In 2020, trade shows and industry specific expos across the world came to a screeching halt as the world took on battling a global pandemic. 2021 has continued this trend of conferences and exhibitions being cancelled over ongoing health concerns caused by the pandemic.
Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America announced today, April 6, 2021, that the event that was originally scheduled for March 14 - 16, 2021 that was pushed back to July 11-13, 2021, has been cancelled due to the pandemic and that the next show will take place March 13 - 15, 2022.
But what is the seafood expo and why does it matter from an air freight perspective?
“Seafood Expo North America/ Seafood Processing North America is North America’s largest seafood exposition. Thousands of buyers and suppliers from around the world attend the annual, three-day exhibition to meet, network and do business. Attending buyers represent importers, exporters, wholesalers, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, and other retail and foodservice companies. Exhibiting suppliers offer the newest seafood products, processing and packaging equipment, and services available in the seafood market.”
Seafood (0300), is a perishable good that is routinely shipped by commercial airlines throughout the United States and across the globe. Fresh lobster caught off the coast of Maine, salmon from Alaska, marlin caught off the coast of Florida, Maryland blue crab, tuna off the coast of California are just a few examples of seafood that is caught, sold, packaged, and shipped via air freight from the initial supplier to the buyer.
The Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America brings all parties together involved in the supplying, purchasing, transportation, and distribution of seafood. Seafood suppliers from all over the world come together to showcase their products. Buyers who distribute seafood products in major city markets come to view and sample catches. Cartage and courier companies who provide first and last mile delivery services meet with seafood suppliers to help with transportation to and from airports. Airlines meet with sellers and buyers to help negotiate air freight rates for the shipment of seafood. And finally, technology providers such as Hangar A meet with all of these parties to help provide a logistics solution that aggregates their air freight options while providing a variety of first and last mile delivery services. Whether it’s ULD containers packed with lobster or smaller boxes filled with oysters, Hangar A can help facilitate the entire movement of seafood products.
