Eurofish Magazine 6/ 2011 21www.eurofishmagazine.com

[ EvEnts ]

It is well known that Spain is hit hard by the economic crisis, but just how hard was

described by Mr. Antoni Argab-doña from the IESE Business School. Unemployment rates have rounded 21% with no major decrease foreseen before the end of 2012. Real-estate prices have fallen back to 2005 prices mak-ing it nearly impossible to sell without incurring major losses. All in all Mr. Argabdoña estimated that the chance of Spain going into a recession was as high as 60%. And unlike other countries, Spain would not get any help from abroad.

Strong growth in food and drinks industry

These are all bleak facts, but there is hope. And the food and drinks industry has a leading role in that hope. The indus-try recorded growth rates of 18% compared to last year and as the country’s second larg-est industry, only exceeded by tourism, this has a substantial positive impact on Spain’s situ-ation. Companies have adapted to the new circumstances and are focusing on new and grow-ing markets like Russia, India and China.

cooking techniques and spices they use to draw fine aromas from fish and seafood. “We want to put across our own enthusiasm for the products and offer cooks con-crete support, provide ideas on

how they can give their customers something new”, said Ruhl.

And another “first” has been pla n- ned for after the fair. Sabine Wedell and her team have

christened it the “Trawl Party”. It will be held directly after the fair closes on Sunday. Exhibi-tors can sponsor barrels of beer, guests will be able to get some-thing to eat at catering stands

and participants can chat, make plans, negotiate and conclude agreements in a casual after-work atmosphere. More informa-tion about the fair is available at www.fishinternational.com.

On 30 September Eurofish attended the international presentation of the upcoming Alimentaria 2012 International Food and Drinks Exhibition in Barcelona along with other journalists from leading food and beverage magazines. The presentation introduced the background of the event along with new features and included discussions by industry leaders and journalist on the economic situation and possible solutions.

Is food a way out of the crisis for Spain?

Alimentaria 2012, 26-29 March, Barcelona, Spain

Alimentaria 2012 will as in previous years be divided up into 14 different areas, of which three relate to fish, Interpesca, Expoconser, and Congelexpo.

In conjunction with this, Ali-mentaria has made substan-tial efforts to increase the 2012 event’s international focus. The food and drinks event expects to attract over 4,000 exhibi-tors from 75 different countries. An estimated 140,000 buyers (a 25% increase from 2010) are anticipated to visit the event during its four days from 26-29 March. Alimentaria 2012 will as in previous years be divided up into 14 different areas, of which three relate to fish. Interpesca, the fish, seafood, aquaculture, and farmed fish products show; Expoconser, the preserves and semi-preserves show; and Con-gelexpo, the frozen foods show.

Spanish food export revenues soar in first

quarter

Interpesca will host a mix of Spanish companies with regional stands from autonomous com-munities like Andalusia, the Basque country, and Galicia in the 1,700 sq. m show. The Span-ish companies ride on a wave of success with increased exports totalling 239,000 tonnes for the

first quarter of 2011 and revenues 17% higher than the previous year, according to ANFACO, the Spanish National Preserve and Seafood Manufacturers Associa-tion. The international participa-tion will feature an increasing number of first time exhibitors from leading producers such as China.

FROM (The Spanish acronym for the Regulation and Organisation Fund for the Fish and Seafarm Product Market) will organise an Interpesca Conference as in previous years. The main goal of this conference is to present the beneficial impact that fish and seafood have on health and show how to get the most out of the raw material in the kitchen. Another conference will focus on the Med-iterranean diet and healthy habits for people.

Alimentaria 2012 will take place on 26-29 March 2012 at Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain. More information is available at www.alimentaria-bcn.com.

Thomas Jensen, thomas.jensen@eurofish.dk

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