Seafood Expo North America to Set a Record Year

Diversified Communications, producer of Seafood Expo North America and Seafood Processing North America, has announced that this year’s edition is about to set records by being the largest in the show’s existence. In just a few days, the expo, formerly known as the International Boston Seafood Show/Seafood Processing America, will open its doors to thousands of seafood buyers, suppliers and processors looking to do business in North America’s growing market. The trade event is being held March 16-18, 2014 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. For its 33rd edition, the event is set to span more than 197,000 net square feet, breaking last year’s previous exhibit space record of 185,780 net square feet.  More than 1,090 exhibiting companies – an increase of more than 80 companies over2013 – come from 47 countries to showcase their seafood products, services or processing equipment. “For over three decades, the exposition has lured thousands of seafood buyers, processors and suppliers from around the world to meet face to face, do business, and make connections in Boston,” says Liz Plizga, show director for Diversified Communications.  “Seafood Expo North America is truly an international event. Reports indicate that just over 90 percent of seafood consumed in the U.S. is imported. This is reflected by this year’s expansion of international exhibitors including companies from Colombia, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Maldives, Myanmar and Portugal.” This increasing demand to do business in North America is met with the presence of high volume buyers looking for new products, ideas and technologies emerging into this market.  Companies represented at the event include Aramark, Au Bon Pain, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Captain D’s Seafood, Costco, Darden Restaurants, Delhaize America, Disneyland, Legal Seafoods, McDonald’s, Loblaw Companies, Metro AG, MGM, P.F. Changs, Red Lobster, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Shaw’s Supermarkets, Sodexo, Target, Walmart, Whole Foods Market and many more. “We are excited by the interest of companies who have signed up for the 2014 expo, especially in times when the economy in the U.S. has been slowly recovering” adds Plizga. “The participation of new and renewing companies is an indication of Seafood Expo North America’s strong influence in providing companies with unique opportunities to grow their business.” Every year, buying decisions are made during and immediately after the exposition.  In 2013, 80% of visitors were involved in or influenced purchasing decisions. The 2013 top reasons for them to attend is to meet with existing suppliers and find new suppliers. “With so many companies represented this year, buyers will have the opportunity to see and sample an assortment of the latest seafood-related products first hand,” says Plizga.