HAPO meets with representatives of the China Hospitality Association to explore new business opportunities
Athens, Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Against the backdrop of a visit to Greece by 25 representatives of the China Hospitality Association (CHA), the Hellenic Aquaculture Producers Organization (HAPO) hosted a dedicated business and networking event focused on strengthening the international presence of Greek aquaculture and exploring new opportunities in the Chinese market.
Under the theme “The Excellence of Greek Aquaculture for the Modern Chinese Hospitality Sector,” the event brought together HAPO member companies with representatives of China’s hospitality and foodservice industries, creating a valuable platform for dialogue, networking and the exploration of new commercial partnerships.
The Chinese delegation visited Greece with a strong interest in Greek seafood and farmed fish production, as well as in establishing new professional contacts and developing potential business collaborations. The meetings provided an opportunity for direct exchange on the specific requirements and expectations of the Chinese market and on the potential for Greek farmed fish to enter and grow within this highly competitive environment.
Alongside HAPO member companies, the event was attended by Ismini Bogdanou, Director of Communications and Public Relations, and Giannis Pelekanakis, Director of Institutional and International Affairs. The event also welcomed representatives of the Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food, including Dr. Alkistis Parpoura, Director General of Fisheries; Dr. Katerina Marinou, Head of the General Directorate of Veterinary Services; Ms. Papachristou and Ms. Velegraki from the Directorate of Aquaculture and Fisheries Policy; and Ms. Dionysia Mintza, Head of the Department of Fishery Products, Milk and Other Foods of Animal Origin.
The presence of institutional representatives underlined the importance of coordinated efforts to support the international character of Greek aquaculture and strengthen the sector’s presence in international markets. The management of Le Monde College, which hosted the event at its facilities, was also present throughout the proceedings.
Greek aquaculture meets Chinese gastronomy
The event also offered a unique opportunity to introduce the Chinese delegation to the quality, characteristics and versatility of Greek farmed sea bream and sea bass under the Fish from Greece brand.
In the professional kitchens of Le Monde College, Greek and Chinese chefs showcased different approaches to preparing the same high-quality Greek farmed fish. Through live preparation demonstrations, professional culinary techniques from both Greek and Chinese cuisine, and tastings of dishes created by Chef Makis Kalosakas and the visiting Chinese chefs, participants experienced first-hand the versatility and gastronomic potential of Fish from Greece.
The culinary experience highlighted the ability of Greek farmed fish to adapt to different culinary traditions and professional foodservice requirements, while showcasing the quality and consistency that characterize Greek aquaculture production.
Building bridges between Greece and China
The HAPO initiative formed part of a broader program of engagement and networking with the Chinese hospitality and culinary community. The previous evening, Ismini Bogdanou, had participated as an invited guest at an event dedicated to Chinese gastronomy and business networking, organized by the China Hospitality Association in collaboration with the Hellenic-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
These contacts further strengthened the dialogue between the Greek aquaculture sector and key stakeholders in the Chinese hospitality and foodservice market, creating opportunities to better understand market needs, explore potential partnerships and identify new routes to market for Greek farmed fish.
For HAPO opening new international markets and strengthening the global presence of Greek farmed fish are key pillars of its global strategy. The engagement with the China Hospitality Association represents another concrete step in this direction, bringing fresh Greek farmed fish closer to a major and highly sophisticated market and creating the foundations for future commercial cooperation.
Greek aquaculture is looking beyond borders — building partnerships, opening markets and bringing farmed fish to the world.
