Fresh momentum for the seafood industry

With high-protein diets surging in popularity, seafood remains a cornerstone of modern nutrition. Today, fish is far more than a raw commodity; it is increasingly becoming an integral part of contemporary dietary concepts. Reflecting this evolution, fish international will present a comprehensive spectrum of products, concepts, and innovations from 22 to 24 February 2026 at MESSE BREMEN. The trade fair ranges from sustainable aquaculture and cutting-edge packaging to innovative algae products, providing trade visitors with a definitive overview of global market trends and technologies.

From industry giants to emerging players
The trade fair will once again unite market leaders, producers, retailers, and technology providers from across Europe and beyond. Several major regions will return with international pavilions: Xunta de Galicia will represent one of Europe’s premier seafood regions, while Food from Denmark returns to showcase the diversity of Danish food innovation. „Our visitors will find an attractive mix of businesses spanning every stage of the seafood value chain – complemented by specialists in packaging technology, IT, logistics, and quality assurance,“ says Franziska Kinski, the newly appointed Project Manager of fish international.

Established heavyweights such as Deutsche See, debuting a new stand concept featuring a prominent live stage, and Transgourmet Seafood, which continues its tenure as the largest exhibitor, will set up a strong foundation. This is bolstered by companies bringing fresh perspectives to the market, such as Aquapurna / Gamba Zamba (pioneering large-scale shrimp production in central Germany), Visafslag Urk (one of Europe’s most significant fish auctions and a vital industry hub), and the International Trade Centre, which is hosting a delegation from Fiji presenting premium seafood.

Young Innovators & Newcomer Area: A stage for new ideas
Two dedicated formats will spotlight young and innovative companies. The „Young Innovators“ pavilion, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, assists German-based start-ups in launching new products or processes. For those not eligible for subsidies, the Newcomer Area provides a cost-effective platform to debut products to a professional audience. „We want to lower the barrier to entry for young companies and trade fair novices,“ Kinski emphasises.

The specialist forum: three core pillars
The Forum serves as the intellectual heart of the event. It is included in the exhibition ticket, can be visited without registration and is mainly held in German. Under the banners of „EU regulations“, „Consumption trends“, and the „Future of fish supply“, industry experts will tackle current challenges over three days:

Day 1: „Mandatory, not optional: new EU rules & industry implications“ – including insights from Till Isensee (TILISCO GmbH) on the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation).
Day 2: „What is Germany eating? New sales and consumption trends in seafood“.
Day 3: „The future of fish supply – reliable, sustainable, resilient“.
The forum is designed to be interactive – featuring numerous panel discussions and active audience participation.

Proven formats: „Fishery Harbour Radio“ and the „Trawl Net Party“
At the joint stand of the Bremerhaven Fishery Harbour Management Company (FBG), the „Fischereihafenfunk“ (Fishery Harbour Radio) returns, offering expert lectures and insights into the intersection of science and industry. The ever-popular „Schleppnetzparty“ (Trawl Net Party) also makes its return – featuring live music from „Watch-your-Step“ and a diverse seafood buffet showcasing premium products from the exhibitors.

Synergy with the hospitality sector
Running alongside the event is GASTRO IVENT– the established marketplace for gastronomy, hotels, contract catering, and retail since 2014. „The two fairs share significant overlap, particularly regarding food innovation and the catering sector,“ explains Claudia Nötzelmann, Head of Trade Fairs. „We intend to leverage these synergies even more effectively in the future, aided by input from the Food Land Bremen innovation hub, which strengthens the local food and beverage industry.“

For more information, visit: www.fishinternational.de

Photos of the event can be found in our cloud:
Link to the digital press kit

Password: fish_International_2026

Please add fish international and GASTRO IVENT to your event calendar:

Date: Sunday to Tuesday, 22–24 February 2026

Opening hours: (fish international & GASTRO IVENT):
                               Sunday and Monday: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm
                               Tuesday: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm

Venue: MESSE BREMEN, Halls 5-7, Findorffstr. 101, 28215 Bremen, Germany

Additional Information for editorial offices:
MESSE BREMEN · M3B GmbH
Vanessa Ranft, T +49 421 3505 323
vanessa.ranft@m3b-bremen.de
www.messe-bremen.de