The 31st edition of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global will present a conference program featuring over 20 sessions led by more than 80 international seafood and industry experts. Taking place from 6-8 May at the Gran VÃa venue of Fira de Barcelona, the event’s program will focus on sustainability, aquaculture, business and marketing strategies, cutting-edge innovations and more, providing attendees with actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies to address today’s opportunities and challenges in the global seafood market.
This year’s program will cover industry issues like decarbonisation, sustainable packaging and aquaculture developments. Panelists from leading organizations, including Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and WWF will explore solutions for improving sustainable practices in fish farming and navigating the complexities of traceability in global seafood supply chains. Participating companies, like BAADER and JBT Marel, will analyze the business side and present the latest trends in processing.
A conference session titled, “From Data to Decision: Unveiling FAO’s Updated Methodology for Fish Stock Status,†happening on Wednesday (7 May), will feature panelists from the FAO and the World Trade Organization (WTO) to discuss the new FAO methodology for fish stock assessment and its impact on sustainable fisheries management, incorporating advanced scientific techniques and traditional practices to evaluate fish populations.
Focus on Consumer Trends and Market Evolution
“The Power of Influencer Marketing†is a conference session included in the first day of the event (Tuesday, 6 May). The session will focus on GAPP’s (Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers) successful use of social-media influencers to raise awareness and drive sales of Wild Alaska Pollock, showcasing the potential for similar strategies in the seafood industry to boost consumption.
The panel “Seafood Marketing for Modern Consumers†will examine how seafood brands can adapt to evolving consumer trends, emphasizing the growing importance of sustainability, health and ethical sourcing. The session will go over how digital platforms and data analytics are reshaping marketing strategies, as well as how brands can engage younger generations with targeted, experience-driven campaigns that prioritize convenience and wellness.
A session titled, “The Impact of Oysters Sommeliers and Specialists: Lessons for the Live Shellfish Industry†(Wednesday, 7 May), will analyze how experiential trends, professional certification and education can elevate the entire live shellfish sector. Industry experts, such as Julie Qiu of Oyster Master Guild, will delve into how the principles of merroir, sustainability and craftsmanship —already transforming oyster consumption— can be applied more broadly to enhance consumer engagement, drive sales and establish premium positioning in the marketplace.
Driving sustainability and innovation: Tackling climate impact, deforestation-free supply chains and retail expertise
Sustainability remains a key focus at Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global each year. The Wednesday (7 May) panel, “Sustainability in Aquafeed: Aligning Supply Chains with EU Requirements” will assess the regulation’s impact on aquaculture supply chains, how companies are ensuring compliance and the role of certification in meeting transparency and reporting requirements.
With the participation of Ray Hilborn, Professor at the University of Washington, “Seafood in a Changing Climate: Causes, Consequences, and Mitigations†on Wednesday (7 May) will explore the growing pressures on marine environments amid rising global seafood demand. Experts will examine the winners and losers of climate change, the impact of ocean deoxygenation and shifts in global seafood production. The session will also address fishing’s contribution to carbon emissions, the role of alternative energy in the industry and strategies for protecting carbon stores.
On Thursday (9 May), “Seafood Mongers 101†will bring together experienced retail seafood leaders to unpack the continuous development of skilled fishmongers, highlighting the need for expertise in fish biology, responsible sourcing, seafood handling and customer engagement. Panelists will share best practices for recruiting, training and mentoring top-tier seafood specialists while showcasing successful retail programs from around the world. This session will provide attendees with practical strategies to build knowledgeable and customer-focused seafood teams in an evolving market.
The 31st edition will feature exhibitors from 79 countries
Diversified, organizer of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, the largest and most diverse seafood trade event in the world, recently announced news about its 31st edition. The Expo will welcome industry leading seafood companies from more than 79 countries and still growing, with 63 national and regional pavilions. This is the world’s largest and most diverse event of seafood products, seafood processing equipment and services. This year’s edition will feature over 50,900 net
square meters of exhibit space, a number that continues to grow.
