Barcelona, Spain – April 28, 2022 – Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, the world’s largest seafood trade event, concluded with a successful three days in Barcelona, exceeding all expectations. Welcoming a total of 1,550 exhibiting companies from 76 different countries and representing an estimated economic impact up to €100 million for the city, Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global demonstrated its importance for the industry and the city. The Expo occupied 39,847 m2 of net exhibit space spread over four halls and the Galleria in Fira de Barcelona Gran Vía venue.
Diversified Communications estimated that more than 26,630 seafood buyers and suppliers from all around the globe attended the event, a notable figure. While the geopolitical situation in Russia and strict quarantine in China contributed to a decrease in the number of exhibiting staff at the event, buyers and other industry professionals visiting from all around the world surpassed 2019 figures.
The 28th edition of the Expo re-affirms its position as the world’s largest seafood trade event bringing back together suppliers and industry buyers from around the globe. During the three-day event, the aisles were packed with seafood, equipment and service professionals.
High-volume buyers from retail, foodservice and distribution who took part in the event’s Key Buyer program included: Aldi (Austria, UK, US, Ireland, Germany) Bidfood (Lithuania, Spain, Czechia, Italy, UK, Poland, Hong Kong, UAE, Australia, Netherlands, Slovakia), Carrefour (France, Belgium, Romania), Costco Wholesale (UK), Delhaize (Belgium), Food Lovers Market (South Africa), IKEA (Sweden), Hellofresh (Germany, Denmark, UK), Kesko (Finland), Lidl (Spain, UK), Makro (Spain, Portugal, Czechia), Mercadona (Spain), Metro (Turkey, France, Germany, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia), Sodexo (UK), Subway (UK), Sysco (France, Ireland, UK), The Cheesecake Factory (US) and Whole Foods Market (US).
“After two years without the event, it was a successful and productive debut in Barcelona. In a year challenged by geopolitical issues and COVID-19 restrictions, being able to host an event 98 percent the size of the largest edition ever held is a testimony that the industry was ready to get back together in person,” stated Liz Plizga, Diversified Communications’ Group Vice President. “Exhibitors and visitors have expressed their satisfaction with the exhibition space, its services and the city of Barcelona. And they also demonstrated the importance of participating in the event to present and source new products and generate new business opportunities.”
Collaborating with Barcelona’s food bank
Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global collaborated with Barcelona’s food bank, Banc dels Aliments, to collect seafood products donated by the exhibitors. This afternoon, more than 50 volunteers visited different stands to gather seafood products in a logistics device equipped with refrigerated vehicles for optimal transportation of food.
The latest product innovations and the future of the industry
The global expo showcased the latest developments and trends in the seafood industry, highlighting health, sustainability and the commitment to climate-friendly foods, easy-to-prepare and new flavors products. The event’s prestigious awards competition, Seafood Excellence Global Awards, recognized the best products represented at the Expo. Pescanova Spain and its Salmon Noodles was awarded Best Retail Product. GlobeXplore received the award for Best HORECA (hotel/restaurant/catering) Product for its Seaweed Spread – Yuzu and Ginger.
This year’s edition featured a comprehensive Conference Program, offering more than 20 educational sessions presented by more than 65 leading International industry experts. The conference addressed topics analyzing the main challenges faced by the seafood industry. Other topics included business prospects, aquaculture, innovative sustainability projects and initiatives dealing with climate change and its effects on the maritime ecosystem.
Next year’s edition of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global will take place in Barcelona, Spain, 25 – 27 April 2023 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via. Visit www.seafoodexpo.com/global for more information.
To download high resolution images here.
Caption. Lluís Fatjó-Vilas, President of Fundació Banc dels Aliments, and Liz Plizga, Vice President of Diversified Communications Group, Liz Plizga.
About Seafood Expo Global and Seafood Processing Global
Seafood Expo Global and Seafood Processing Global form the world’s largest seafood trade event. Thousands of buyers and suppliers from around the world attend the annual, three-day exposition to meet, network and conduct business. Attending buyers represent importers, exporters, wholesalers, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, and other retail and foodservice companies. Exhibiting suppliers offer the newest seafood products, processing and packaging equipment, and services available in the seafood market. SeafoodSource.com is the exposition’s official media. The exposition is produced by Diversified Communications, the international leader in seafood-industry expositions and media. www.seafoodexpo.com/global
About Diversified Communications
Diversified Communications is a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products Diversified Communications connects, educates and strengthens business communities in over 15 industries including: food and beverage, healthcare, natural and organic, business management and technology. 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 and SeafoodSource.com. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit: www.divcom.com
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