The organizers of AlgaEurope 2026, the European Algae Biomass Association (EABA) and DLG Markets Benelux, just announced China as the first-ever Partner Country of AlgaEurope, marking the launch of a new annual initiative that will spotlight one partner country each year. AlgaEurope 2026 will take place in Malta from 8 to 11 December 2026 and is expected to welcome a strong international delegation, with China playing a central role as Partner Country.
According to the organization, China has been selected as the inaugural Partner Country for AlgaEurope 2026 for several key reasons: global leadership in algae production; the Asian country is the world’s largest producer of algae biomass, leading global seaweed and microalgae aquaculture and hosting a rapidly growing algae sector serving food, feed, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and industrial applications.
Finally, a strong alignment with AlgaEurope’s international vision China’s participation reinforces the position of the exhibition as a truly international platform, connecting European and global stakeholders across the algae value chain.
“We are very pleased to see China selected as the first Partner Country of AlgaEurope,” said Fengzheng Gao, Vice President Microalgae Branch of the China Algae Industry Association. “This partnership reflects China’s openness to international collaboration and our shared commitment to advancing algae technologies, sustainability, and industrial innovation together with European partners,” he added.
Global Nature of the Algae Sector
Starting in 2026, AlgaEurope will introduce a Partner Country program to strengthen international collaboration, deepen global industry engagement, and provide a structured platform for long-term cooperation between Europe and leading algae nations worldwide. This initiative reflects the increasingly global nature of the algae sector and AlgaEurope’s ambition to remain at the forefront of international dialogue between science, industry, and policy.
Carlos Unamunzaga, President of EABA, commented in that sense: “For years AlgaEurope has been one of the most global and comprehensive conferences on science, technology, and business in the algae biomass sector, organized by industry professionals. With the introduction of the Partner Country program and China as our first partner, we are taking a decisive step toward strengthening AlgaEurope’s global impact and long-term international cooperation.”
Tangible Opportunities
The Partner Country focus on China will offer participants enhanced access to Chinese expertise, technologies, market insights, and industrial perspectives. This creates tangible opportunities for new collaborations, business development, research partnerships, and a deeper understanding of one of the world’s most influential algae markets.
AlgaEurope’s organization assured that there is strong mutual interest in technology transfer, joint R&D, investment, industrial partnerships, and the harmonization of standards and sustainability practices. The Partner Country framework provides a structured pathway to turn this interest into concrete cooperation.
A Pivotal Event
The China Algae Industry Association will serve as the official Partner for AlgaEurope 2026. “Both organizations are excited to grow this partnership beyond the conference itself and to build a long-term collaborative relationship for the future,” they said in a press release.
AlgaEurope 2026 promises to be a pivotal event in the algae biomass industry, driving progress and innovation forward. For more information about the conference, registration details and updates, it is possible to visit www.algaeurope.org.
Strong International Participation and Important Discussions
AlgaEurope 2025 successfully concluded after four days of dynamic scientific exchange and industry collaboration. Held from 9 – 12 December 2025 in Riga, Latvia, the event welcomed 382 delegates from 38 countries and 236 organizations, reflecting sustained global engagement from the algae community.
Jointly organized by the EABA and DLG Benelux, the conference continued to build on its reputation as a pivotal gathering for experts across science, technology, and industry. “AlgaEurope remains a cornerstone event for our global algae community. Each year, it brings together the people and ideas that push our sector forward, driving innovation and real-world impact,” stated Unamunzaga.
