Strengthening Ties: Seafood Scotland Partners with Barcelona Central Fish Market
New collaboration enhances market access, data sharing, and product education, boosting Scotland’s seafood exports to Spain.
Scottish seafood businesses are set to benefit significantly from a groundbreaking partnership established between Seafood Scotland and the Central Fish Market (Mercat Central del Peix) located at Mercabarna in Barcelona. This new collaboration aims to provide greater market intelligence, establish buyer networks, and offer promotional opportunities across Europe, particularly enhancing Scotland’s seafood exports to Spain.
The Importance of the Partnership
Spain stands as one of Scotland’s primary export destinations for premium seafood, and the wholesale market at Mercabarna is among the largest in Europe. This partnership facilitates a deeper understanding of consumer preferences, allowing Scottish exporters to tailor their products to meet evolving local demands—a crucial factor in capitalizing on Spain’s increasing appetite for high-quality seafood.
Growing Demand for Scottish Seafood
In 2022, Spain imported £91 million worth of Scottish seafood, with popular items including langoustines, scallops, and live shellfish. Scottish salmon remains a top choice, particularly among younger Spanish consumers driving a noticeable increase in salmon and sushi consumption. Recent figures from Mercabarna reveal a remarkable 18.46% increase in Scottish salmon sales from 8,280 to 9,809 tonnes between 2023 and 2024, alongside a 6.76% rise in frozen langoustine volumes during the same period.
Education and Sustainability: Cornerstones of the Collaboration
A key aspect of this collaboration is education. Seafood Scotland has proudly become a sponsor of Mercabarna’s Interactive Fish Centre, which engages up to 5,000 schoolchildren annually through its educational program, “Creix amb el Peix” (“Grow with Fish”). This initiative, in place since 2010, has educated over 100,000 pupils on seafood, sustainability, and healthy eating practices. With the new partnership, Scottish seafood will be prominently featured, underscoring Scotland’s dedication to responsible seafood consumption and inspiring future generations.
Voices from the Industry
Marie-Anne Omnes, Head of Trade Marketing – Europe at Seafood Scotland, commented, “Mercabarna is at the heart of Europe’s seafood trade, and this partnership opens valuable doors for Scotland. It will help our producers strengthen relationships with buyers, gain insight into emerging trends, and ensure Scottish seafood continues to meet the needs of a changing market.”
José María Marcos, Corporate Development Manager and Board Member of the Central Fish Market Wholesalers’ Association, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “For our association of wholesalers, this partnership is vital as it supports education on healthy eating, reinforcing the notion that seafood and aquaculture products are essential for a balanced diet. Scotland is a key source for the seafood sold at Mercabarna.”
Future Prospects
Beyond strengthening trade links, this agreement establishes a vital connection between Scottish suppliers and Spanish buyers. It offers valuable introductions, facilitates data sharing, and provides in-market support to ensure the prominence of Scottish origin and quality. This partnership also complements Seafood Scotland’s continuous presence at the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, underscoring its commitment to nurturing long-term collaborations across the seafood supply chain.
Main Image © Seafood Scotland
Image caption: L-R: Audrey Leng (Scottish Development International), Donna Fordyce, Marie-Anne Omnes (Seafood Scotland), Ángel Máñez (president of the Mercabarna Central Fish Market Wholesalers’ Guild (GMP)), Thomas Smith (Scottish piper), and José Maria Marcos (Central Fish Market Wholesalers’ Association).
