In partnership with Defra and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) we will be hosting a UK pavilion at the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo.
To better accommodate the growing interest in UK fish and shellfish in China, the UK pavilion this year will be 25% larger, expanding from 72 to 90 sqm!
China has emerged as the fifth largest market for UK seafood (HMRC, 2023). In 2023 we exported 13,300 tonnes (live weight) worth £85.2 million to China, with salmon, mackerel, crab, lobster and whelk being the main species by value.
About the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo
China Fisheries and Seafood Expo (CFSE) is the largest seafood trade show in Asia, and one of the largest in the world, attracting seafood companies and buyers from across Asia and further afield.
The event takes place at the Hongdao International Convention and Exhibition Centre (HICEC) in Qingdao, eastern China, between 30 October and 1 November 2024.
This year’s event is expected to attract more than 30,000 seafood professionals from over 88 countries.
Did you know? At the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo in 2023, the UK pavilion recorded over 590 visitors! Buyers were mainly from China, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, along with visitors from many other countries – proving the show to be a key event for UK companies interested in Asian markets.
Did you also know? In 2023 over 1,400 samples of UK fish and shellfish were served to Expo visitors. Our chefs on the UK pavilion showcased some of the key species for Asian markets, including langoustine, mackerel, haddock, salmon, whelks, brown crab, and lobster.
But what about the business opportunities? Feedback from UK companies who attended China Fisheries and Seafood Expo 2023 indicated very significant trade wins, and expectations of much more to come:
We met our pre-show expectations and more. We sold approximately seven containers of frozen cooked brown crab.
Our expectations of the show were met, it was an excellent experience. A monetary return on investment may be seen in 2024, but if not then definitely in 2025.
About the UK Pavilion
Our 90sqm pavilion will be located at stand 0411 in Hall B9.
We will be hosting an open communal lounge for UK companies to hold meetings, as well as a live chef kitchen and an interpreter service.
Representatives from UK Government and Seafish will be on hand to provide insight and advice to support your trade plans.
Opportunities for UK seafood businesses
Attending companies can apply for a branded podium on the pavilion. These free-standing podiums act as a reception desk and are an ideal signpost and focal point for your business. The podiums cost £750 each and will be offered to eligible UK seafood exporters on a first-come, first-served basis.
The communal meeting facility on the UK pavilion provides the perfect venue for conducting business meetings. UK Government trade specialists will also be on hand to help you to understand the Chinese market and to help forge those all-important connections. Interpreters will also be available to facilitate discussions.
UK seafood businesses have the chance to showcase products during CFSE 2024. Our live chef kitchen will showcase a range of fish and shellfish species and associated demonstration recipes. We’d love to hear from businesses interested in donating samples of their seafood products to be showcased as part of the UK pavilion’s live kitchen.
UK registered seafood export companies can apply for a branded podium via the form in the section below.
Get in touch
Please let us know if you’re planning to attend CFSE 2024 or are interested in providing product samples to this exhibition.
Please let us know if you’re planning to attend CFSE 2024 or are interested in providing product samples to this exhibition.
If you have any queries about our international trade work please contact:
Hannah Thompson, Head of International Trade Promotion
Email: hannah.thompson@seafish.co.uk
Phillip Quirie, Project Co-ordinator & Administrator
Email: phillip.quirie@seafish.co.uk
Further information
You can find out more about our work supporting international seafood trade from the links below:
You can find out more about CFSE 2024 from the link below: