This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 3 2026.
Seafood Expo Global and Seafood Processing Global returned to Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue from 21 to 23 April 2026 at a moment when the European seafood sector is still adjusting to high costs, shifting supply routes, and cautious consumer demand.
Despite the current headwinds brought on by the latest war in the Middle East, the scale of Seafood Expo Global, according to organisers Diversified, was the largest in the event’s history. More than 52,980 net square metres of exhibit space, 2,300 exhibiting companies from 85 countries, and 65 national and regional pavilions. The economic benefit to Barcelona was estimated at more than €161m.
Impacts of Middle East war will take time to percolate into prices
The event took place against a mixed market background. EUMOFA’s 2025 EU Fish Market report shows that EU consumer spending on fishery and aquaculture products rose by 4% in 2024 to €62.8bn, although the increase reflected prices rather than stronger volumes. At-home consumption of fresh fish fell by 5% in 2024, continuing the downward trend in the largest consuming EU countries. EUMOFA also reported that the EU trade deficit in fishery and aquaculture products improved slightly in 2024, falling by 2%, as export value rose while import value declined. The war in the Middle East is already influencing the seafood market as energy costs climb, according to Gorjan Nikolik, senior global seafood specialist at Rabobank, while other impacts such as higher fertiliser costs will take time to reflect in prices. Airfreight is constrained by the high prices or downright lack of aircraft fuel plus the impact of rerouting to avoid combustible areas.
The show included a comprehensive conference programme. More than 90 experts led over 30 sessions, with contributions from FAO, WTO, WWF, EUMOFA, industry associations, and major seafood companies. Dr Nomi Prins’ keynote focused on trade disruption, economic pressure points, and the global outlook for seafood, while other sessions addressed EU market resilience, tariffs, supply chain compliance, and consumer behaviour. The inclusion of EUMOFA in the programme was particularly relevant, as the organisation’s data now informs many strategic decisions across the European seafood value chain. Innovation was the other clear theme. The new Aquaculture Innovation Zone brought attention to technology, fish health, welfare, and feed, with participants from Europe, Asia, and North America. Its launch was well timed. Aquaculture is increasingly expected to help stabilise supply, yet producers face pressure to improve performance while demonstrating environmental credibility. The zone allowed smaller technology providers to showcase their equipment and solutions to farmers, investors, and policymakers. Another event, Connecting Women in Seafood, was a forum to discuss the outsize role women play in parts of the fisheries sector where participants could network and exchange knowledge.
Convenience, nutrition, and sustainability are priorities
Product development also showed how suppliers are responding to the market. The Seafood Excellence Global Awards went to Vičiūnai Group for smoked herring slices and Frais Embal for a salmon roll designed for foodservice efficiency. The winners of the special awards recognising convenience, packaging, product-line development, and innovation suggested that seafood must be easy to prepare, clearly presented, and adaptable to modern retail and catering needs. The 2026 Barcelona fair showed that despite falling consumption in some countries, at a global level ever more people recognise seafood as healthful and relatively friendly for the environment. The huge variety of seafood on offer as well as the number of countries represented also reinforced Europe’s status as the world’s top destination for seafood exporters. The 33rd edition of the event will run from 20-22 April 2027. For more information visit https://www.seafoodexpo.com/global/.
Companies from Eurofish member countries were present in strength at SEG. Below follow brief profiles of some of them.
