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Trade mission to European Seafood Exposition (ESE) - Brussels, 25-28 April

The annual European Seafood Exposition (ESE) is the largest seafood show in the world, and as such represents a unique opportunity for North East seafood exporters to make contact with prospective new customers from over 100 countries in the space of only three days.

Held in Brussels from 25 to 28 April in the Parc des Expositions, ESE is also a daunting prospect for the new exhibitor, which is why Aberdeenshire Council takes a group trade mission every year to the show.

"I had previously attended ESE on a number of occasions as a solo visitor, and we even exhibited one year, but this group delegation format makes things so much easier," says Danny Couper of Aberdeen-based branded white fish supplier Couper Seafoods.

"In the first place, because you are not bogged down with travel, stand and accommodation organisation you can concentrate much more on what the show's really all about - making new sales contacts and reinforcing existing ones.

"But, even more importantly, travelling as a group you can network much more efficiently, and share prospective new customers with your fellow delegates.

"In our case, we export all over Europe and to North America , and I am sure this year's delegation will once again yield high quality contacts."

Impressive figures

Now in its twelfth year, ESE, which is held in conjunction with Seafood Processing Europe (SPE) is impressive in every way - over 1000 exhibitors, around 20,000 attendees and 60 national pavilions.

Every sector of the seafood market is represented - value-added, branded, private label, canned, fresh, frozen and more.

Last year's Aberdeenshire delegation comprised 18 local seafood producers. With a healthy demand for places, companies interested in taking part this year should contact Louise Stratton as shown below without delay for further details

Contact Louise Stratton, Aberdeenshire Council, (tel): 01224 664575, (email): louise.stratton@aberdeenshire.gov.uk