VIGO GEARS UP FOR THE LARGEST INTERNATIONAL AQUACULTURE EVENT IN SPAIN

Vigo Gears Up for the Largest International Aquaculture Event in Spain: Aquafuture Spain 2025

The 3rd edition of Aquafuture Spain, the leading international exhibition for the aquaculture industry, is officially set to take place from May 20 to 22 at the IFEVI Exhibition Center in Vigo. The event was formally presented on April 22 at the Afundación Abanca headquarters, with representatives from various institutions and key industry stakeholders in attendance.

The presentation featured Patricia García, Director General of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Innovation; David Regades, Secretary of State for the Vigo Free Trade Zone; Luisa Sanchez, Vice President of the Pontevedra Provincial Council; Arsenio Prieto, Director of IFEVI; Javier Fraga, Director of Abanca Mar; and Juan Lijó, Director of Aquafuture Spain.

This year’s edition marks a significant leap in scale and international presence. A total of 210 companies from 26 countries are expected to participate—representing a 50% increase compared to the last edition. Particularly noteworthy is the debut of 12 Chinese companies, underscoring the growing global interest in the event.

Organizers anticipate over 8,000 visitors, more than tripling the attendance from the previous edition, thanks to a surge in invitation requests and heightened interest from both professionals and institutions.

The decision to switch to a biennial format and relocate to the IFEVI center in 2023 has proven to be a resounding success, solidifying Aquafuture Spain as Spain’s only aquaculture trade fair and the second largest in Europe. Backed by robust institutional support from the Xunta de Galicia, Vigo City Council, Pontevedra Provincial Council, Vigo Free Trade Zone, and Abanca, the event continues to grow as a strategic hub for innovation and collaboration in the sector.

Roundtables and Technical Program

Aquafuture Spain 2025 will offer an extensive program of technical workshops and roundtable discussions, bringing together 40 international speakers to tackle the most pressing topics in the industry.

Tuesday, May 20:

• 10:30 AM: Aquaculture: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow – An intergenerational dialogue on the evolution of aquaculture in Spain.
• 3:00 PM: Implementation of CSRD in the Aquaculture Industry – Navigating new sustainability regulations.
• 4:00 PM: Technology and AI in Marketing and Production – Exploring best practices in digital innovation.

Wednesday, May 21:

• 10:30 AM: Increasing Production for Sustainable Global Aquaculture
• 11:30 AM: Circular Innovation in Aquaculture
• 12:30 PM: Internationalization in the Aquaculture Sector
• 3:00 PM: Future Food Trends and Alternative Proteins
• 4:30 PM: Sustainable Supply of Bivalve Seed in Galicia (part of the ThinkInAzul Galicia Marine Sciences Program)

Innovation on Display

In addition to panels and workshops, the event will feature two presentation rooms where companies, institutions, and research centers will showcase new projects and technologies. Participating entities include Alex Group, Akva Group, IRTA, CIIMAR, Biomar, Grupo Eurored, Morenot, Kovalus, and Flatlantic, among others.

With cutting-edge discussions, international networking opportunities, and strong institutional support, Aquafuture Spain 2025 promises to be a landmark event in the global aquaculture calendar.