The fourth edition of the Asian Seafood Exposition welcomes thousands of fish and seafood buyers and suppliers from around the world when it opens its doors today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Organized by Diversified Business Communications, the exhibition which runs daily from September 3-5, is one of the industry's most prominent trade shows focusing on luxury premium seafood and the supply chain in Asia.

Located in Hall 5BC, visitors have the opportunity to directly source new products from quality premium seafood suppliers from around the region, as well as international markets including the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Bahrain, Ecuador, Estonia amongst other countries.

Featuring over 165 exhibitors, chefs, buyers and traders from the food service, retail, hospitality and import and export industries have access to a wide range of premium fish and seafood products such as lobster, crab, prawns, scallops, oysters, mussels, sea cucumbers, urchins, salmon, tuna, abalone and caviar.

In addition, a diverse group of fisheries and aquaculture specialists will be on hand to showcase the latest innovations in the processing, storing, carving, packaging and transportation of goods. This includes a particular emphasis on state-of-the-art technologies now being adopted by the sector to meet increasing demand in the region for higher quality and more luxurious seafood.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Mary Larkin, Vice President of Seafood Expositions at Diversified Business Communications expresses that despite the economic turbulence of the last few years, seafood production is expected to increase against steady demand particularly for higher value products.

"A recent report published by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations indicates that world fisheries and aquaculture production is likely to reach 181 million tonnes by 2022, which equates to an 18% increase when compared to the 2010-12 period. Most production gains are likely to come from aquaculture which is expected to grow by 35% over this period," remarks Ms. Larkin.

With regard to the seafood-friendly Asia Pacific, recent reports suggest that consumption in the region is expected to be twice that of Europe and North America at almost USD 35 billion by 2030. Equally significant, China will continue to have a major impact on international aquaculture markets with fish consumption per capita expected to expand over the next decade to 42.6 kg in 2022 which represents a growth rate of 1.5% per annum.

"There is no doubt that China's trade patterns and consumer tastes are evolving," continues Ms. Larkin. "Demand for higher value fish and luxury seafood products is flourishing in the mainland driven by a combination of increasing income levels, rising living standards, population growth, as well as dietary changes linked to rapid urbanization."

Ms. Larkin comments that this year's Asian Seafood Exposition serves as a powerful platform for seafood farmers and suppliers to acquaint themselves with marketplace trends both across China and the entire Asian region. She notes that for international companies this presents a unique opportunity to capture a share of or increase their presence in the regional market.

 Aside from the exhibition itself, interactive culinary demonstrations and master classes will run alongside the exposition. "The goal is to encourage smart purchasing and preparation of seafood including knowing where the product comes from, what to look for, cooking techniques, and sustainability," points out Ms. Larkin.