Irish seafood making waves

A number of Irish companies are now eyeing the export potential in the €20bn seafood market in China, which accounts for one-quarter of the world’s consumption.

Growing incomes and increased urbanisation have helped fuel a massive growth in demand for imported seafood in China, which will need an extra 16m million tonnes by 2020 to meet demand, according to the United Nations.

Over 25,000 visitors from more than 100 countries attended a recent Seafood and Fisheries Expo in Qingdao. Ireland’s stand, organised by Bord Bia, included Irish seafood companies, keen to further develop business opportunities with China.