Scottish seafood businesses will gain greater access to market intelligence, buyer networks and promotional opportunities across Europe thanks to a new partnership between Seafood Scotland, the Central Fish Market (Mercat Central del Peix) and the education centre at Mercabarna in Barcelona.
The Mercabarna wholesale market for fresh food – one of the largest in Europe – is based in Spain, a key export destination for Scotland’s premium seafood. The partnership will help Scottish exporters better understand evolving consumer preferences, ensuring products are tailored to meet local demand and capture Spain’s growing appetite for high-quality seafood.
In 2022, Spain imported £91 million worth of Scottish seafood, including langoustines, scallops and live shellfish, and remains among the top 20 destinations for Scottish salmon. Demand continues to rise, driven by younger consumers and the increasing popularity of salmon and sushi across Spain.
Official Mercabarna figures show Scottish salmon sales rose by 18.46% between 2023 and 2024 – from 8,280 to 9,809 tonnes – while frozen langoustine volumes increased by 6.76% over the same period.
A key element of the partnership focuses on education. Seafood Scotland has become a sponsor of Mercabarna’s Interactive Fish Centre, which welcomes up to 5,000 schoolchildren each year through its Creix amb el Peix (“Grow with Fish”) programme. Since 2010, more than 100,000 pupils have participated in this initiative promoting seafood, sustainability and healthy eating. The collaboration will see Scottish seafood showcased throughout the programme, reflecting Scotland’s ongoing commitment to responsible seafood consumption and inspiring the next generation.
Marie-Anne Omnes, Head of Trade Marketing – Europe at Seafood Scotland, said:
“Mercabarna sits at the heart of Europe’s seafood trade, and this partnership opens valuable new doors for Scotland. It will help our producers build stronger relationships with buyers, gain insight into emerging trends and ensure Scottish seafood continues to meet the demands of a changing market. Together, we can champion sustainability, education and shared growth, showing why Scottish seafood remains among the most trusted and sought-after in the world.”
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José María Marcos, Corporate Development Manager and Board Member of the Central Fish Market Wholesalers’ Association, added: “For our association, this partnership is very important. It enables us to continue educating children about healthy eating and to highlight the essential role seafood and aquaculture products play in a balanced diet. Collaboration with Seafood Scotland also matters because Scotland is one of the most significant sources of seafood products sold at Mercabarna.”
Beyond strengthening trade links, the agreement builds a bridge between Scottish suppliers and Spanish buyers, providing introductions, market insights and in-market support to keep Scottish provenance and quality front of mind. It also reinforces Seafood Scotland’s ongoing commitment to the region, building on its annual presence at Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona and deepening long-term collaborations across Europe’s seafood supply chain.
