European Seafood Exposition and Seafood Processing Europe -two truly global exhibitions

The 19th Annual European Seafood Exposition (ESE) and 13th Annual Seafood Processing Europe (SPE) will be held in Brussels, Belgium between Tuesday 3 and Thursday 5 May 2011. These truly global events will bring together seafood buyers and sellers from throughout the world with over 1,600 companies from approximately 80 different countries exhibiting, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to ESE.

In 2010, the two exhibitions attracted almost 24000 attendees from 140 different countries. "The exhibitions provide seafood business professionals with access to a one-stop resource to reach global retail, foodservice and wholesale companies," says Mary Larkin, Vice-President, Seafood Expositions for Diversified Business Communications. "In addition, they offer an excellent opportunity for the international seafood community to share ideas and insights regarding this ever-changing industry."

Running parallel to the ESE is Seafood Processing Europe (SPE), which provides visitors with the latest in processing and packaging technology and services. Visitors to the event will find exhibitors that represent every aspect of seafood processing, including Packaging Materials & Equipment, Refrigeration/Freezing Equipment & Supplies, Primary Processing Equipment, Secondary Processing Equipment, Hygiene Control/Sanitation, and Quality Assurance Services.

The significance of the seafood industry is apparent when looking at the production and consumption statistics published by the United Nations FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation). According to the 2010 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture Report, the estimated total world fishery production in 2008 amounted to 142 million tons, which places it at a new all-time high. In addition, global consumption of fish and seafood has doubled since 1973 and is expected to increase another 25% by 2015. In addition the fisheries industry is a critical source of both income and employment for hundreds of millions around the world.

Whilst the exhibitions are hugely successful in terms of the number of exhibitors and visitors, the significance of these events is further demonstrated through the successful relationships that they help to develop. Research has shown that 79.9% of visitors who attended the 2010 ESE and SPE found new products or companies and 80% planned on purchasing products or services as a result of attending the event.

Seafood Prix d'Elite

Now in its eleventh year, the Seafood Prix d'Elite New Products Competition was created to recognize the best new seafood products of the year developed for the European market. Grand prizes are given for Best Retail Product and Best Foodservice Product. Special awards are also given at the judges' discretion in the categories of Convenience, Nutrition and Health, Retail Packaging, Originality, and Best Seafood Product Line.  The awards will be presented at a special reception on 3 May from 18h15 to 20h00 in Auditorium 2000 at the European Seafood Exposition. All exhibitors and visitors are invited to attend.  The winners will also be on display at the exhibition.

For more information on the 2011 European Seafood Exposition and Seafood Processing Europe, please visit http://www.euroseafood.com/ . Registration to attend is now open.

About Diversified Business Communications

Diversified Business Communications, based in Portland, Maine, US provides information and market access through face-to-face events, magazine publishing, and online resources on four continents. Diversified serves a number of industries including: seafood, food service, natural and organic, commercial marine, and business management. Diversified operates divisions in Australia, Hong Kong, India, the UK and Canada. For more information, visit: www.divbusiness.com