Vietfish 2026: Driving the “Green Transition” of Vietnam’s seafood industry

Organized by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), VIETFISH 2026 marks a major expansion in scale this year, with more than 14,000 sq. m. of exhibition space, including the Lobby, Hall A and Hall B at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC). The event will feature 568 booths representing 335 companies, creating a comprehensive ecosystem covering every link of the seafood value chain, from aquaculture and fishing to processing, technology and equipment supply, distribution and consumption.

Notably, the exhibition will welcome participants from 17 countries, including the United States, Germany, Italy, Norway, Israel, Türkiye, Japan, South Korea and China, demonstrating Vietnam’s growing appeal and its role as a major seafood processing hub. VIETFISH 2026 is expected to attract around 13,000 visitors.

Addressing the Challenges of Value Addition and Sustainable Development

In recent years, Vietnam’s seafood export structure has undergone a clear transformation, with a declining share of raw exports and a stronger focus on deeply processed, ready-to-eat, convenient and high-value-added products. This shift not only enhances competitiveness and profit margins but also responds to increasingly stringent market demands.

At VIETFISH 2026, trade visitors will have access to a wide range of high-quality products designed for modern retail systems, restaurants, hotels, institutional catering and e-commerce platforms.

In addition, throughout the three-day event, a series of specialized seminars and panel discussions will provide updates on new trade barriers, import regulations and consumer trends, helping businesses proactively adjust their strategies and respond to rapidly changing market conditions.

ESG, Value-Added Processing and the Hosted Buyer Program

As international markets impose increasingly stringent requirements on traceability and environmental responsibility, one of this year’s key highlights will be the promotion of Vietnam’s capabilities in value-added and deep processing. Vietnam is increasingly strengthening its position as a supplier of high-quality, convenient, value-added seafood products to retail systems and supermarkets worldwide, including chains with stringent requirements for nutrition and environmental and social responsibility.

At the same time, “green development” will serve as a central theme throughout the event. As major importing markets continue to tighten requirements related to ESG, emissions reduction, energy efficiency, environmentally friendly packaging, and labor and social responsibility, VIETFISH 2026 will provide a platform for stakeholders to seek solutions to enhance sustainability and ensure greater transparency across the value chain.

This will also provide an opportunity for Vietnamese companies to demonstrate their commitments to combating IUU fishing, promoting responsible aquaculture and strengthening traceability, thereby reinforcing their credibility with consumers worldwide.

Notably, VIETFISH 2026 will mark the first official introduction of the Hosted Buyer Program. The program will welcome international buyers from key markets, creating opportunities for Vietnamese companies to meet potential partners directly, establish long-term business relationships and gradually align with the standards of leading international seafood exhibitions.

Unlocking the Domestic Market with “Tasty Kitchen”

VIETFISH 2026 will not focus solely on exports. The exhibition will also turn its attention to Vietnam’s domestic market, which offers significant consumption potential. The Tasty Kitchen culinary demonstration area, under the theme “Export-quality seafood for Vietnamese consumers,” is expected to be one of the exhibition’s most anticipated attractions.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience high-quality seafood products currently exported around the world, as well as a variety of seafood dishes prepared by professional chefs from Vietnam, South Korea and the United States.

Through these activities, the exhibition will help businesses connect with domestic distribution systems, restaurants and hotels, expand their business networks and reduce dependence on major export markets.

VIETFISH 2026 Press Conference: Industry Outlook and the “Green Transition”

Entering the second half of 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing significant opportunities, with seafood exports reaching US$5.76 billion in the first six months of the year, up 12.7% year on year.

To provide official information about the year’s largest seafood exhibition, VASEP will hold a press conference introducing VIETFISH 2026 on August 7, 2026, at the VASEP Office in Ho Chi Minh City, under the theme: “Innovation – Sustainability – Elevating Vietnam’s Seafood Industry.”

Alongside updates on VIETFISH, VASEP will present important market analyses and forecasts for the second half of 2026. These insights are expected to provide practical information for domestic and international businesses to better understand changes in global supply chains and proactively develop flexible and effective business strategies.

With its expanding scale and diverse lineup of innovative activities, VIETFISH 2026 is expected to provide fresh momentum for trade growth, support businesses in pursuing the US$12 billion seafood export target, and further strengthen the position of Vietnam’s seafood industry on the global map.

EVENT INFORMATION

Event: Vietfish 2026 – Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition

Date: August 19–21, 2026

Venue: Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam