Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global organizer Diversified said the 31st edition of the event is continuing to gain momentum.
The event, taking place from 6 to 8 May at the Fira de Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain, is currently set to occupy 51,024 net square meters of exhibit space and is “still growing,” Diversified said. [Editor’s note: Diversified also owns and operates SeafoodSource.]
"The expo continues to build momentum, which demonstrates the importance of having a face-to-face event at a global level and the value it provides the seafood industry as a space to expand business partnerships, explore opportunities and address challenges,” Diversified Vice President, Seafood Wynter Courmont said.
Diversified said the estimated economic impact of the show is more than EUR 156 million (USD 170 million) and will comprise more than 2,041 exhibiting companies from 84 countries, with 65 national and regional pavilions.
The event also features new participation from countries and regions including Albania, Egypt, Georgia, Greenland, Malta, Nigeria, and Réunion, all of which which Diversified said join an expanding list of countries including Belgium, Canada, Chile, Japan, Vietnam, and more.
New national and regional pavilions include the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil), the Japanese Federation of Soy Sauce Manufacturing Cooperatives, Pro Ecuador, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, and the Valencian Institute for Business Competitiveness (IVACE).
“Along with the significant and growing international participation of exhibiting companies, this year’s edition will promote industry growth by providing in-depth insights and key takeaways for companies during the conference program and through knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities on the event floor,” Courmont said.
During a press conference about the event, Courmont said Seafood Expo Global is a valuable resource for companies amid an uncertain economic landscape.
"Platforms like Seafood Expo Global really give an opportunity to bring the global stakeholders together to be able to discuss these challenges that they're facing and come to solution," she said.
She also said that keynote speaker Xavier Sala-i-Martin would address tariffs and other global economic challenges in his talk.
Fira de Barcelona Business Director Rubén Dalmau said the event is “already one of the biggest international events on the Fira calendar.”
“The event continues to grow as an international meeting point for the seafood industry, and at Fira, we work hard year after year to contribute toward its success, providing a world-class venue and services in an iconic setting – the city of Barcelona,” Dalmau said.
Companies attending Seafood Expo Global include AquaChile, Balfegó & Balfegó, Cermaq Norway, Cooke, Denholm Seafoods Ltd, Frime, S.A.U., Gelazur, Godaco Seafood JCS, Grupo Profand SLU, Hofseth International, Iberconsa, Iceland Seafood International, Lerøy Seafood Group ASA, Mercamadrid, Mowi ASA, Pescanova, Nordic Seafood A/S, Ocean Treasure World Foods Limited, Parlevliet & van der Plas Bv, Phillips Foods Inc, Regal Springs AG, Royal Greenland A/S, Salmar AS, Seafood Connection Bv, Sea Harvest Corporation (Pty) Ltd, Sea Pride LLC, Viciunai Group, Vinh Hoan Corporation, Worldwide Fishing Company SL, Unima, and Zalmhuys Group.
Seafood Processing Global will also feature a range of companies, including AKVA Group, BAADER, Cocci Luciano, Delanchy, CMA CGM, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Lineage, Maersk, Marel, MMC First Process, MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KG, Saeplast, and Ulma Packaging. Other participants presenting their innovative technologies are Fishtek Marine, Ace Aquatech, and Stingray Marine Solutions AS.
A conference program will run alongside Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, and the keynote address will be presented by Martin, professor of economics at Columbia University. In his address titled “A New Uncertain World,” Sala-i-Martin will discuss navigating the new economic uncertainties the global seafood industry and the world at large face.
Also running alongside Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global is the Seafood Excellence Global Awards, recognizing the best seafood products presented during the event.
“The winners will be chosen from the list of finalists, and two top prizes will be awarded to the Best Retail Product and the Best Hotel/Restaurant/Catering (HORECA) Product,” Diversified said. “Another four special prizes will be awarded for innovation, convenience, retail packaging, and the best line of seafood products.”
