Knowledge exchange and promotion of capabilities
This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 1 2025.
Representatives from the Polish fisheries industry attended various national and international events during 2024. Some of these were intended to promote products, skills, and services that the sector has honed over the years, while others were of a more technical nature. A brief overview of three of them is presented here.
Data collection for fisheries management purposes in 2022-2024
At the end of the strategic operation, data collection for fisheries management purposes in 2022-2024 financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, on 30 December 2024, an information and promotional event was held in the National Marine Fisheries Research Institute’s Gdynia Aquarium building. During the event, institute experts presented the assumptions behind the strategic operation, the actions taken, and the results. During the official part, interested parties could learn about European Funds from the perspective of the managing institution (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) and the paying agency (Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture), the scope and importance of the multiannual programme for the collection of fisheries data, as well as the collection of data on diadromous fish, including socio-economic data related to sea fishing, fish processing, and aquaculture. After listening to the speakers and the discussion, there was a tour of the aquarium. The event attracted many residents of the region, with over 600 people visiting the aquarium that day.
Polish and international fish industry well represented at POLFISH 2024
From 11 to 13 September 2024, the Amberexpo Congress and Exhibition Center in Gdańsk, Poland was a hub for the exchange of knowledge and experience among representatives of the domestic and international fish and food industries. The event gathered some 2,000 participants attending either as exhibitors or visitors. Among the participants were leading Polish producers and importers of fish, seafood, and fish products. Representatives of the packaging, machinery, and equipment sectors were also present, including those specializing in processing plants, gastronomy, and retail solutions. Exhibitors showcased innovative solutions such as drainage systems and hygiene
maintenance technologies.
POLFISH 2024 was packed with accompanying events, including debates, presentations, and interviews addressing current issues in the fish industry. Special attention was given to topics such as sustainable fishing and the future challenges and opportunities for this rapidly evolving sector. The traditional Mercurius Gedanensis Competition also took place during the fair, honouring the best products and technologies in the fish industry. The Grand Prix in the “Fish Product” category was awarded to EvraFish Sp. z o.o. from Brus for their EvraFish High Protein—Asian Protein Salad. Two joint medals were awarded to Suempol Sp. z o.o. from Bielsk Podlaski for their Salmon Nuggets and GRAAL SA from Wejherowo for their SUPERFISH Atlantic Salmon – Roasted.
In the technology category, the winner was the National Marine Fisheries Research Institute which, in collaboration with the Koszalin University of Technology, had designed and built a fresh and frozen fillet slicer. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Cup was awarded to Herring Brygida Stachniuk from Wielka Nieszawka for their outstanding contribution to the fish processing sector, exemplifying the effective use of national and EU support funds. The next edition of the event is scheduled for 9-11 September 2026.
Polish finalist at 2024 Seafood Excellence Global Awards in Barcelona
The Polish fish processing industry was represented by 22 companies at the world’s largest seafood trade fair, Seafood Expo Global, in Barcelona in April 2024. This year’s event marked the 30th edition of the fair. The Polish pavilion was officially inaugurated by Ms Ilona Kałdońska, Consul General of Poland in Barcelona, Ms Małgorzata Pawliszak, President, Polish Association of Fish Processors, and Mr Mirosław Purzycki, President, Organization of Sturgeon Fish Producers. As in previous years the pavilion featured a cook who prepared samples for the participants as well as for visitors to the pavilion.
A Polish company, Suempol, was among the finalists for the 2024 Seafood Excellence Global Awards illustrating the sophistication of Polish processed fish products. Forty finalists were selected from a total of 85 entries competing for six awards. This year, the Polish Association of Fish Processors, together with the Sturgeon Fish Producers Organisation, organised the Polish national pavilion, where 22 companies from the processing sector were showcased: Abramczyk, Graal, Evra Fish, Barkas, Freezco, Antonius Caviar, Mik-Food, Mirko, Polski Karp, Dalekomorska Organizacja Producentów Ryb, Przetwórstwo Rybne Łosoś, Rybhand, Seamor International Ltd, Seko, Stanpol, Tahami Fish, Thai Union Global, Dega, Contimax Trade, CPF Culinar, and the Sturgeon Fish Producers Organisation. Participation in the trade fair was made possible thanks to support from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 2021–2027.