Record number of Irish companies for European Seafood Exposition

THE €724 million Irish seafood industry is being represented by a record 27 companies at a three-day exhibition which opened in Brussels yesterday.

Over 1,600 exhibitors from more than 77 countries and up to 20,000 buyers of seafood are expected to attend the European Seafood Exposition (ESE).

Close to 100 Irish seafood processing and marketing personnel are also attending the show, which brings together seafood buyers and sellers from all over the world.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has developed a new-look pavilion for the participating Irish companies, which have a combined turnover of almost €500m, to showcase their products.

BIM chief executive, Pat Keogh said a significant amount of work has gone into developing an innovative Irish approach to promoting seafood at the show.

“Irish seafood companies are well regarded the world over and I am confident that this fresh customer-focused approach will lead to bumper sales for the participating companies,” he said.

Export sales of Irish seafood last year were valued at €362.2m or 161,418 tonnes. Four-fifths of exports were sold in EU markets with France accounting for 25% of total sales, with Britain and Spain jointly responsible for 37%. Shellfish exports represented the greatest value, up 16% to €147m.

Mr Keogh said demand for seafood is outpacing consumption growth for most other protein products, with significant scope for future development.

“Events such as ESE provide a vital platform for Irish seafood companies to promote themselves and their top quality produce to many potential buyers from around the world.

BIM chairman Rose McHugh said in January of this year the Government signalled its commitment to the seafood industry by adopting a comprehensive strategy for 2007-2013.

“A core focus identified for the industry is to become much more market-focused,” she said.

Later this year Ireland plays host to The World Seafood Congress (September 25-27) at Croke Park. Lead sponsors BIM, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, under the aegis of the International Association of Fish Inspectors, are jointly hosting the event.