1,527 exhibitors lined up for Seafood Expo in Barcelona
The world’s biggest seafood trade fair, Seafood Expo Global / Seafood Processing Global, is close to equalling the record amount of floorspace sold at the last edition in 2019, despite a considerably reduced presence from China because of Covid quarantine rules there.
There will also be no companies from Russia or Belarus because of the invasion of Ukraine, said Liz Plizga, group vice president for the event’s American owner, Diversified Communications, during a press conference today.
However, countries such as the Czech Republic, the Falklands, Lebanon and French island Réunion, that were not represented in 2019 in Brussels, have confirmed their attendance at the new venue, the Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via exhibition grounds.
76 countries
Plizga said the 2022 event currently features over 39,545 m² of net exhibit space, which represents 97% of the size of the 2019 event, and space is still being sold.
The event will bring together more than 1,527 exhibiting companies from 76 countries and has 59 country and regional pavilions to date.
Chinese companies usually occupied 9-10% of the show floor, said Plizga, so without Covid this year’s event – which runs from April 26-28 – would already have been a record breaker.
Room for growth
Explaining the decision to move the event from Brussels after 27 years, the executive said Seafood Expo Global was outgrowing the Belgian city, which had limited venue space and accommodation options.
The Fira de Barcelona was modern and provided ample room for growth. The city also provided a good selection of restaurants for attendees, many of whom liked to eat well.
The global event will have an estimated economic impact of up to €100 million for Barcelona. “The exhibition will have a very positive impact on the local economy and will bring together industry players, seafood buyers and sellers for three days of networking, building business relationships, finding new products, and sharing discussions about emerging trends in the seafood sector. All in one place,” noted Plizga.
World hubs
Fira de Barcelona managing director Constantí Serrallonga said: “We are very excited to host the first edition in Barcelona of the largest event for the seafood industry, which further strengthens Barcelona and Fira as world hubs for international events.”
Seafood Expo Global / Seafood Processing Global will occupy halls 2, 3, 4 and 5 and the Galleria between halls 4 and 5 at the Gran Via exhibition grounds.
The Expo will feature a comprehensive conference programme with more than 20 educational sessions that will address the principal challenges faced by the seafood industry.
