1. Industry status and output
Spain is the fourth largest importer of fish and seafood in the world, after China, the United States and Japan, which reflects its important position in the global seafood market. Within the EU, Spain is the largest producer of frozen fish and the second largest producer of canned fish and seafood in the world, after Thailand. Spain is the EU’s largest fish producer, demonstrating its leadership in fish production across the EU. Spanish fisheries production meets domestic and international demand, especially in specific product categories such as canned fish and frozen fish products. Although Spain has abundant marine resources and developed fisheries, the demand in the domestic market is large enough to make it a net importer. In 2023, Spain’s fish and seafood imports totaled US$9.2 billion.
2. Production characteristics
Spain’s fisheries and aquaculture industry is highly specialized and automated, with large brand names dominating the market. These companies not only focus on production efficiency and product quality, but also actively adopt the latest technologies and innovative methods to improve their competitiveness. Innovation within the industry mainly focuses on food safety, product quality control, new product development and improving production efficiency.
3. Geographic and environmental advantages
Spain is located in the southwestern corner of Europe, at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This location allows Spain to take advantage of the different hydroclimatic conditions of the two seas and adapt to diverse fishing activities. This unique geographical advantage not only provides abundant fishing resources for local fisheries, but also facilitates maritime trade and resource exchange with other countries. Spain has nearly 8,000 kilometers of coastline, which provides fisheries with a vast operating area and diverse ecosystems. A long coastline means more ports and boat launching points, making it easier to manage and operate a large fishing fleet. The diversity of the coastline also supports the development of fisheries ranging from small-scale traditional fishing to large-scale industrial fishing.
4. Economic Impact and Market Demand
Despite high domestic production, Spain still needs to rely on imports to meet market gaps due to continued growth in consumer demand, especially in certain high-demand seafood categories such as octopus and squid. This demand dynamic in the market has prompted Spain to continuously seek and develop new sources of supply, while also providing opportunities for foreign suppliers, including Chinese exporters, to enter the Spanish market. Spain imports seafood from more than a hundred countries around the world, with total imports reaching US$9.2 billion in 2023, while exports totaled US$6 billion.
Seafood Expo, the Spanish European Seafood and Aquatic Products Processing Exhibition (SEAFOOD EXPO GLOBAL), is one of the largest and most influential aquatic seafood and processing technology exhibitions in the world. The following is a detailed introduction to the exhibition:
1. Exhibition information
Held period: once a year
Exhibition history: It has been held for many times
Exhibition evaluation: The world’s largest seafood and aquatic products exhibition
Organizer: Diversified Communications
2. Data from the previous session
The 2024 Global Aquatic Products Expo has an exhibition area of 51,248 square meters, attracting a total of 87 countries and exhibitors from China, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Mexico, India, Turkey, Russia, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, and Vietnam. 2,244 seafood and processing companies in the region participated in the exhibition, and more than 35,000 professional visitors from nearly 150 countries visited. 86% of the visitors said they had participated in procurement, 92% said they would continue to participate in 2025, and 72% Looking forward to placing an order.
3. Scope of Exhibits
Aquatic products: fresh, frozen, value-added products, branded products, and OEM products.
Aquatic marginal products: accessories, sauces, condiments, bread crumbs.
Aquatic product processing equipment: processing machines, refrigeration and refrigeration equipment.
Aquatic product packaging: aquatic product transportation, warehousing and packaging equipment, etc.
Aquaculture services and organizations: quality control, finance, industry organizations, industry computers and information systems.
4. Exhibition History and Future Prospects
The Spanish European Seafood Fisheries and Aquaculture Exhibition has been held for many times and has accumulated rich experience and resources.
As the global aquaculture industry continues to develop, the scale and influence of the exhibition are also expanding.
In the future, the exhibition will continue to provide an important platform for exchanges and cooperation in the global aquatic industry and promote the sustainable development and progress of the industry.