SEAFOOD EXPO GLOBAL/SEAFOOD PROCESSING GLOBAL SETS NEW RECORD

Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global sets new record ahead of its 32nd edition in Barcelona. The expo will take place in Barcelona, from 21 to 23 April, occupying more than 52,950 net square meters of exhibition space, a figure that is still growing.

Companies across the seafood supply chain and from around the world will showcase their latest innovations to international buyers. The event is estimated to generate an economic benefit of more than €161 million to the city.

The conference programme will feature a keynote address by economist and geopolitical strategist Dr. Nomi Prins and will bring together more than 90 international seafood and industry experts.

Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, organised by Diversified, announces its largest edition in the history of the event with more than 52,950 net square meters of exhibit space and still growing. Taking place from 21 to 23 April at the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona, the expo is expected to welcome more than 2,300 exhibiting companies from 86 countries and 65 national and regional pavilions, bringing together seafood professionals from across the global supply chain.

“As company participation reaches record levels and continues to grow, the scale and diversity of this edition reflects the growing global appetite for innovation and collaboration across the supply chain,” said Wynter Courmont, Group Vice President, Seafood at Diversified. “With the debut of the Aquaculture Innovation Zone, we are creating a dedicated space for companies, investors, and policymakers to engage with the ideas and technologies that will define the future of seafood. We look forward to welcoming the world to Barcelona for an impactful event.”

The international presence confirmed for this edition highlights the event’s global reach, with new national and regional pavilions including Bulgaria, Mexico, Oman, Uruguay and Venezuela joining returning countries such as 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.

Fira de Barcelona General Manager, Constantí Serrallonga, stated that:

“Their five years at Fira demonstrate how a leading international event like Seafood Expo Global finds the perfect environment at our venue to grow and enhance its reach and development. It is an example of how mutual trust, collaborative work, and a shared commitment to excellence multiply the show’s opportunities and strengthen the bonds and legacy within the host city and the entire food industry ecosystem.”

A global platform for the seafood industry

Halls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and the Galleria (between halls 4 and 5) of the Gran Vía venue will showcase the latest innovations in seafood products, manufacturing and processing technology. Buyers from around the world, including retailers, foodservice companies, distributors and importers come to the Expo to source seafood products (fresh, frozen, canned, value-added, processed and packaged) from suppliers highlighted in Seafood Expo Global.

Leading seafood companies include AquaChile, Balfegó & Balfegó SL, Cermaq Norway AS, Cooke, Escal SA, Frime, Iceland Seafood International, Kyokuyo Co., Ltd, Leroy Seafood Group ASA, Mowi ASA, Multi X, Nordic Seafood A/S, Nueva Pescanova, Parlevliet & Van der Plas B.V., Ricardo Fuentes e Hijos, Royal Greenland A/S, SalMar AS, Samherji hf, Sea Harvest Seafood, Umios, Unima, and Viciunai Group, among others.

Seafood Processing Global, in halls 1 and 3, will feature processing equipment, refrigeration and freezing, packaging materials and machinery, aquaculture supplies, hygiene control, sanitation and quality, transport and logistics services. Companies include Baader, CMA CGM, JBT Marel, Multivac, ULMA Packaging, Delanchy, DP World, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Cocci Luciano and more.

Debut of the Aquaculture Innovation Zone

A key highlight of the 2026 edition is the launch of the Aquaculture Innovation Zone, a dedicated platform designed for first-time exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge aquaculture solutions.

This new space will bring together suppliers, start-ups and researchers presenting breakthrough innovations in areas such as farm management and monitoring, animal health and welfare, and sustainable feed. It will connect companies at the forefront of aquaculture technology, software and equipment with a highly targeted global audience, including hatchery professionals, investors and policymakers.

Confirmed participants include AquaBioTech Group (Malta), Bioceanor (France), Nōka AI (USA), LiceDefence AS (Norway) and Sagar Aquaculture (India), Sagare Smart Innovation (Spain), Octona (Croatia) and Qingdao Hishing Smart Equipment Co., Ltd. (China).

In addition, the zone will spotlight an Innovation Theatre, hosting product presentations and expert insights. To foster collaboration and knowledge exchange across the sector, a dedicated aquaculture meet-up open to all attendees will take place on the first day of the event.

Conference programme: insights from global industry leaders

The 2026 Conference Programme will bring together more than 90 international seafood and industry experts across over 30 educational sessions, offering practical insights into the trends shaping the global seafood industry.

Speakers will include representatives from leading organizations such as the FAO, WTO and WWF, as well as executives from major seafood companies and industry associations.

A keynote address will take place on the first day of the event by economist and geopolitical strategist Dr. Nomi Prins titled, “High Stakes, Shifting Tides: The Global Outlook on Seafood, Trade, Economic Pressure Points and Opportunities.” Dr. Prins will provide attendees with a forward-looking economic outlook for the global seafood industry, addressing key macroeconomic forces, trade dynamics and emerging risks impacting the sector.

Across the three-day program, sessions will explore topics including aquaculture development, sustainability, supply chain transparency, emerging markets, consumer trends and technological innovation, offering a comprehensive view of the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.

The Seafood Excellence Global Awards, the event’s prestigious annual award competition, will recognise the best seafood products represented at the Expo and highlight the latest trends in the sector. The winners will be chosen from the list of finalists with two top prizes awarded to the Best Retail Product and the Best Hotel/Restaurant/Catering (HORECA) Product. Another four special prizes will be given for innovation, convenience, retail packaging and the best line of seafood products.

For more information on Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global and to register: www.seafoodexpo.com/global.

Image: Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global