The international interest in HavExpo 2026 is clear. Leading players from Europe and Asia highlight Norway as one of the world's most important arenas for the development of fisheries and aquaculture - and see the fair as a central meeting place to build relationships, gain insight and develop new business opportunities.
Bringing the industry together in one place
From Poland comes Progress Screen, which, after having visited the fair previously, is now choosing to exhibit for the first time.
– HavExpo brings together many of our potential customers in one place. It provides a unique opportunity to meet many companies in a short time, says Anita Świeboda, Marketing Specialist at Progress Screen.
The company already has a solid presence in Norway.
– We have been in the Norwegian market for over 30 years, and it is very important to us. Now we want to both meet new customers and follow up on existing relationships, while also showing solutions that contribute to more efficient and fish welfare-oriented operations.
Looking to Norway for growth
Asano Global from Japan points to Norway as one of the most advanced markets globally.
– Norway is one of the most important markets for us, as the country is a leader in both commercial fishing and aquaculture. Norwegian players are often early adopters of new solutions, says Shota Ohno, a representative from the company.
The company has particular experience from the purse seine segment, but now wants to expand its efforts.
– Through HavExpo, we hope to develop our business further and explore new opportunities, also within aquaculture and related technologies.
The value of meeting physically
For Scottish Ace Aquatec, participation is largely about dialogue and collaboration.
– HavExpo is a very good arena for making contacts across the entire aquaculture industry. Such meeting places are invaluable for sharing experiences and learning from players at the forefront, says Michelle Wildeboer, Senior Marketing Manager.
She particularly highlights the importance of physical meetings.
“Face-to-face conversations give us a better understanding of the challenges in the industry and where our technology can contribute. We also hope to establish new relationships and develop collaborations further.”
Norway is also one of the company's most important markets.
– It is one of the world's most innovative and advanced aquaculture areas. Collaboration with Norwegian players allows us to continuously improve our technology and meet high demands for fish welfare and sustainability.
Building international partnerships
Ireland is making a strong presence at HavExpo, with Aquatech Ireland leading a delegation of companies.
“HavExpo is one of the world's most important meeting places for technology, sustainability and marine infrastructure. For us, it provides a valuable opportunity to make international contacts and identify new commercial opportunities,” says Catherine Butler.
The participation is part of a broader focus on cooperation and exports.
– Up to ten leading Irish companies will be present. The aim is to strengthen collaboration across borders and highlight Irish innovation – from early-stage technology to solutions with global scalability.
She also points out why Norway is particularly important.
– Norway is a world leader in aquaculture and represents a mature market with a high rate of innovation and strong investment environments. Being present here provides access to important networks and partners.
Growing need for data and insight
From France comes Bioceanor, which works with sensors and data solutions for aquaculture.
– HavExpo gives us a unique opportunity to meet customers, partners and the industry as a whole. It provides a good basis for professional discussions, says Alexia Mouton.
The company particularly wants to understand market developments.
– By being present in Bergen, we gain insight into challenges related to water quality and data quality. These are areas where our solutions can contribute to better understanding and optimal operation.
She points out that Norway is also facing new challenges.
– We see more unpredictable environmental conditions and a growing need for better data. With experience from several farming regions, we can help strengthen sustainable production here as well.
A global meeting place
The feedback from international players points in the same direction: Norway is still one of the world's most important references for fisheries and aquaculture – both technologically and in terms of the market.
HavExpo is an effective entry point into this industry. In just a few days, manufacturers, suppliers, technology companies and decision-makers from the entire value chain gather.
For the foreign companies, participation is about selling, but just as much about learning, building relationships and understanding developments in a rapidly changing industry.
This makes HavExpo not just a Norwegian trade fair – but an arena where the global aquaculture and fisheries community meets, exchanges experiences and lays the foundation for further cooperation.
