Seafood Scotland scores EU funding at SEG17

Seafood Scotland has received just under GBP 1 million (EUR 1.1 million, USD 1.2 million) from the European Union to continue showcasing its products at international seafood trade shows, the collective announced on Wednesday, 26 April at Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. 

The funding, which comes from the European and Maritime Fisheries Fund, will allow Seafood Scotland to visit and exhibit at seven upcoming trade shows around the world over the course of the next year. 

“Raising the awareness and enhancing the global profile of the Scottish seafood industry will assist the sector as a whole, while helping individual businesses to expand into new markets and increase consumer awareness of their fine products,” said Minister for U.K. Negotiations for Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell while visiting the Scotland stands in Hall 9 at the Brussels Expo. 

“This is just one example of why EU funding is so important as it is helping showcase our fisheries sector, improve the quality of its products and develop more environmentally friendly practices. Our fishing industry is a vital part of the rural economy, with our fishing fleet generating GBP 437 million [EUR 517 million, USD 564 million] last year and fish and seafood recording an increased exports,” Russell said.

As the world’s third largest producer of salmon – generating global exports of up to 172,000 metric tons each year and accounting for 94 percent of the E.U.’s production – the popular species remains an integral part of Scotland’s industry and international success, said Russell.

Patrick Hughes, the head of Seafood Scotland, spoke of the potential that the funding will continue to unlock for Scottish seafood business.

“We are delighted with the EMFF award. This will ensure that Seafood Scotland, along with the Scotland Food & Drink export partners, can continue to promote and assist business seeking to establish new global markets. This is especially important over the coming months as Seafood from Scotland tries to cement its place as a true global competitor,” Hughes said. 

With the funding, Seafood Scotland will attend Seafood Expo Global 2018, Seafood Expo North America 2018 as well as Seafood Expo Asia in Hong Kong later this year; moreover, the collective will exhibit in Bangkok, Singapore and Cologne. Currently, a total of 46 Scottish companies are exhibiting at SEG17.