Mark Spencer MP speaking at the Seafood Summit last year.
Photo: Gabriel Bush / Norwegian Seafood Council.
The 2024 Norway-UK Seafood Summit opens its doors today, February 27, at Fishmongers’ Hall in London
An annual conference organized by the Norwegian Seafood Council for the Norwegian and UK seafood industry, the Summit is considered a pivotal event for seafood industry stakeholders from Norway and the UK.
The organisers note the long-standing seafood partnership between Norway and the UK, with close relations across the industry. Norway, as the top seafood exporter to the UK, commands an estimated market share of 19%, offering key products like salmon, cod, and halibut.
Today's summit will feature prominent political figures from Norway and the UK: Cecile Myrseth, the Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, and Mark Spencer MP, the UK Minister for Food, Farming, and Fisheries.
In addition to the political speakers, the summit also features insights from other experts on the fishing and seafood sectors, including Mark Dowding of RBC BlueBay Asset Management and Bjørn Erik Stabell of the Norwegian Seafood Council, among others.
The event also features a segment on culinary trends, with contributions from Michelin-starred Chef Simon Hulstone and Fishmongers’ Hall Head Chef Stefan Pini, showcasing seafood-based dishes aligned with current consumer trends.
The program for the summit is organized around three main themes, each led by industry experts, and includes Q&A sessions and networking opportunities:
First up, the session Setting the Scene for 2024 and Beyond provides a comprehensive overview of the sector, including economic forecasts and initiatives to improve seafood trade between the UK and Norway. It also examines trade flows and offers insights for stakeholders.
Next, Navigating the Seas of Challenge focuses on the global transformation in food production, highlighting Norway's commitment to sustainable fishing, the role of seafood in future food systems, and responsible sourcing practices from a retail perspective.
Finally, the session on Innovation, Consumer Trends, and Future Opportunities, explores the future of fishing, spotlighting innovations in the Norwegian fishing fleet and examining consumer trends.
The session is set to conclude with a celebration of the UK's iconic fish & chips and a preview of future food trends.
