The government has announced a significant investment of £1.5 million to enhance its Seafood Exports Package, designed to increase the global presence of Cornish crab, British scallops, and Dover sole.
At the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, Fisheries Minister Dame Angela Eagle revealed this funding, emphasizing its importance for UK exporters and the need for government support in overcoming barriers that hinder British seafood access to international markets.
This annual £1.5 million initiative, which is financed through the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, is intended to assist UK seafood exporters in penetrating new markets while also instilling confidence in smaller businesses that are just starting to export.
The initiative will provide practical assistance to businesses, offering expert guidance on market entry, export regulations, and establishing connections with potential buyers.
In addition to this funding, the government expressed its commitment to collaborating with the industry to ensure that exporters can leverage the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement fully, facilitating trade with the European Union.
Dame Angela Eagle stated, “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.”
She added, “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.”
Colin Faulkner, chief executive of Seafish, noted, “UK fish and shellfish is recognized 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.”
He further emphasized the importance of Seafood Expo Global as a vital platform for showcasing UK offerings, linking international buyers with ready-to-export companies, and demonstrating the trust in UK fish and shellfish. Seafish is proud to partner with Defra and other UK government departments to host exhibitors from all four nations of the UK at the SEG event.
Victoria Townsend, commercial director at Ocean Fish Group, expressed enthusiasm about exhibiting under the UK Pavilion: “We are pleased to be exhibiting under the UK Pavilion as it enables us to showcase British species to a wider audience.”
She added, “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.”
