By Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global
With over 52,980 net square meters of exhibit space, the 32nd edition brought together 2,290 exhibiting companies from 85 countries, offering seafood professionals a premier platform to connect in person, conduct business and discover the latest industry developments.
The next Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global will be held in Barcelona from 20-22 April 2027.
Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, the world’s largest and most diverse seafood trade event, concluded its 32nd edition with more than 35,500 seafood professionals in attendance. Over the course of three days, suppliers, buyers and industry stakeholders from around the globe gathered to exchange insights, explore innovations and address the key opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the sector.
This year’s edition represented the largest in the event’s history in terms of attendance and exhibit space with more than 2,290 exhibiting companies from 85 countries and 65 national and regional pavilions, covering more than 52,980 net square meters of exhibit space. Held at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Vía venue, the expo spanned halls 1 through 5, as well as the galleria between halls 4 and 5. The event is estimated to have generated an economic impact exceeding USD 188.22 million for the city.
The strong international presence underscored the global reach of the expo, with a diverse representation of countries including Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Greece, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Norway, Netherlands, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam and more. The event also welcomed delegation visits from around the world including the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Government of Catalonia; the Ministry of Fisheries Canada; the Icelandic Ministry of Industry and Innovation; the Ministry of Fisheries of Ireland; the Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Policy; the Consulate of South Korea in Las Palmas; the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; the United Kingdom’s Minister of Food Safety and more.
“The energy and high level of engagement across the exhibition floor at this year’s edition clearly highlighted the value of in-person connections for the industry as a whole,” said Wynter Courmont, Group Vice President, Seafood at Diversified. “Participants from across the value chain took advantage of the event to reinforce existing relationships, explore new business opportunities and stay ahead of the trends shaping the future of the seafood industry.”
Exhibitors at Seafood Expo Global presented a wide range of seafood products, including fresh, frozen, canned, value-added, processed and packaged offerings, highlighting innovation across all categories. Meanwhile,Seafood Processing Global brought together companies covering the full spectrum of processing solutions, from packaging materials and machinery to refrigeration systems, processing equipment, sanitation technologies, transport, logistics, quality control services and more.
High-volume buyers of seafood from retail, foodservice and distribution took part in this year’s Key Buyer program. Companies included Aeon Topvalu Co., Ltd. (Japan), Aldi (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, Spain), Aramark & Avendra International (Spain), Bidfood (Czech Republic, Hong Kong SAR, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom), Carnival UK (United Kingdom), Carrefour (France, Spain, Turkey), Elior (France, Italy, United Kingdom), Gategroup (Luxembourg, Spain), HelloFresh (Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom), Kura Sushi (United States), Lidl (Finland, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Spain), Mercadona (Spain), Metro (France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, Italy, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Turkey), Pomona PassionFroid (France), Sodexo (France, Italy, United Kingdom), Sysco (France, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Italy, United Kingdom), Viking Cruises (Andorra, Germany, Switzerland), Wonderfield Group (Spain, United Kingdom) and more.
Industry Trends, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange
The conference program offered seafood professionals a comprehensive look at the industry from every angle, spanning sustainable sourcing and supply chain transparency, responsible aquaculture and fisheries innovation, worker welfare and brand-driven business growth among others. Sessions ranged from expert discussions on responsible marine ingredient sourcing, ESG-driven innovation in blue food systems, meaningful worker engagement across seafood supply chains, how strategic branding and category creation are redefining commercial growth beyond commodities and more.
A highlight of the program was the keynote address, “High Stakes, Shifting Tides: The Global Outlook on Seafood, Trade, Economic Pressure Points and Opportunities,” delivered by Dr. Nomi Prins, economist and geopolitical strategist. Her presentation provided a forward-looking analysis of the economic forces influencing the global seafood market and how companies can capitalize on new trade paths and product diversification to meet robust demand in 2026.
A major new feature of this year’s edition was the of the Aquaculture Innovation Zone, a dedicated space focused on the future of aquaculture. The zone included an Innovation Theater with product pitches, programming and networking opportunities. The new area brought together companies, startups and researchers working on solutions in areas such as fish health, water quality monitoring, AI-driven analytics and sustainable production systems.
Awards, Networking and Event Highlights
The Seafood Excellence Global Awards celebrated the best products represented at the expo, with 35 finalists from 16 countries. Vičiūnai Group (Lithuania) and Frais Embal (France) received the top distinctions. Vičiūnai Group was awarded Best Retail Product for Smoked Herring Slices – Natural Flavor, while Frais Embal earned Best HORECA Product for its Salmon Roll.
The networking events “Connecting Women in Seafood” and “Aquaculture Meet-Up” brought together professionals from across the sector to exchange experiences, foster inclusion and build stronger industry connections.
Among the event highlights was the culinary demonstration “The Mediterranean Sea, Our Pantry,” led by Michelin-starred Barcelona chef Albert Raurich, who presented a unique fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese culinary techniques.
Attendees also enjoyed the lively oyster shucking competition, as well as daily product showcases and tastings, including the Seafood Excellence Global Awards display.
In line with its commitment to sustainability and community support, Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global partnered with el Banc dels Aliments (the Barcelona Food Bank) to collect seafood donations from exhibitors.
Looking ahead, the next Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global will take place in Barcelona from 20-22 April 2027, at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Vía venue. For further information visit www.seafoodexpo.com/global.
About Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global
Seafood Expo Global and Seafood Processing Global make up the world’s largest seafood trade show. Thousands of buyers and sellers from around the world attend the three-day annual event to meet, connect, and do business. Buyers include importers, exporters, wholesalers, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, and other companies in the retail and foodservice sectors. Exhibitors showcase the latest innovations in seafood products, processing and packaging machinery, and services for the seafood industry. SeafoodSource.com is the official media of the event. The organizer is Diversified, the international leader in seafood events and media. www.seafoodexpo.com/global
About Diversified
Diversified is a global B2B events and media company that strengthens business communities by fostering a space, in person and online, for professionals and businesses to connect and grow. The company serves as a trusted partner across several industries including active lifestyle, business management, clean energy, commercial marine, healthcare, seafood, technology and more. The company’s global seafood portfolio of expositions and media includes Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America, Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia and SeafoodSource.com. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, the global company has divisions and offices around the world in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Diversified is a third-generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit: www.divcom.com.
