SEAFOOD SECTOR UNITES BEHIND NEW UK SEAFOOD FEDERATION

Seafood sector unites behind new UK Seafood Federation. Read Fish Focus’ latest publication focusing on seafood processing.

The UK’s seafood processing and trading industry has welcomed the formation of a new national body, the UK Seafood Federation (UKSF), launched to provide a unified voice and coordinated leadership for one of the country’s most significant and diverse food sectors.

Established earlier this year, UKSF brings together the Seafood Industry Alliance (SIA) and Seafood Grimsby & Humber Alliance Limited (SGHA), forming a single organisation to represent businesses of all sizes across the seafood processing and trading landscape.

Over the past few months, the federation has quickly established itself as a key industry platform, helping to focus energy and resources on the most pressing and impactful
issues. Its mission is clear: “to be the voice of the UK industry in making seafood a bigger part of the British diet for a healthier nation and planet.”

Strong Leadership and Strategic Focus

UKSF is chaired by Simon Smith, Vice-Chair of Sofina Foods (Europe) and former Chair of SGHA. The management team is led by Simon Dwyer as Chief Executive, with senior leadership support from Andrew Kuyk and Mike Short (formerly of SIA), as well as SGHA stalwarts Professor Val Braybrooks, Julie Waites, and Joanne Woodhouse.

The Federation has also joined the European Fish Processors Association (AIPCE), strengthening its international connections and industry influence.

UKSF’s strategy centres on several key pillars:

• Skills development
• Ethical and sustainable sourcing
• Industry integrity and reputation
• Smooth and efficient trade flows
• Communication and stakeholder engagement

Industry Reactions

Simon Smith, Chair of UKSF, commented:

“This is a milestone for the seafood processing and trading businesses across the UK. Sales to retail and food service exceed £8 billion annually—most of which is managed by UK businesses. The UKSF has a fully committed board, representative of the sector, and a delivery team with a proven track record from both SIA and SGHA.”

Mike Sheldon, Chair of the Seafish Industry Authority, added:

“The Seafish Executive team and colleagues look forward to working with UKSF and being an associate member of their board. Clearly, UKSF priorities shadow our Corporate Plan in
many ways, which is pleasing.”

Looking Ahead

The launch of the UK Seafood Federation marks a significant step in strengthening representation, promoting shared values, and ensuring a sustainable future for the industry.

The Federation now invites seafood processors, traders, and stakeholders to engage with this landmark initiative and contribute to a thriving UK seafood sector.

The UK Seafood Federation (UKSF) recently held a board meeting in Edinburgh, hosted by the Seafish Industry Authority. The meeting marked the formal welcome of Thistle Seafoods Limited, one of Europe’s largest family-owned seafood manufacturers as the Federation’s newest member.

In the spirit of fostering greater collaboration across the seafood value chain, The Fishmongers’ Company hosted an informal networking event for UKSF board members, alongside representatives from Seafood Scotland, the Scottish Seafood Association, and Fisheries Innovation & Sustainability (FIS). The gathering focused on shared priorities including innovation,
schools engagement, technological advancement, leadership development, and international trade.

Kara Brydson, Executive Director of Fisheries Innovation & Sustainability, commented:

“Our charity’s focus is primarily on fisheries, however it’s good to learn how UKSF and its partner, the University of Lincoln, are developing their strategic pillar of Industry Integrity and
Reputation. We have a common ambition to improve the sector’s innovation and prosperity.”

This event reflects the growing momentum behind UKSF’s mission to bring together key players from across the seafood sector to address collective challenges and opportunities
through strategic collaboration.

Tier 1 membership

• is full board member with voting rights within in our constitution
• attendance at main board meetings
• fully integrated into the UKSF decision making process
• representation on all industry sub-groups

Tier 2 membership

Seafood processing and trading businesses across the UK may choose to be less involved in the main board activity however, want representation on one of the UKSF sub-groups or attended the occasional board meeting.

Email: simondwyer@ukseafoodfederation.com
Web: www.ukseafoodfederation.co.uk