Scottish seafood businesses are to get greater access to market intelligence, buyer networks and promotional opportunities in Europe, thanks a new partnership that trade body Seafood Scotland’s has formed with the Central Fish Market, Mercat Central del Peix, and education centre at Mercabarna, Barcelona.
According to Seafood Scotland, this agreement with one of the largest fresh food wholesale markets in Europe will help Scottish exporters better understand shifting consumer preferences, ensuring products are tailored to meet local demand and capitalise on Spain’s growing appetite for premium seafood.
Spain imported £91 million worth of Scottish seafood in 2022, including langoustines, scallops and live shellfish, and remains a top 20 destination for Scottish salmon. Moreover, demand continues to rise, with Spanish consumers – particularly younger generations – driving a surge in salmon and sushi consumption.
According to official Mercabarna figures, Scottish salmon sales increased by 18.46% between 2023 and 2024, from 8,280 to 9,809 tonnes. Frozen langoustine volumes grew by 6.76% over the same period.
A key element of the collaboration is education. Seafood Scotland has become a sponsor of Mercabarna’s Interactive Fish Centre, which welcomes up to 5,000 schoolchildren each year through its Creix amb el Peix (“Grow with Fish”) programme.
Since 2010, more than 100,000 pupils have taken part in this initiative, which promotes seafood, sustainability and healthy eating. The new partnership will see Scottish seafood featured throughout the programme, highlighting Scotland’s commitment to supporting responsible seafood consumption and inspiring the next generation.
“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,” said Marie-Anne Omnes, Head of Trade Marketing – Europe at Seafood Scotland “Together, we can champion sustainability, education and shared growth, demonstrating why Scottish seafood remains among the most trusted and sought-after in the world.”
José María Marcos, Corporate Development Manager and Board Member of the Central Fish Market Wholesalers’ Association, said the important partnership will allow it to keep educating children in healthy eating and helping them understand that seafood and aquaculture products are essential for carrying out a healthy diet.
“The collaboration with Seafood Scotland is also important because Scotland is one of the most important origins of the seafood products commercialised in Mercabarna,” he said.
Beyond enhancing trade links, the agreement creates a bridge between Scottish suppliers and Spanish buyers, offering introductions, data sharing and in-market support to ensure Scottish origin and quality remain front of mind. The partnership also builds on Seafood Scotland’s ongoing annual presence in Barcelona at Seafood Expo Global.
