Scotland to shine at Seafood Expo Global 2026
Last updated: March 2026
Discover how you can be part of Scotland's booming £1.37 billion seafood sector. You can find out in person by visiting our stand at the Seafood Expo Global from 21 to 23 April, at the Scotland Pavilion, stand 2E601, in Barcelona.
Scottish seafood: a premium product for global buyers
The seafood sector in Scotland is making waves on the world stage, unlocking major trade and investment opportunities.
It grew by 16.9% in one year alone, according to the Food and Drink Federation (FDF). With Scottish salmon hitting £844 million, a 45% year-on-year surge, Scotland is redefining premium seafood for international markets.
These record-breaking figures aren’t just numbers: they underscore Scotland’s compelling proposition in seafood and aquaculture. They also prove significant commercial potential across global supply chains, from buyers to retailers.
We're partnering with Seafood Scotland at the Seafood Expo Global (SEG 2026) from 21 to 23 April at the Scotland Pavilion, stand 2E601, in Barcelona.
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Part of a £1.8 billion aquaculture market
Scotland's aquaculture sector aims to double in size from £1.8 billion to £3.6 billion annually by 2030.
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16.9% growth in Scottish seafood
The increase proves Scotland’s compelling proposition across seafood and aquaculture.
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Seafood Expo Global 2026
Discover our seafood industry at the event. Visit the Scottish pavilion, stand number 2E601.
Quite a catch across worldwide markets
The expo will attract over 35,000 buyers and suppliers, and 2,187 exhibitors from 87 countries. Scotland will be among the leading seafood nations there. It's the ultimate platform for global seafood trade and investment for Europe, Scotland’s core market, and the wider global industry.
At last year’s event, 14 Scottish firms generated over £170 million in forecast export sales. For SEG 2026, SDI will host companies from the Scottish seafood sector. It anticipates sales of between £150-£250 million from participating companies in the following three years.
Scotland offers a unique combination of natural resources, advanced infrastructure, and skilled talent, making it a competitive global seafood producer.
Seafood Scotlandopens in a new window, the national trade and marketing organisation, has supported SEG for several years, partnering with our international team to highlight a diverse range of Scottish seafood.
Over three days within the Scotland Pavilion, the organisations will run the Seafood Bar, a pop-up restaurant where global buyers and stakeholders are given the opportunity to taste the country’s unique seafood prepared by renowned chefs.
The Scotland Pavilion is a hospitality networking hub, hosting companies and their clients, and is a fantastic stage to showcase Scottish products.
Seafood with exceptional quality
Carlyn Sinclair, Team Leader in our Food and Drink team, says:
"Scottish shellfish, salmon, whitefish and pelagic producers attending the event are serious about doing business. The expo gives them unparalleled access to influential buyers from across the world who are looking for premium-quality, sustainable and fully traceable seafood. Scotland embodies all of these credentials and so much more."
Carlyn Sinclair, Team Leader in our Food and Drink team
How global buyers benefit from Scottish seafood
Scotland’s seafood industry isn’t just world‑class in the water, it’s world‑class in how products move from sea to shelf. For international buyers seeking premium, reliable, fully traceable seafood, Scotland provides an integrated ecosystem. This connects sustainable harvesting with advanced processing, skilled talent and seamless global logistics.
Here's the sector's key credentials in detail:
- Integrated supply chains: Scotland’s seafood supply chain is highly developed, connecting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture operations with world-class processing facilities and global logistics networks. This ensures consistent quality, traceability, and reliability: critical factors for international buyers seeking premium products. From harvesting to packaging and distribution, Scotland’s supply chain is designed for efficiency and compliance with rigorous international standards.
- Skills and talent: the sector benefits from a highly skilled workforce with expertise in aquaculture, marine science, and food technology. Scotland’s universities and research institutions play a pivotal role in developing talent and driving innovation, particularly in areas such as fish health, environmental monitoring, and sustainable farming practices. This commitment to education and research and development (R&D) ensures that Scottish seafood companies remain at the forefront of global trends.
- Global connectivity: with established trade partnerships in key markets, including France, USA, China, and the Middle East, Scotland provides access to international buyers. Its reputation for quality and reliability makes it a trusted partner for distributors, retailers, and foodservice operators worldwide.
A strategic opportunity for Scottish Seafood
Join us at Seafood Expo Global 2026 in Barcelona from 21–23 April and be part of the world’s largest seafood gathering. The event is a unique opportunity for global companies to connect with Scottish producers, explore innovative solutions, and builds partnerships that deliver quality and reliability.
This event will bring together the European industry, the key market for Scottish seafood, connecting buyers, suppliers and decision-makers from across the globe.
Carlyn Sinclair, Team Leader, Food and Drink, sums up: "We actively support companies to grow their exports through our work with Seafood Scotland and wider food and drink partners. SEG is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Scotland’s globally respected seafood, and to connect our most ambitious exporters with buyers from key international markets."
Discover Scotland’s premium, responsibly sourced seafood, meet trusted producers, and explore new partnerships that drive growth.
With live demonstrations, tastings and networking at the Scotland Pavilion’s Seafood Bar, SEG 2026 is your opportunity to strengthen relationships, launch products and access global markets. Connect with the best in seafood worldwide.
Meet us at the pavilion on stand number 2E601.
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We're here to help
Have a question about how your company can be part of Scotland's thriving seafood industry? Our team is here to help you.