Australian seafood makes waves at Seafood Expo Global 2026

Australia strengthened commercial relationships and built new export pathways to Europe at Seafood Expo Global (SEG), the world’s largest seafood trade event.

Australian seafood companies travelled to Barcelona with Austrade to showcase their premium seafood to 35,000 attendees from 85 countries. Sourced from Australia’s 5 pristine ocean zones, the seafood included octopus, prawn, lobster, abalone, Patagonian Toothfish and much more.

At the Australian Pavilion, seafood exporters had plenty of opportunities to engage directly with international buyers, test market demand and position their products in high-value segments.

Powered by the Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI), Austrade worked closely with Seafood Industry Australia (a Trade Diversification Network member) and the Government of Western Australia to deliver a coordinated program of in-market activities.

By combining Austrade’s market insights, global networks and on-the-ground support with industry capability, the event delivered immediate export opportunities and paved the way for long-term market diversification.

‘This is an event we look forward to every year,’ says Marc Anderson, CEO, Brolos Australian Lobster. ‘It provides a great opportunity to catch up with current clients and generate new business.’

‘[We] appreciate Austrade’s support in lining up the meetings and the whole stand is an amazing comfort for us. [We] can just jump in and start talking to people straightaway. The weight that brand Australia covers cannot be underestimated.’

The Australian Pavilion was a hub for Australian seafood exporters to connect with international buyers.

Showcasing Australia’s diverse seafood 

Australian seafood and aquaculture exporters showcased the diversity of Australia’s seafood and its suitability for retail, foodservice and premium dining. Exporters included:

• Abrolos Octopus
• Austral Fisheries
• Brolos Australian Lobster
• Ferguson Australia
• Fremantle Octopus
• Kansom Australia
• Yumbah Aquaculture.

The products on show were featured in tailored tasting sessions with media and retail, e-commerce and meal-kit buyers from key European markets, including the UK, Spain, Germany, Czechia, France and Switzerland.

Exporters used SEG to introduce new, export-ready products tailored for international markets. Abrolhos Octopus launched its octopus terrine, a premium, ready-to-serve format aligned with demand for convenience-led foodservice solutions. Kansom debuted its frozen abalone, opening new pathways into retail and foodservice channels seeking premium shellfish with extended shelf life and consistent quality.

Ferguson Australia was also recognised for its innovation, with its Southern Rock Lobster Raw Halves selected as a finalist in the 2026 Seafood Excellent Awards in the Best HORECA product category.

Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement to support seafood exporters

In March 2026, Australia and the EU concluded negotiations for an Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement. Upon entry into force, the FTA will eliminate EU tariffs of up to 26% on Australian seafood exports, including:

• kingfish (tariffs of up to 15%)
• prawns (tariffs of up to 12%)
• abalone (tariffs of up to 11%)
• octopus (tariffs of up to 8%).

The removal of these tariffs will improve the competitiveness of Australian seafood in the European market, making it easier for exporters to diversify their exports and expand into new channels and customer segments.

‘Demand for premium, high-quality seafood is growing across Europe, with consumers increasingly seeking sustainably sourced and reliable products,’ says Manuel Barbera, Business Development Director (Spain and Portugal), Austrade.

‘Australia is well positioned to meet this demand, supported by its strong reputation for quality, provenance and food safety.’

Australia has a global reputation for delivering premium, safe and sustainable seafood to global partners, driven by innovation, ethical supply chains, a compelling provenance story and world-leading environmental practices.

If you’re an Australian seafood or aquaculture exporter and are interested in joining the 2027 Australian delegation to SEG, please reach out to Manuel Barbera.

By enabling more exporters to capitalise on opportunities in markets like Europe, ANMI is helping build a more resilient and diversified Australian export sector.