Aquaculture UK grows to accommodate new technology and services
Increase in number of exhibitors is one of several changes for Aviemore trade show
Fish farming trade show Aquaculture UK will have an extra 30 exhibitors when the next edition is staged in Aviemore on May 14-15, its organiser has said.
“We have increased the size of the show this year to reflect the growth of the sector as new technology and services enter the space,” said Cheri Arvonio, event director for show organiser Diversified Communications UK.
Among this year’s first-time exhibitors are marine engineering innovator AAE Technologies; ocean robotics experts RAD Propulsion; the recently integrated Agri-Tech Centres; and the University of Cambridge.
Also new are several national and regional delegations, including the Chile Aqua & Food Tech Cluster, the Canada Pavilion, and Killybegs Marine Cluster, while the Danish Pavilion returns. Some supplier companies from Chile – the world’s No.2 salmon farming country – made presentations during the 2022 edition of the biennial event but did not have a stand.
A sociable show
Local companies are also well represented, said Diversified, covering the spectrum of the supply chain, from feed to pharmaceuticals, and from biomass cameras to boats and barges.
Jamie Young, sales director at Gael Force Group, said: “We have always found Aquaculture UK to be a very sociable trade show. The whole occasion manages to strike a balance between relaxed atmosphere and an environment where attendees can get a better idea of the quality of our products.”
Ayrshire-based W&J Knox, building on 246 years of design, supply, and servicing of nets and Lift-Up systems, has enhanced its diverse range of ideas and products, working with main supplier Garware Technical Fibres and the technical teams at owner Selstad in Norway.
“Knox has recruited a strong team of engineers with a range of disciplines with the capability of making the life of our customers much easier,” said Knox managing director Finlay Oman. “Diversity and high capacity have always been key to our success, with the company continuously evolving.”
Innovation theatre
Aquaculture UK will also host an ‘innovation theatre’, designed to showcase the fast-changing technology driving the sector.
In a tent just outside the main exhibition hall, the theatre will feature 30-minute presentations, which are open to anyone with an innovative idea or invention to promote.
Companies lined up so far include RS Aqua; the University of Stirling; Global Underwater Hub; Vonin; Benchmark; Umitron; UKRI - Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council; Seneye; and Moredun Scientific.
There will also be breakfast briefings across the two days, from 8.30-9.30am, and a full conference programme, to be announced soon.
“As the countdown to May begins, excitement is building already for what promises to be a truly bumper show,” said Arvonio. “We can’t wait to open the doors to Aquaculture UK 2024 and welcome the aquaculture community to our biggest exhibition yet.”
