UK Government’s North America Seafood Specialist visits the Humber seafood cluster
November 29, 2023
The Grimsby and Humber's seafood processing and trade cluster recently welcomed the Department of Business and Trade's USA seafood representative, Marcy Bremiller and its UK seafood trade specialist, Julie Waites to the region. They were joined by Deb Lok and Joe Newton from the UK's DEFRA Government body.
Newly in post, it was Marcy’s first visit to the Humber. Meetings and discussions with numerous seafood businesses explored opportunities for seafood exports from the region to North America.
Seafood Exports from the UK are showing growth in value, particularly to non-EU markets, according to HMRC data up to March 2023. Export value growth was most notable in trout and shellfish, particularly to non-EU markets, while most demersal species and salmon exports experienced a decline in the 4 quarters to Q1 2023.
In the UK, exports totalled £242,000 into the USA in 2022, a large proportion of this was Salmon, followed by frozen nephrops and brown crab. Recently there have been an increased interest for added value and innovative products, especially coated seafood.
The UK Governments Seafood Export Package has been strengthening and supporting UK Seafood Exports in North America, UAE and South-East Asia since EU Exit. Next year will see the success of the project once again host a UK Pavilion at SENA, interested companies can register to participate in reception and tastings, and space on the stand at UK Pavilion at Seafood Expo North America - book your place | Seafish
For further information relating to UK Seafood Exports, please contact agri.food.drink@businessandtrade.gov.uk