-9955.