The 2014 edition of Seafood Expo Global, held in May in Brussels, Belgium, was the largest in the event’s 22-year history, according to producer Diversified Communications in Portland, Maine.
The annual trade show attracted 25,840 buyers and sellers from 150 countries to visit 1,721 exhibiting companies from 77 countries, 75 of which were represented in national or regional pavilions. Japan and Libya debuted pavilions this year.
“We are thrilled to see the exposition grow and expand over the years. This year alone, exhibits increased more than 1,160 square meters and we’ve seen an impressive 9 percent increase in visitor attendance over last year,” said Liz Plizga, show director for Diversified Communications. “The continued growth shows that meeting face-to-face matters to the seafood community, and that Brussels remains a central location for doing business in the global seafood industry.”
Seafood Expo Global and Seafood Processing Global (in its 16th year) together are the world’s largest seafood trade fair, providing three days of business and networking opportunities. The 2014 event occupied more than 35,000 square meters of combined exhibit space.
“Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global is the best place in the industry to promote our company and products, bring awareness, sign up new customers and close deals,” said Pedro Lopez-Sors Alonso, general manager of marketing and corporate communications for National Aquaculture Group, which has been exhibiting at the event for seven years.
The exposition also partners with VISITBRUSSELS to enhance visitors and exhibitors’ experience in the city by offering a series of special services such as a shared taxi program, hotel discounts and concierge service.
“The exposition has been located in Brussels for many years,” said Mary Larkin, VP for Diversified Communications. “We make it a priority to work in partnership with the city to ensure that the thousands of international seafood professionals coming to Brussels for the event have the best positive experience and want to keep coming back to do business.”
Innovation and new product development were of great importance at this year’s event. This was emphasized at the 14th anniversary of the prestigious Seafood Prix d’Elite New Product Competition that recognized innovative seafood companies with special awards in several categories including the best new foodservice and best new retail products. Kermarée of Blainville-sur-Mer, France, took the top award for Best New Retail with its entry, Coffret Plateau de Fruits de Mer. In the foodservice category, the top prize was given to Vilsund Blue of Nykøbing, Denmark, for its product, Mussel Powder. A complete list of Seafood Prix d’Elite winners is available online at: www.seafoodexpo.com/global/expo-highlights/seafood-prix-d-elite-highlights.
Next year’s Seafood Expo Global and Seafood Processing Global will take place 21-23 April 2015, at the Brussels Expo. For more information, visit www.seafoodexpo.com/global.
