Seafood Expo Global 2026: Extroversion and Growth as the Strategic Goals of the Hellenic Aquaculture Producers Organization

Barcelona, Tuesday 21 – Thursday 23 April​

With a strong presence and increased momentum, the Hellenic Aquaculture Producers Organization (HAPO) and its members participated in Seafood Expo Global 2026 in Barcelona, the world’s largest international seafood exhibition, reaffirming Greece’s leading role in Mediterranean aquaculture — a key pillar of sustainable development for the national economy.​

HAPO’s stand was one of the most dynamic meeting points of the exhibition, attracting industry professionals, commercial partners, and visitors from around the world. Discussions focused on the current challenges facing the sector, as well as its significant growth prospects, with particular emphasis on the need to remove structural barriers affecting competitiveness and sustainability.​

Strategic international growth and development for Greek aquaculture​ HAPO’s presence served as an important networking platform for its members, with a series of meetings and contacts that opened the way for new commercial partnerships while further strengthening existing relationships with international partners.​

The importance of close cooperation between the public and private sectors for the further development of the industry and the strengthening of exports was also highlighted through the presence of government representatives.​

​HAPO was honoured by the presence of:​

• Christos Kellas, Member of Parliament for Larissa;​
• Alkistis Parpoura, Director General of the General Directorate of Fisheries & Aquaculture, Ministry of Rural Development and Food;​
• Efthymia Giokala, Head of the Managing Authority of the Programme “Fisheries, Aquaculture and the Sea”;​
• Stamatis Kampolis, Director of the Private Office of the Secretary General for Agricultural Policy & International Relations.​

A significant contribution was also made by:​

• Pantelis Gassios, First Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs (O.E.Y.), Head of the Office for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Embassy of Greece in Madrid;​
• Andreas Pappas, President of the Hellenic-Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Madrid,​ who actively support the Greek presence in Spain and engage with international stakeholders.​

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Fish from Greece: Connecting Greek aquaculture with modern gastronomy​

The daily live cooking events at HAPO’s stand attracted great interest. Through creative recipes featuring gilthead seabream, European seabass, meagre, and red porgy, the quality, freshness, and high nutritional value of Greek farmed fish bearing the “Fish from Greece” signature were showcased, strengthening the connection between Greek aquaculture and contemporary gastronomy.​

The overall design of the stand, combining a strong Greek identity with modern aesthetics, contributed to further enhancing the recognition of Greek-origin products in international markets.​

HAPO’s consistent international presence at leading events such as Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona and Seafood Expo North America in Boston confirms its strategic commitment to international outreach and the promotion of Greek aquaculture worldwide.​

HAPO members continue to invest in quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility, strengthening Greece’s position as a leading producer of high-value fresh Mediterranean fish.