Top 10 list of most in-demand products released in advance of Seafood Expo Asia

Attendees of Seafood Expo Asia, one of the continent’s premier trade shows catering to the seafood industry, are on the hunt for shrimp, according to the show’s organizers.

In a survey revealing the top 10 most demanded species released in advance of the expo – taking place from 5 to 7 September, 2017, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wanchai, Hong Kong – more than 41 percent of respondents said they were seeking out shrimp or prawn products.

More than 3,300 prospective attendees took the survey, which was organized by Diversified Communications, the event’s organizer. [Editor’s note: SeafoodSource.com is owned by Diversified Communications.]

Salmon was the second-most in-demand species, with more than 40 percent of survey respondents indicating their interest in the species. Scallops were the third-most demanded species, with more than 36 percent of respondents expressing interest.

Fourth on the list was abalone, with 34.6 percent of respondents saying they are interested in the molluscs – considered a gastronomic delicacy in many Asian countries.

Lobster ranked fifth on the list after drawing the interest of 34.5 percent of survey respondents. Sales of lobster to Asian countries – and China in particular – has boomed as the result of higher catches in North America and a concerted marketing effort focused on selling more lobster in Asia.

The survey listed crab in sixth place, with nearly 34 percent of respondents showing interest in the crustacean. Oysters finished in seventh place with 30 percent interest; tuna was eighth with 25.5 percent interest, and cod was listed ninth with 25.3 percent interest.

Squid rounded out the top 10, with more than 24 percent of participants expressing interest.

Seafood Expo Asia is a trade event where buyers and suppliers of seafood from around the world come together to network and conduct business in the lucrative Hong Kong and Asia Pacific markets, according to event director Iris Kwan.

“With the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations predicting that Asia’s seafood market and consumption will lead the world by 2025, this year’s expanded conference program sets the agenda for 2017 and beyond by providing attendees with access to the latest market and product intelligence, whilst addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the industry,” Kwan said.