View of Exhibit Hall 3 of the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona during the celebration of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global 2026.
Photo: Julia Luelmo / Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global / Diversified.
For the fifth consecutive year, Barcelona became the meeting point for the international seafood industry this week. After three days of intense activity, Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global closed its 32nd edition yesterday, having welcomed more than 35,500 professionals to its aisles, and setting a new record as the 2026 event has boasted the highest attendance in its history.
However, that wasn't the only record set at this year's Expo. With over 52,980 net square meters of exhibition space, hosting more than 2,290 exhibiting companies from 85 countries and 65 national and regional pavilions, Seafood Expo Global 2026 has been the largest in the event's history.
Held at the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona, the fair occupied pavilions 1 to 5, as well as the gallery between pavilions 4 and 5. The organization estimates that the economic impact for the city has exceeded EUR 161 million, 3.2% more than in the 2025 edition.
In its assessment at the event's close, the organizing company, Diversified, highlighted that the strong international presence has once again demonstrated the event's global reach. Suppliers, buyers, and key industry players from around the world gathered to exchange knowledge, explore innovations, and address the major opportunities and challenges that will shape the future of the industry.
This participation has included several international delegations—some of them headed by their fisheries and aquaculture ministers—from countries such as Norway, Iceland, Canada, Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and even South Korea, among others.
In addition, high-volume buyers from the retail, foodservice, and distribution sectors participated in this year's Key Buyer program. Companies included Aeon Topvalu Co., Ltd., Aldi, Aramark & Avendra International, Bidfood, Carnival UK, Carrefour, Elior, Gategroup, HelloFresh, Kura Sushi, Lidl, Mercadona, Metro, Pomona PassionFroid, Sodexo, Sysco, Viking Cruises, and Wonderfield Group, among others.
"The energy and high level of engagement across the exhibition floor at this year's edition clearly highlighted the value of in-person connections for the industry as a whole," said Wynter Courmont, Group Vice President, Seafood at Diversified. "Participants from across the value chain took advantage of the event to reinforce existing relationships, explore new business opportunities and stay ahead of the trends shaping the future of the seafood industry."
Regarding the different parts that make up the exhibition, the organizers highlighted that the exhibitors at Seafood Expo Global have presented a wide range of seafood products, fresh, frozen, canned, value-added, processed and packaged, demonstrating innovation in all categories.
Seafood Processing Global, for its part, has brought together companies that cover the entire processing chain, from packaging materials and machinery to refrigeration systems, processing equipment, hygiene technologies, transport, logistics and quality control services.
As WeAreAquaculture reported, a major new feature of this 32nd edition was the debut of a zone dedicated exclusively to innovation in aquaculture. This space brought together companies, startups, and researchers working on solutions in areas such as fish health, water quality control, AI-powered analytics, and sustainable production systems. It also included the Innovation Theatre, featuring product presentations, specialized content, and networking opportunities.
Another staple of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, the Conference Program, offered a comprehensive overview of the sector this year, addressing issues such as sustainable sourcing, supply chain transparency, responsible aquaculture, fisheries innovation, worker welfare, and brand-driven business growth. A highlight was the opening keynote address, 'High Stakes, Shifting Tides: The Global Outlook on Seafood, Trade, Economic Pressure Points and Opportunities,' delivered by economist and geopolitical strategist Dr Nomi Prins.
Year after year, the Expo also hosts the Seafood Excellence Global Awards, which recognize the best products presented at the fair. With 35 finalists from 16 countries, Vičiūnai Group (Lithuania) and Frais Embal (France) took home the top prizes in 2026. Vičiūnai Group was awarded Best Retail Product for its Smoked Herring Slices – Natural Flavor, while Frais Embal received the award for Best HORECA Product for its Salmon Roll.
Networking events such as 'Connecting Women in Seafood' and 'Aquaculture Meet-Up'; culinary demonstrations such as that of Barcelona's Michelin-starred chef Albert Raurich, who, with the title 'The Mediterranean Sea, Our Pantry', presented a unique fusion between Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine; or an oyster opening competition; as well as daily product exhibitions and tastings, have completed the activities.
After its closing, Seafood Expo Global collaborated for another year with the Banc dels Aliments de Barcelona (Barcelona's Food Bank) to collect seafood donations from exhibitors. Organizers have already announced that the next edition of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global will be held in Barcelona from April 20-22, 2027, again at the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona.