Diversified Communications, organizer of Seafood Expo North America and Seafood Processing North America, announced that the 35th edition of the exposition had record-breaking attendance with over 20,680 seafood buyers, sellers and producers participating in the three-day event, held March 15-17 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The exhibit hall, which featured 220,130 square feet of display space, was filled with 1,204 exhibiting companies from 51 countries — surpassing last year’s record of occupied space by 22,700 square feet. New and expanded country participation included stands from Brazil, Canada, Senegal, Morocco, China, Ecuador and Spain.
“This is the first time that a Brazilian Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture came to an international expo,” said first time exhibitor, Emerson Raiol, head of international service for Brazil’s Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “Mr. Helder Barbalho was very pleased to see the significant representation of Brazil at the exposition, and is considering expanding the Brazilian presence next year.”
“This year’s exposition was by far the largest edition in the event’s history in terms of exhibit space and participation, reflecting the importance of doing business in the North American market,” said Liz Plizga, Diversified Communications’ seafood group vice president. “This has been an incredible year and feedback from exhibitors has been positive.”
“Being at the show gave us excellent exposure to the right people and high quality leads. We’re expecting to receive many calls after the expo as a result,” stated Christa Svensson of Bornstein Seafoods.
In addition to the exhibits, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a series of special events, including a conference program on the most relevant topics in the seafood industry, culinary demonstrations by renowned Chefs and networking opportunities.
Winners of the 2015 Seafood Excellence Awards, which recognizes product leaders in the North American seafood market, were announced during a live judging by a panel of seafood buyers and experts from the retail and foodservice industries. Yihe Corporation won the “Best New Retail” award for its Alaskan Jack’s line of wild-caught salmon fillets, and High Liner Foods received the “Best New Foodservice” award for its Pulled BBQ Salmon, as previously reported by FrozenFoodsBiz.com.
“Seafood Expo North America was a great opportunity for Absolutely Lobster to launch its new products. We definitely reached our goals and created new connections,” said Nickie Boston, director of brand marketing for the company, which was Seafood Excellence Awards finalist.
The 36th edition of Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America will take place March 6-8, 2016 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
