Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition opens its door tomorrow

Since its inception in 1984, the Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition – better known as Icefish - has become one of the world’s leading fishing events. The exhibition has gained more and more international interest which shows that companies all over the world look to Iceland when it comes to most aspects of fisheries. Perhaps understandably so, as the fishing industry is one of the pillars of Icelandic society; it has never been as important as now, as during the rebuilding of the Icelandic economy after its collapse in 2008. The industry is showing healthy growth as figures from Statistics Iceland show the total catch of Icelandic vessels increased by 2.8% to ISK37.4bn (EUR226m) in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period last year.
Icefish is a must attend event for anyone who wants to keep up with the latest technology and developments in the industry. Held only once every three years, the 2011 event is on track to cover over 13,000m2 of inside and outside exhibition space. Around 500 companies are expected to showcase the latest developments in the commercial fishing industry; from the design and construction of vessels, through locating and catching, processing and packaging to marketing and distribution of the final product. A number of nations will have special delegations in attendance and Denmark, Norway, the UK and the Faroe Islands will have special national pavilions where several companies showcase their latest products within the same booth.
Icefish is owned by Mercator Media and Head of Events is Marianne Rasmussen-Coulling. Marianne is running the show for the sixth time and according to her, the exhibition is not only a venue for business but also – and no less importantly – a social gathering: “Here professionals from the trade meet old friends and competitors alike, but it’s also an opportunity for them to meet people and form new connections,” says Marianne. “The exhibition has retained the same size which is extremely positive considering the current economic climate and what has happened since we were here in 2008. Some companies have merged and others have even gone under. So we are very happy with the participation and welcome all the new exhibitors and visitors.”
Iceland’s Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Jón Bjarnason, will officially open the Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition in Smaraskóli, elementary school (adjacent to the exhibition halls) at 10am tomorrow.
In connection to the exhibition the 5th Icelandic Fisheries Awards will be presented at the Gerdasafn Art Museum in Kópavogur on the first night of the Exhibition in a ceremony hosted by the Icelandic Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Jón Bjarnason and the Mayor of Kópavogur, Guđrun Pálsdóttir. The hotly contested awards recognize and reward excellence within the Icelandic and International Commercial Fishing industries.