Panama’s seafood industry took center stage at the Seafood Expo Global fair in Barcelona this week. Hosted at the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona, the event serves as a crucial gateway for Panamanian companies looking to expand their exports into Europe.

Industry Unity

The Authority for the Attraction of Investments and the Promotion of Exports of Panama (Propanama) and the Panamanian Association of Aquaculture Farmers (Aspac) jointly inaugurated the Panama stand at the fair. This collaboration emphasizes the industry’s concerted effort to explore new market opportunities.

Spain holds a strategic position in Panama’s seafood export strategy, being one of the first countries to which Panama began exporting. Panama’s companies have capitalized on this relationship, focusing on specific market niches within Spain.

Quality Focus

Despite Panama’s comparatively smaller shrimp production, industry leaders like Jorge Azar, CEO of Gava Foods LLC, emphasize the exceptional quality of Panamanian seafood products. Azar praised the Government’s support in revitalizing Panama’s seafood industry, noting the high quality of Panama’s waters, which contribute to the excellence of its products.

Belkis Rodríguez, General Manager of Independent Seafoods Panama SA, highlighted the importance of participating in events like the Seafood Expo Global. She emphasized her company’s commitment to obtaining necessary certifications to expand into new markets, particularly Europe, while maintaining direct relationships with artisanal fishermen.

Market Expansion and Connectivity

Yélsica H. Caballero, Head of Exports at Propanama, emphasized the significance of Panama’s presence at the Seafood Expo Global. She described the event as an opportunity to explore new markets, connect with potential buyers and distributors, and ensure the continuity of Panama’s brands in the European market.

Eric Jaramillo Crespo, Consul General of Panama in Barcelona, stressed the importance of government support in facilitating the participation of private companies in international fairs. He expressed confidence in the future executive of Panama continuing to prioritize support for the private sector in such activities.