This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 1 2026.
Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global returns to Barcelona from 21 to 23 April 2026 at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue, bringing together seafood professionals from across the global supply chain.
One of the world’s largest and most diverse seafood trade events, Seafood Expo Global offers a unique opportunity for buyers, suppliers, processors, technology providers, and decision-makers to meet, compare offerings, and identify new business opportunities. This year’s event follows a strong 2025 edition and is expected to reflect an industry working through tighter scrutiny of sourcing and labour practices, shifting trade conditions, and rising expectations for efficiency and documentation.
Two exhibition spaces—one central seafood hub
Covering the entire seafood supply chain, Seafood Expo Global and Seafood Processing Global present a comprehensive hub for everything seafood related. Exhibitors at Seafood Expo will have the chance to showcase innovations in seafood spanning fresh, frozen, canned, value-added, processed and packaged products. Exhibitors at Seafood Processing will complement this, focusing on packaging materials and machinery, refrigeration and freezing equipment and supplies, primary and secondary processing equipment, and hygiene control, sanitation, and quality assurance services. The event attracts high-volume buyers from retail, food service, and distribution companies, making it a pivotal venue for international business, relationship-building, and identifying new market opportunities.
Aquaculture Innovation Zone
Recognizing the importance of the aquaculture industry for the future of global seafood supply, the 2026 edition will feature an Aquaculture Innovation Zone. In 2022, global aquaculture production overtook that of global fisheries for the first time. As this trend will only increase, the new dedicated area will highlight the industry´s growing focus on innovation, efficiency and sustainability. Seafood professionals will have the opportunity to explore companies at the forefront of aquaculture advancements, showcasing the technology and practical solutions designed to address some of the sector’s most pressing challenges. A rich conference programme will be kicked off by economist and geopolitical strategist Dr Nomi Prins who delivers the 2026 keynote address, providing an economic outlook titled “High Stakes, Shifting Tides: The Global Outlook on Seafood, Trade, Economic Pressure Points and Opportunities”.
Comprehensive programme of conferences
The programme will feature more than 20 educational sessions presented by top experts in the seafood industry. Attendees will gain practical, engaging, and informative insights on the most important and timely issues shaping today’s global seafood business environment. Despite consistent growth in global output, the sector´s success is accompanied by growing demand and challenges. Key sessions will explore solutions such as integrating automation and machine learning with sustainable blue food policies and strategies, as well as emerging market trends and product innovation. Other critical topics, including supply chain compliance, traceability, transparency, corporate due diligence, and seafood business and finance will be addressed in further sessions. The program will provide a comprehensive overview of the future of the industry by bridging the gap between technological innovation and sustainable stewardship.
Stiff competition for Seafood Excellence Global Awards
This year´s edition will once again host the annual Seafood Excellence Global Awards reception, honouring the best seafood products of the year. Two grand prizes will be awarded for the Best Retail Product and the Best Hotel/Restaurant/Catering product. Four special awards will be presented for innovation, convenience, retail packaging and seafood product line. All products submitted for the awards will be on display throughout the event in the Galleria. In addition, at a reception and networking event titled “Connecting Women in Seafood”, attendees will be provided with a space to connect and encouraged to share experiences and expand their professional network.
