The North America Seafood Expo held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center from March 10 to 12 showcased the resilience of the seafood industry in the face of economic challenges post-pandemic. Despite the lingering effects of the pandemic on the food services sector, there was an air of optimism among exhibitors and organizers at the event.
The expo this year boasted a 5 percent increase in exhibit space compared to the previous year, spanning over 249,665 net square feet. It attracted 1,210 exhibiting companies from 49 different countries, reflecting the global significance of the seafood industry.
Steve Hart, Senior Vice President of the Global Seafood Alliance, highlighted one of the major challenges faced by the industry in recent years – the shutdown of food services during the pandemic. This disruption in the supply chain led to an over-production of seafood, resulting in a surplus that still remains in cold storage even years after the pandemic. The primary challenge now lies in finding ways to bring this seafood to market and make it profitable for both producers and consumers.
Despite these challenges, industry professionals at the expo expressed their commitment to innovation and meeting consumer demands. Megan Du Preez, president of Humble and Frank Food, emphasized the importance of connecting with locals and exploring new flavors. She mentioned that South American and Asian fusion flavors were currently trending, and it was crucial for businesses to stay relevant while catering to foodie preferences.
Diana Dumetm, senior director of salmon company MOWI, highlighted the continued popularity of salmon in seafood sales. However, she also noted that consumers were becoming more discerning and demanding higher quality and greater variety in their seafood choices. This shift in consumer preferences presents an opportunity for companies to diversify their offerings and cater to evolving tastes.
Ted Brozanski, CEO of Lake Trucking/Stokes Fish Co., shared his company’s experience during the pandemic. Prior to COVID-19, their business was growing steadily at a rate of 15 to 16 percent annually. Surprisingly, during the pandemic, they experienced even higher growth at a rate of around 20 percent. While the growth has slowed down since then, Brozanski remains optimistic about the industry’s future and believes that the seafood sector will continue to expand.
The overall sentiment at the North America Seafood Expo was one of resilience and determination. Despite the economic challenges faced by the industry, exhibitors and professionals remained hopeful and committed to meeting consumer demands. The event served as a platform to showcase innovative products and foster connections within the seafood community.
In conclusion, the North America Seafood Expo highlighted the ability of the seafood industry to adapt and thrive in the face of economic challenges. The event showcased the resilience and optimism of exhibitors, who are determined to overcome the disruptions caused by the pandemic and continue providing high-quality seafood to consumers. As consumer preferences evolve, businesses are embracing innovation and diversification to meet the demand for new flavors and higher quality products. The future of the seafood industry looks promising, with professionals remaining optimistic about its growth potential.
