The 25th edition of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, which took place April 25-27 in Brussels, Belgium, set record-breaking results to make it the largest ever event in terms of both exhibit space and attendance numbers.
More than 28,500 buyers and suppliers came to the show, which featured 1,859 exhibiting companies from 79 countries, reported organizer Diversified Communications on June 12. The numbers are up from 1,664 companies and organizations showing their stuff last year, when attendance fell by approximately 17% to 22,160. The downturn was attributed largely to deadly terrorist attacks in Brussels less than a month before the expo opened, which prompted a number of companies and visitors to cancel their attendance.
But it was full speed ahead in Brussels this year.
“It is very impressive to see the exposition grow and to know that it brings the seafood community from nearly 79% of the countries represented in the world. Its continued growth shows the value of face-to-face meetings for buyers and suppliers doing business in the global seafood industry,” said Wynter Courmont, event director.
Cor Bal, sales director of Primstar BV, an Ambacht, Holland-headquartered frozen seafood specialist, said the exposition has been a pillar of its global exhibition strategy for decades. “The whole format suits us and is fully integrated in our commercial strategy year after year,” he said.
Seafood buyers shopping at the exhibition hailed from leading restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, catering services, import, export and distribution companies. A record contingent of 455 high-volume buyers participated in this year’s key buyer program.
“It’s an event 100% dedicated to fish and seafood and it brings the whole sector together once a year, where you can meet with current and potential clients and see other businesses, competitors and non-competitors alike,” said a category manager from Ahold Delhaize, one of the world’s largest food retail groups.
Next year’s Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global will be held on April 24-26 at the Brussels Expo. For more information, visit the organizer’s website: www.seafoodexpo.com/global.
