The Philippines’ seafood industry made a striking mark at the 32nd Seafood Expo Global (SEG) in Barcelona, generating consolidated sales of USD514.8 million (around P31.68 billion) from booked and negotiated deals, highlighting strong international demand for the country’s seafood and aquaculture products.
Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate, who led the Philippine delegation, reported that booked sales reached USD450.6 million (P27.73 billion), while negotiated agreements added USD64.17 million (P3.95 billion).
Officials credited the strategic placement of the Philippine pavilion for attracting international buyers.
“SEG 2026 shows that, like the oceans themselves, there is a vast market for Philippine seafood if we improve standards and marketing,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel.
Undersecretary Bayate added: “These results reflect not just strong demand, but the dedication of our exporters and the importance of government support in navigating international regulations and positioning Philippine seafood competitively.”
The Philippine delegation included key officials from the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Regional Directors Mario Ruinata (Region 6) and Wilfredo Cruz (Region 3), Amor Diaz, Chief, Fisheries Industry Development and Support Services Division (FIDSSD), Farramae Francisco (FIDSSD) and Sheryll Aguirre (BFAR 6) as well as the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) Executive Director Maria Theresa Mutia, accompanied the Undersecretary. They were supported by Philippine Agriculture Attache Nolet Fulgencio and Consul General Maria Theresa Sta. Maria Lazaro, who helped facilitate meetings and introductions with European buyers.
The delegation worked closely with the 12 participating Philippine exporters, offering guidance on market opportunities, product positioning, and compliance with European standards.
Buyers from more than 150 countries visited the Philippine pavilion, where exhibitors showcased high-value products including fresh and processed seafood, highlighting sustainability practices and technological innovations.
SEG 2026 also featured advances in aquaculture, from artificial intelligence-assisted fish processing to sustainable aquafeeds. With over 2,000 exhibitors from around the world, the Philippines’ strong presence underscored the country’s competitiveness and growing reputation as a reliable seafood supplier.
Initial feedback from exhibitors indicated strong prospects for future participation. Officials emphasized the need for continued government support in regulatory compliance, technical assistance, and logistics to ensure exporters can fully capitalize on global opportunities.
As global seafood demand grows, the Philippines’ performance at SEG 2026 demonstrates both the opportunities and challenges of scaling domestic production for international markets, positioning the country as an emerging leader in a highly competitive global seafood industry.
