A taste of Scotland
Scottish quality products will be well represented in Barcelona
As one of the leading producing nations for quality seafood, you would expect to see Scotland represented at the world’s biggest seafood trade fair. And indeed Scottish seafood will be well represented, by nearly companies present at the show and, overall, by industry body Seafood Scotland.
Natalie Bell, Head of Trade Marketing, Seafood Scotland, says: “A number of big shows have made a welcome return this year, including S NA (Seafood xpo North America) in Boston in March, and all the pointers are that everyone is eager to do business. This bodes well for Seafood xpo lobal (S ), and we are anticipating a high level of interest in Scottish seafood. We will be working hard to turn that interest into sales.
“We will be focussing on promoting Scotland’s premium seafood, including our highly sought-after shellfish, salmon, and pelagic species, to both existing and new contacts. A lot of people have changed roles during the pandemic, and we see S as a prime opportunity to showcase the wide array of species available from our coastline.”
A key theme will be promoting Scottish langoustines (Nephrops). The Scottish Nephrops Programme Board, with input and support from Seafood Scotland, is spearheading a drive to position Scottish langoustines as the number one choice globally. Seafood Scotland’s Matthew Hurst will meet with buyers to educate and inform them about the premium quality shellfish. n the Scotland stand in Hall , organised by Seafood Scotland, companies will be represented and a further will be taking their own stands in Halls and (see panel, right).
Natalie Bell says: “The presence of such a broad range of Scottish suppliers is a positive step forward for the industry, many of which were affected during the Coronavirus pandemic coming hard on the heels of Brexit.”
Seafood Scotland will also be running a number of activities to support Scottish exhibitors.
The Scottish Seafood Bar will be open daily for complimentary lunches (for corporate visitors) between noon and pm. Booking in advance is essential!
Pre-booked cold seafood dishes “seafood on the go” can be delivered to stands at . am each day.
Product demonstrations on behalf of exhibiting companies will be taking place at Seafood Scotland’s Chef’s Table, with seafood products expertly cooked by the chef team in front of up to invited guests.
A photographer will also be available to take professional shots of products, people or stands.
Bell says: “Several shows have already taken place and without question the atmosphere has been bu ing at each event. Barcelona will be the largest seafood show in the world and we are looking forward to a fantastic atmosphere. After a two-year hiatus it really feels like people are laser focussed on doing business!”
And she concludes: “Showcasing Scottish seafood at international shows has always been our key strength. We are skilled at forging strong connections and strengthening existing relationships which result in new trading partnerships beginning and others growing evening stronger.
“People do business with people when it comes down to it, and there has to be a feeling of trust and goodwill. ace to face engagement is what drives that.”
“We are looking forward to atmosphere” a fantastic