Seafood Expo on course despite withdrawals

SEAFOOD Expo  and Processing North America, popularly known as the Boston Seafood Show, is to go ahead , the organisers have said. Earlier this week Peter Pan Seafood of Alaska said it was pulling out because of fears over the spread of  the Omicron version of coronavirus, sparking fears that others could soon  follow. Cermaq has also announced  in the past 48 hours that it will not attend. But the show organisers have received several messages of support from several big companies and have re-affirmed that the 40th edition of what is officially called Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America will take place at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Centre between March 13th and March 15th. Last year’s show was cancelled because of the pandemic. The three-day event will highlight a comprehensive exhibit hall for business and networking opportunities, new products, food sampling, special events and education. "We are excited to be back in-person in Boston to reconvene seafood professionals looking to do business in the North American market," said Wynter Courmont, Event Director of  Diversified Communications. "Year over year, industry suppliers and buyers have valued the business opportunities at the event, and this year will be no exception." Rob O'Sullivan, Vice President Sales, Americas at  Clearwater Seafoods, said: "After two long years of virtual meetings, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to meet with our customers, partners, colleagues and new clients in person and under the same roof. “Nothing replaces the importance of interacting face to face or the integral platform Seafood Expo North America provides to drive new business, reconnect with clients and partners, and get a pulse on the marketplace." In addition to a busy exhibit hall, Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America will feature a comprehensive conference programme including more than 28 sessions and over 124 experts covering industry trends and timely topics on aquaculture, corporate social responsibility, diversity, equity and inclusion, food safety and compliance (policy), seafood business and leadership, and seafood sustainability, traceability and transparency. Exhibitors with Scottish interest  include Seafood Scotland, Bakkafrost and Mowi.