Global industry expected in Vigo
This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 3 2025.
On 1 April 2025, the official presentation of the XII ANFACO World Tuna Conference took place at the headquarters of the Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Pontevedra (CEP). The theme of the conference is Reaching for new consumers.
The presentation was chaired by Alfonso Villares, Regional Minister of the Sea of the Xunta de Galicia, alongside Roberto Alonso, Secretary General of ANFACO-CECOPESCA and representative of FUNPROMAR. The event was also attended by representatives from key sponsors, including Marine Instruments—Nautical, Hermasa, ABANCA, AON, and Canon. Based in Vigo, ANFACO-CECOPESCA, the organisation behind the conference, represents the Spanish seafood industry cluster. It promotes and defends the interests of its members before public institutions, multilateral bodies, and industry associations both nationally and internationally. It also delivers R&D&I services, technical advice, food quality and safety support, training, and international cooperation, contributing to sectoral competitiveness.
Vigo strengthens its global leadership in the tuna sector
Vigo once again reaffirms its role as the international capital of the tuna industry. The event is expected to attract over 400 senior executives and industry leaders from more than 35 countries, including the United States, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Morocco, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, the UAE, China, and Australia, among others. These attendees represent companies accounting for more than 90% of the global canned tuna production. Spain—especially Galicia—consolidates its status as Europe’s leading tuna producer and the second largest worldwide. This conference plays a key role in reinforcing international trade links and fostering growth in the sector.
Expanded programme to address innovation, markets, and sustainability
This year’s edition will introduce several new elements, including keynote speeches by international experts, expanding beyond the traditional panels and presentations. Simultaneous interpretation will be available in English, French, and Spanish. The first speakers will be revealed progressively from 28 April onwards. Core topics to be covered include updates on tuna stock management, value-added product innovations, social challenges, technology development, and regional market outlooks across Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Originally launched in 1996 as the 1st European Tuna Conference, the event has grown significantly, reflecting the internationalisation of the tuna industry and its evolving needs. Nearly three decades later, it has become a key fixture on the industry’s global calendar.
The Conference is supported by prominent organisations such as EUROTHON, AIPCE-CEP, ANCIT, FIAC, ANICP, ANABAC, FEICOPESCA, ATUNEC-Ecuador, the Peruvian Tuna Chamber, ORTHONGEL, ABIPESCA, IATTC, Friend of the Sea, the National Fisheries Society, OPAGAC, and INFOFISH. Media coverage will be provided by Undercurrent News, with institutional support from the Xunta de Galicia, Eurofish International Organisation, and Industria Conservera Magazine.
Tuna Week to feature awards and exhibitions alongside the conference
The XII ANFACO World Tuna Conference will be part of a wider Tuna Week programme that includes:
Tuna Awards 2025 – Third Edition (10 September 2025, 19:30)
To be held at the Salón Regio of the RC Celta Headquarters (C/ Príncipe, 44), this event will recognise international achievements in innovation and the green and digital transition within the tuna sector. Organised with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, awards will be presented in three categories: New Products, Revolution 4.0, and Circular Economy. Submissions are open until 15 June at https://tunaawards.com.
Tuna Exhibition (11–12 September 2025)
Held in the Reception Hall of Afundación Headquarters in Vigo, this exhibition will offer companies and organisations an opportunity to present new products, equipment, machinery, and services relevant to the tuna sector. Organised in cooperation with the Regional Ministry of the Sea, it will also serve as a networking venue and include tastings of tuna and other seafood products.
Registration for the conference is now open through the official website: https://tunavigo.anfaco.es.
XII ANFACO World Tuna Conference
Ana Iglesias, General Coordinator
Tel.: +34 673 692 928
tunaconference@anfaco.es