Seafood processors will have unique opportunity to showcase products at ‘Fishing Aquaculture and Seafood Expo - from Sea to Plate'

Seafood processors and equipment suppliers will have a unique opportunity to showcase their products to the UK market at the newly extended ‘Fishing, Aquaculture and Seafood Expo - from Sea to Plate' that is being staged in Glasgow, Scotland, in March 2012.

This will be the 25th anniversary of the UK fishing expo, which formerly focused primarily on the catching sector, but has now been extended to include processing, seafood and aquaculture in recognition of the increasing integration and synergies between the various fish industry sectors.

The extended format of the show has drawn wide support, including from Scottish Fisheries Minister Richard Lochhead, the Seafish Industry Authority and Seafood Scotland.

Richard Lochhead said: "This ‘sea to plate' approach reflects the Scottish Government's commitment to supporting all aspects of our seafood industry. We are determined to help the industry add value to what is a fantastic and iconic Scottish product, all the way along the supply chain."

The Peterhead & Fraserburgh Fish Processors Association has also welcomed the new format. Will Clark, chairman, said: "We are delighted that there is now an event on our doorstep to promote the best of Scottish Seafood - it has been long overdue," he said.

"Meeting our suppliers and customers at the same event certainly makes it a great time to work together and develop new business opportunities."

Fran McIntyre, managing director of show organiser QD Events, says the new-look expo will deliver an all-encompassing event that will maximise buying and selling opportunities across the whole supply chain."

"Integration and close co-operation through all sectors of the supply chain from sea to plate is now a defining feature of seafood production and this is why after close consultation with the industry we have developed a show format that is truly representative of all sectors," she says.

"We believe this will bring immense benefits to both exhibitors and visitors alike, with the show representing the very best that the seafood industry has to offer and celebrating the innovation that lies at its very heart. The exhibition will provide a superb opportunity for the seafood and processing industries to showcase their products, meet potential customers and see at first hand the services and equipment that may also benefit them."

Paul Williams, Chief Executive of Seafish, comments: "As the body working with all sectors of the seafood industry, Seafish welcomes the news that this event is broadening its scope and actively supporting integration."

Libby Woodhatch, Chief Executive of Seafood Scotland, says: "This new joined up approach to the Show will provide an opportunity for the sectors to better understand each other and foster greater collaboration."

The social side of the show is also being seen as a very important element and some fantastic deals have been arranged for exhibitors and visitors with the best Spas and shopping locations within Glasgow, including at the world famous Blythswood Hotel Spa, Buchanan Galleries and St Enoch's Square.

"The Fishing, Aquaculture and Seafood Show - from Sea to Plate" will take place from 22 to 24 March 2012 at the SECC, Glasgow, from 10am to 5pm Thursday & Friday, and 10am to 4pm Saturday. More details http://www.fasexpo.com/

If you would like to get involved in "The Fishing, Aquaculture and Seafood Expo - from Sea to Plate", please contact John Cox on +44 (0) 7917 734774 or email john.cox@qdevents.co.uk