Organisers of the 28th Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global – held this week for the first time in its new home in Brussels, estimate a total of more than 26,630 seafood professionals attending the event – a number comparable to the 2019 event.
Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, the world’s largest seafood trade event, concluded a successful three days in Barcelona, exceeding all expectations. Welcoming a total of 1550 exhibiting companies from 76 different countries and bringing an estimated €100 million to the city, Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global demonstrated its importance for the industry and the city.
While the geopolitical situation in Russia and strict quarantine in China contributed to a decrease in the number of exhibiting staff at the event, buyers and other industry professionals visiting from all around the world surpassed 2019 figures.
This 28th Expo re-affirms its position as the world’s largest seafood trade event bringing back together suppliers and industry buyers from around the globe. During the three-day event, the aisles were packed with seafood, equipment and service professionals.
‘After two years without the event, it was a successful and productive debut in Barcelona. In a year challenged by geopolitical issues and Covid-19 restrictions, being able to host an event 98% the size of the largest ever held is a testimony that the industry was ready to get back together in person,’ stated Liz Plizga, Diversified Communications’ Group Vice President.
‘Exhibitors and visitors have expressed their satisfaction with the exhibition space, its services and the city of Barcelona. And they also demonstrated the importance of participating in the event to present and source new products and generate new business opportunities.’
Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global collaborated with Barcelona’s food bank, Banc dels Aliments, to collect seafood products donated by the exhibitors. More than 50 volunteers visited different stands to gather seafood products in a logistics device equipped with refrigerated vehicles for optimal transportation of food.
The global expo showcased the latest developments and trends in the seafood industry, highlighting health, sustainability and the commitment to climate-friendly foods, easy-to-prepare and new flavours products. The event’s prestigious awards competition, Seafood Excellence Global Awards, recognized the best products represented at the Expo. Pescanova Spain and its Salmon Noodles was awarded Best Retail Product. GlobeXplore received the award for Best HORECA (hotel/restaurant/catering) Product for its Seaweed Spread – Yuzu and Ginger.
This year’s edition featured a comprehensive Conference Programme, offering more than 20 educational sessions presented by more than 65 leading International industry experts. The conference addressed topics analysing the main challenges faced by the seafood industry. Other topics included business prospects, aquaculture, innovative sustainability projects and initiatives dealing with climate change and its effects on the maritime ecosystem.
Next year’s Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global will take place in Barcelona, Spain, 25–27th April 2023 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via.
