Coronavirus pandemic concerns have canceled the 2021 inaugural Seafood Expo Global event in Spain for the second time. Initially slated to run from April 26-28, then rescheduled for September 7-9 at Fira de Barcelona, organizers announced on May 26 that it will not take place this year.
“Keeping our customers’ best interest in mind is our top priority. After evaluation of suppliers and buyers’ concerns around the continued uncertainties caused by the ongoing Covid-19 situation worldwide, it became evident that 2021 would still be too soon to host an international event that would provide the global experience the seafood community would find valuable,” said Liz Plizga, group vice president of Portland, Maine-headquartered Diversified Communications. “The 28th edition of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global will now take place April 26-28, 2022.”
The show, promoted as world’s largest and most diverse seafood trade event, typically brings together in excess of 29,000 industry professionals from around the globe. More than 158 countries are represented at the event and each country’s complex Covid-19 regulations and governmental restrictions make it impossible to hold a large-scale global event in September 2021.
“We are committed to Barcelona and will continue working with Fira de Barcelona and the city to host a valuable in-person event at the Gran Via venue in 2022,” said Wynter Courmont, event director. “We have received strong participation interest from all sectors of the global seafood industry and look forward to having the most successful first edition in the beautiful city of Barcelona, Spain.”
“We understand the need for our customers to meet with industry buyers during these challenging times. Until we can meet again face to face in Barcelona, we will be looking at online event opportunities to connect suppliers and buyers and keep the seafood community informed on the latest topics in the industry,” added Plizga.
More information is available by contacting the organizer at info-global@seafoodexpo.com, or visiting www.seafoodexpo.com/global for additional information.