The Government has unveiled a £1.5 million boost to its Seafood Exports Package, which could see Cornish crab, British scallops and Dover sole reach more plates worldwide.
Minister for Fisheries Dame Angela Eagle announced the new funding at the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, where she will visit UK exhibitors to hear directly about their priorities and how Government can help remove barriers that can otherwise prevent British seafood from reaching international customers.
The £1.5 million-a-year package, which is funded through the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, will aim to help UK seafood exporters to expand their presence in new markets while giving smaller firms the confidence to start exporting.
The package will look to deliver practical, hands‑on support for businesses, including expert advice on market access, export requirements and buyer connections.
Alongside the investment, Government said it will work with industry to ensure exporters can take “full advantage” of the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, which will support trade with the European Union.
Minister for Fisheries Dame Angela Eagle said: “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.
“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.”
“Many UK [fish and shellfish] businesses go beyond statutory requirements, holding internationally recognised voluntary accreditations that set them apart on the global stage.”
Seafish’s chief executive Colin Faulkner added: “UK fish and shellfish is recognised 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.
“Seafood Expo Global provides an essential platform to feature what the UK has to offer, connecting worldwide buyers with innovative companies that are export ready and demonstrating why UK fish and shellfish continues to be trusted on the world stage. As such, Seafish are proud to be able to partner with Defra and other UK Government departments to facilitate and host companies from all four nations of the United Kingdom on the UK pavilion at SEG.”
Victoria Townsend, commercial director at Ocean Fish Group, said: “We are pleased to be exhibiting under the UK Pavilion as it enables us to showcase British species to a wider audience.
“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.”
