£1.5 million in new funding for British seafood has been announced at the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona.
The announcement was made by UK Minister for Fisheries Angela Eagle, as she visited the exhibition to connect with UK exhibitors and hear directly about their priorities for how government can help remove barriers that can otherwise prevent British seafood from reaching international customers.
Funded through the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, the £1.5 million‑a‑year package aims to help established UK seafood exporters expand their presence in new markets while giving smaller firms the confidence to start exporting.
The package aims to deliver practical, hands‑on support for businesses, including expert advice on market access, export requirements and buyer connections, helping businesses build confidence when exporting.
‘Our renewed Seafood Exports Package is about giving our businesses the tools they need to compete and win on the global stage,’ the minister said.
‘From providing practical, in‑market expertise to cutting through red tape, this £1.5 million annual investment will support exporters of all sizes to grow, reach new customers and showcase the quality, heritage and sustainability of Great British seafood worldwide.’
Alongside this investment, the government is working closely with industry to ensure exporters can take full advantage of the SPS agreement, which will further support trade with the UK’s largest seafood export market, the European Union. By cutting red tape and reducing the need for routine border checks, the agreement will save businesses time and money, helping UK seafood businesses compete internationally.
‘We are pleased to be exhibiting under the UK Pavilion as it enables us to showcase British species to a wider audience,’ said Victoria Townsend, commercial director at Ocean Fish Group.
‘We already have established sales in Europe – Italy for scallops, hake, and monk into France and most recently octopus into Spain and Italy. We are now looking to strengthen the interest in British species further afield and establish ourselves in new markets.’
Seafood Expo Global provides an essential platform, connecting worldwide buyers with innovative companies that are export ready. Seafish has partnered with Defra and other UK government departments to facilitate and host companies from all four nations of the United Kingdom on the UK pavilion at SEG.
‘UK fish and shellfish is recognised globally for its short, transparent and traceable supply chains, alongside rigorous food safety and welfare standards enforced at every stage of production. Many UK businesses also go beyond statutory requirements, holding internationally recognised voluntary accreditations that set them apart on the global stage,’ commented Seafish chief executive Colin Faulkner.
