Scottish salmon farmers poised to gain in Spain
Scottish salmon farmers are gearing up for a busy time in Barcelona this week where the first global seafood trade show since 2019 takes place from tomorrow until Thursday.
Seafood Expo Global (SEG), the world’s biggest seafood trade event, is being held at the Fira de Barcelona for the first time after moving from Brussels, where the previous 27 editions were held.
All of Scotland’s salmon farmers will be represented. Five will be within the Scotland Pavilion in Hall 2, while Cooke Aquaculture Scotland and Mowi Scotland will be represented on the stands on their parent companies.
Interest is high
“We’re really looking forward to SEG starting,” said Natalie Bell, head of trade marketing with Seafood Scotland.
“As the first event in Barcelona, and an ideal opportunity to bring together the Scottish seafood industry after the challenges of the last couple of years, everyone from the Seafood Scotland team and the attendees coming with us can’t wait to get out there and connect with both old and new contacts in the global seafood market.
“Judging by the number of meetings our producers already have in place, it’s clear that interest in engaging with Scottish seafood is high, and that, along with the fantastic array of dishes our chefs will be serving from the Scottish seafood bar, means we’re anticipating a great event. We look forward to seeing people at stand 2E601.”
Broad range
Sixteen companies, including salmon producers Scottish Sea Farms, the Scottish Salmon Company, Wester Ross Salmon, Loch Duart Salmon and SEG first-timer Organic Sea Harvest will be exhibiting within the Scotland Pavilion.
A further 11, including Cooke and Mowi, are taking their own stands in Halls 2, 3 and 4.
“Given how our sector was affected during the coronavirus pandemic, it’s hugely positive to see such a broad range of Scottish suppliers attending Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona,” said Bell.
“The seafood sector saw trade disappear overnight with the closure of food service outlets so it’s very encouraging to have such a broad range or producers represented at this event.”
Seafood Bar
Seafood Scotland will also be offering complimentary activities at its stand to both the producers who will be with it as well as other exhibitors on the pavilion, although these must be booked ahead. They include:
- The Scottish Seafood Bar will be open daily for complimentary lunches between 12 pm and 1 pm. It is essential to book in advance.
- Seafood on the go – pre-booked cold seafood dishes can be delivered to stands at 11.45 am each day.
- Product demonstrations at Seafood Scotland’s Chef’s Table – seafood products will be expertly cooked by the chef team in front of up to 10 of your invited guests. Bookings available between 2-4 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday and between 2-3 pm on Thursday.
€100m for Barcelona
This year’s Seafood Expo Global / Seafood Processing Global event has around 1,550 exhibiting companies from 76 countries and is expected to generate an economic impact of up to €100 million for Barcelona.
The event will host 59 national and regional pavilions, will occupy a total of 39,847 net square metres throughout halls 2, 3, 4 and 5, and the Galleria between halls 4 and 5.
Eagerness and need
Liz Plizga, group vice president of SEG organiser Diversified Communications, said: “We are very pleased with the interest that Seafood Expo Global / Seafood Processing Global has once again generated in the industry and the confidence that so many companies from all over the world have placed in us for this first year of the event in Barcelona.
“Exhibitors and visitors have been anticipating this event, in Barcelona, for a few years now. The impressive exhibit floor reflects the industry’s eagerness and need to return to in-person events and generate new business opportunities.”
Companies exhibiting for the first time include Norwegian salmonid farmer and processor Hofseth International AS, and fish handling equipment maker Optimar AS.
Excellence Awards
The Expo includes the Seafood Excellence Global Awards competition, which recognises the best seafood products of the year presented at the event.
The Scottish Salmon Company, owned by Faroese salmon farmer Bakkagfrost, has two products selected for the final of the Awards. The winners will be announced tomorrow evening.
Read more about Seafood Expo Global, and next week’s edition of Aquaculture UK in Aviemore, Scotland, in the current issue of Fish Farming Expert magazine, free to read online.
