Record number of visitors for world’s biggest seafood show
Seafood Expo Global, held in Barcelona this week, broke records for total attendance, exhibit space, and number of exhibiting companies, organiser Diversified Communications said today.
The world’s biggest seafood trade fair is estimated to have attracted more than 33,000 buyers and suppliers over its three-day duration from Tuesday to Thursday, 24% more than last year.
Seafood Expo Global, which encompasses wild-caught and farmed seafood and the processing sector, had 2,078 exhibiting companies from 87 different countries, 68 national and regional pavilions and an economic impact for the city estimated at €150 million.
With 49,339 net square metres of exhibit space – also 24% more than in 2022 - and 21% more than the previous largest event held in Brussels in 2019, this year’s edition was the largest in the Expo’s history.
A productive three days
“This has been a busy and productive three days filled with opportunities for decision makers in the seafood industry to gather and conduct business,” said Liz Plizga, president of Diversified Communications USA.
“The unprecedented number of visitors along with a record in exhibit space continue to position Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global as the must-attend global event in the industry.
“Exhibitors and visitors told us how pleased they were with the event’s exhibits and content, the venue and the city of Barcelona. The Expo is a valuable platform for the industry to do business on a global scale.”
Scottish steelhead trout farmer Kames, which is looking to expand its customer base ahead of an increase in production volume, was exhibiting for the first time, as was the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group. Both were part of the Scotland Pavilion organised by Seafood Scotland.
There were also 20-odd educational sessions presented by more 85 industry experts as part of an accompanying conference programme.
The next Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global will take place in Barcelona, from 23-25 April 2024, at the same venue, the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via.
