Editor’s note: Check SeafoodSource regularly for updates from the second annual Asian Seafood Exposition, which runs through Thursday. SeafoodSource Editor Steven Hedlund is reporting and blogging from the three-day event, which takes place at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center.
Click here for Day 2’s blog, and here for Day 1’s.
11:05 a.m. — It’s just over an hour into Day 3 of the Asian Seafood Exposition. Naturally, it’s not quite as busy as yesterday. But that’ll give me plenty of time to catch up with the people I’ve missed over the last two days. Check back here regularly for updates.
12:45 p.m. — The Food Export Association of the Northeast USA is exhibiting for the second consecutive year. “This show is a hub. There’s a lot of people coming in from the hotel industry — from places like Macau — because so much product is shipped through Hong Kong,” said Teresa Miller, program manager of international marketing for the organization. “We’re trying to get a sense of how the market is in terms our benchmark products, mainly lobster and scallops.”
So, in addition to lobster and scallops, what’s drawing visitors’ attention this year? Monkfish and conch, said Miller, noting that she’s received a number of inquiries about the two species over the last three days.
2:05 p.m. — Korea has a significant presence at this year’s show; exhibiting companies and organizations include the Korea Fishery Trade Association, Almas Caviar Co. Ltd., San-Ya, Sanhea Co. Ltd., Shinhan F&B Co. Ltd., Oriental Pacific Seafood Corp. and Jeju Fish-Culture Fisheries Cooperatives. The country is expanding its presence at next year’s show.
2:10 p.m. — Taiwan also has a significant presence at this year’s show; exhibiting companies and organizations include the Taiwan Frozen Seafood Industries Association, Ammon International, Bai Xian Wu Enterprises Co. Ltd., Blue Max Seafoods Co. Ltd., Forever Frozen Seafoods, Fortune Life Enterprises, JYY Fisheries Corp., Lian Ruey Enterprises Co. Ltd., Just Champion Enterprises Co. Ltd., Tan Hou Ocean Development Co. Ltd., Shimmer Food Co. Ltd., Shin Rong Business Co. Ltd. and Sumitomo Seafood Co. Ltd.
Juh-ing Hou, secretary general of the Taiwan Frozen Seafood Industries Association, said value-added seafood and sashimi-grade fish received the most interest from visitors. It’s important to exhibit at events like the Asian Seafood Exposition because competition from China is so strong.
3:20 p.m. — The Fish Marketing Organization — which operates seven wholesale fish markets in Hong Kong (Aberdeen, Shau Kei Wan, Kwun Tong, Cheung Sha Wan, Castle Peak, Tai Po and Sai Kung) — certainly isn’t alone in that the No. 1 challenge it faces is supply keeping up with demand. Henry Yip, market manager for the self-financed, non-profit organization, said while the volume of wild seafood coming though the markets is on the decline, the volume of farmed seafood is rising, offsetting the trend. However, demand for seafood is so strong that supply just can’t keep up. “The markets are only getting busier,” he said.
3:50 p.m. — The event features a new product showcase, tucked in the corner of the show floor. Click here to take a look.
4:15 p.m. — Just 45 minutes to go. Exhibitors are beginning to pack up, and visitors are squeezing in one last conversation. Next year’s Asian Seafood Exposition will take place from 11 to 13 September at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center. Also next year, Frozen Food Asia makes its debut and will be located adjacent to the Asian Seafood Exposition, in the same hall.
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