Industry leaders convene at Summit to tackle economic challenges, unveil emerging trends & forge strategies for 2024

Leading stakeholders from across the seafood industry are preparing to gather for the 2024 Norway-UK Seafood Summit, set to take place on Tuesday 27th February at Fishmongers’ Hall in London.

Amongst a distinguished speaker set, the Norwegian Seafood Councill is delighted to announce the involvement of Cecile Myrseth, Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, and the Rt Hon Mark Spencer, UK Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries.

The two countries have a long-standing seafood partnership with close relations across the industry. Norway is the top exporter of seafood to the UK holding an estimated 19% share of the market (January - November 2023). Among the top species exported from Norway to the UK are salmon, cod, haddock, cold water prawns and halibut. 

Building on the success of previous years events, the 2024 Summit promises to be an immersive and interactive event, bringing together 200 seafood stakeholders from various sectors, including retail, import and fishing fleets, through to foodservice, analysts, and media. The program is structured around three key themes, led by industry experts, followed by engaging Q&A sessions and networking opportunities:

1.      Setting the Scene for 2024 and Beyond – offering a comprehensive outlook. From the economic forecast for this year and beyond to exploring initiatives and collaborative efforts geared towards enhancing seafood trade relations between the UK and Norway. Additionally, it will analyse the prospects and trade flows from Norway to the UK, providing valuable insights for stakeholders. 

2.      Navigating the Seas of Challenge - exploring the transformation of global food production, Norway’s long-standing commitment to sustainable fishing, the evolving role of seafood in future food systems, and responsible seafood sourcing from a retail perspective. 

3.      Innovation, Consumer Trends and Future Opportunities – explores the future of fishing delving into innovations within the Norwegian fishing fleet, takes a deep dive into consumer trends and behaviours, ending with a celebration of UK’s iconic dish fish & chips and a look at the food trends of tomorrow. 

Highlighted speakers and topics from this year’s program include: 

·         Cecilie Myrseth, Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Rt Hon Mark Spencer, UK Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries 

·         Mark Dowding, RBC BlueBay Asset Management: discussing the UK economic outlook for 2024 and beyond. 
 

·         Bjørn Erik Stabell, Head of Strategy and Sustainability, Norwegian Seafood Council: exploring the need for transforming global food production and seafood’s role in future food systems. 

·         Nathan Ward, Business Unit Director, Usage Foods, Worldpanel by Kantar: how seafood can win UK consumers in 2024. 
 

·         Linda Wood, Aquaculture & Fisheries Manager, M&S Food Group: priorities, opportunities, and challenges in responsible seafood sourcing from a retail perspective. 
 

·         Charles Banks, Co-Founder, thefoodpeople: outlining 2024’s freshest consumer trends and their longer-term implications for the seafood industry  

·         Michelin-starred Chef, Simon Hulstone & Fishmongers’ Hall Head Chef Stefan Pini: showcasing simple suppers with Seafood from Norway that satisfy current consumer trends. 

Organised and facilitated by the Norwegian Seafood Council, the annual, bilateral Summit has become a staple in the industry calendar, offering invaluable insights and expert advice on the most pressing topics affecting the seafood industry and strategies for navigating them in the year ahead and beyond. 

Victoria Braathen, UK Director for the Norwegian Seafood Council commented:  

“We’re delighted to see our proud ocean nations unite once again at the 2024 Summit.  This year promises actionable insights and expert opinions, enhanced with interactive Q&A and networking opportunities, for attendees to share ideas during or post Summit.” 

For the full speaker set and details please find the program here.  

Press Release received from William Murray, on behalf of the Norwegian Seafood Council UK.