International Seafood Expo Deemed a Success

Diversified Communications announced a strong performance for its 22nd edition of Seafood Expo Global and 16th edition of Seafood Processing Global. The exposition, which took place last month at the BRUSSELS EXPO in Belgium, attracted thousands of decision makers from around the globe and across the seafood industry to the city of Brussels for three days of business and networking opportunities. Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global outperformed 2013 by occupying more than 35,000 square meters of combined exhibit space. The annual event welcomed more than 25,840 buyers and sellers in total, including visitors from 150 countries; 1,721 exhibiting companies from 77 countries displayed their seafood products, equipment and services; and 75 countries were represented in national and regional pavilions, including new representation from Japan and Libya. “We are thrilled to see the exposition grow and expand over the years. This year alone, exhibits increased more than 1,160 square meters and we’ve seen an impressive nine-percent increase in visitor attendance over last year,” said Liz Plizga, show director for Diversified. “The continued growth shows that meeting face-to-face matters to the seafood community, and that Brussels remains a central location for doing business in the global seafood industry.” Formerly known as the European Seafood Exposition and Seafood Processing Europe, the event provided an opportunity for both buyers and sellers to conduct business, network and discover the latest and most innovative trends in the global seafood industry. “Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global is the best place in the industry to promote our company and products, bring awareness, sign up new customers and close deals,” said Pedro Lopez-Sors Alonso, general manager, marketing & corporate communication, National Aquaculture Group.  The company has been exhibiting at the event for seven years. The exposition also partners with VISITBRUSSELS to enhance visitors and exhibitors’ experience in the city by offering a series of special services such as a shared taxi program, hotel discounts and concierge service. “The exposition has been located in Brussels for many years,” said Mary Larkin, vice president for Diversified. “We make it a priority to work in partnership with the city to ensure that the thousands of international seafood professionals coming to Brussels for the event have the best positive experience and want to keep coming back to do business.” Innovation and new product development were of great importance at this year’s event.  This was emphasized at the 14th anniversary of the prestigious Seafood Prix d’Elite New Product Competition that recognized innovative seafood companies with special awards in several categories including the best new foodservice and best new retail products.  Kermarée of Blainville-sur-Mer, France took the top award for Best New Retail with its entry, Coffret Plateau de Fruits de Mer. In the foodservice category, the top prize was given to Vilsund Blue of Nykøbing, Denmark for its product, Mussel Powder.  A complete list of Seafood Prix d’Elite winners is available online. Next year’s Seafood Expo Global and Seafood Processing Global will take place 21-23 April 2015, at the BRUSSELS EXPO in Brussels, Belgium.