British sea power
As the Seafood Expo at Fira Barcelona closes up on its most successful edition to date, the industry is leaving Spain enriched by the power of innovation and inspiration across the seafood spectrum.
Last week saw representatives from 87 countries worldwide meet at the largest event of its kind, taking over 51,000 sq metres of space at the Fira Barcelona to exchange ideas and present their latest ranges in fresh and frozen seafood, equipment and suppliers to the trade.
Following its expansion in 2024, the Seafood Expo once again occupied five halls plus the Galleria area of the venue, playing host to an innovative showcase of exhibitors.
“It was exciting to feel the buzz throughout the exhibit halls,” says the vice president at show organiser Diversified Communications Wynter Courmont. “The industry relies on this event to reach their annual business goals in the global market. Both exhibitors and visitors utilise this platform as a place to meet with current customers, find new ones, forge customer relationships, and expand their knowledge of the industry.”
The Smart Display team was out in force at the event, supplying its expertise of international logistics as well as flawless exhibition stand design and precision logistics. The trip out to Barcelona came hot on the heels of installations in Cologne, Frankfurt, Lyon, Nuremberg and Lisbon for Smart Display, making 2025 one of its most international years to date.
“We are definitely seeing an increase in demand for installations overseas for our UK exhibitors,” says Smart Display’s sales manager Ben Rose. “Exhibiting can be labour-intensive and time-consuming for brands and, when the venue is overseas, this is magnified. Being in a position to offer ten years of experience in customs and overseas logistics as well as design and installation is a reassurance to our customers, and UK brands love the fact that we can take care of every aspect of their exhibition so that they can concentrate on other aspects of their business.”
Having confirmed its dates for next year – the 21 – 23 April 2026 – the Seafood Expo has already sold the majority of its floorspace, and UK brands in particular are seeking to guarantee their prime position at the seafood sector’s premier European event.
“Although we are 11 months out from the 2025 edition, now is the time to start thinking about how to maximise the potential of your exhibition space,” advises Ben. “Exhibitors are returning from Barcelona with the experience fresh in their minds, making now the ideal time to brainstorm how to improve on their exhibition presence to make next year’s show even better.”
This year saw 56 UK exhibitors make the journey over to Barcelona for the Seafood Expo, and organisers anticipate that this number will increase for 2026. If you want to stand out from the competition at the Seafood Expo at Fira Barcelona, get in touch today and let the Smart Display team put together some inspirational ideas for your stand #wemakeevents
