Sweet Cornish crab, hand‑dived British scallops and delicate
Dover sole could soon reach more plates worldwide, with a new
£1.5 million boost to the government's Seafood Exports Package.
Minister for Fisheries Dame announced the new funding at
the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, the world's largest seafood
trade event, where she will visit UK exhibitors to hear directly
about their priorities and how government can help remove
barriers that can otherwise prevent British seafood from reaching
international customers.
Funded through the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, the £1.5
million‑a‑year package will help established UK seafood exporters
expand their presence in new markets while giving smaller firms
the confidence to start exporting.
The package will deliver practical, hands‑on support for
businesses, including expert advice on market access, export
requirements and buyer connections, helping businesses build
confidence when exporting.
Minister for Fisheries Dame said:
British seafood is the very best in the world, and our renewed
Seafood Exports Package is about giving our businesses the tools
they need to compete and win on the global stage.
From providing practical, in‑market expertise to cutting through
red tape, this £1.5 million annual investment will support
exporters of all sizes to grow, reach new customers and showcase
the quality, heritage and sustainability of Great British seafood
worldwide.
Seafish's Chief Executive, Faulkner, added:
UK fish and shellfish is recognised globally for its short,
transparent and traceable supply chains, alongside rigorous food
safety and welfare standards enforced at every stage of
production. Many UK businesses also go beyond statutory
requirements, holding internationally recognised voluntary
accreditations that set them apart on the global stage.
Seafood Expo Global provides an essential platform to feature
what the UK has to offer, connecting worldwide buyers with
innovative companies that are export ready and demonstrating why
UK fish and shellfish continues to be trusted on the world stage.
As such, Seafish are proud to be able to partner with Defra and
other UK government departments to facilitate and host companies
from all four nations of the United Kingdom on the UK pavilion at
SEG.
Whether it's scallops or langoustine, the UK's catch is prized by
chefs and consumers alike, uniquely positioning UK exporters such
as Ocean Fish Group and The Lobster Pot to tap into growing
international demand for premium, responsibly sourced seafood.
Julie Hill, Sales and Marketing Director for The
Lobster Pot, said:
Today, 95% of our live shellfish is exported across the northern
hemisphere by either road or air. We would like to thank
both Welsh Government, Defra and Seafish for their continued
participation in SEG which helps drive market access for the
boats that land to us and the coastal communities that rely on
this trade.
Participation at SEG is vital to our success, providing us with
the opportunity to network with customers, potential customers,
suppliers and other stakeholders from the industry. We love
being here in Spain and invite everyone to join our celebrations
at stand 2 i601.
Victoria Townsend, Commercial Director at Ocean Fish
Group, said:
We are pleased to be exhibiting under the UK Pavilion as it
enables us to showcase British species to a wider audience.
We already have established sales in Europe - Italy for scallops,
hake, and monk into France and most recently octopus into Spain
and Italy. We are now looking to strengthen the interest in
British species further afield and establish ourselves in new
markets.
Alongside this investment, the government is working closely with
industry to ensure exporters can take full advantage of the SPS
agreement, which will further support trade with the UK's largest
seafood export market, the European Union.
By cutting red tape and reducing the need for routine border
checks, the agreement will save businesses time and money,
helping UK seafood businesses compete internationally.
