Vietnamese seafood impresses at seafood Seafood Show Latin America 2025 in Brazil

The event is recognized as a strategic platform for building business relationships, connecting every links of the production chain - from aquaculture farmers, suppliers to processors, wholesalers, distributors and retail systems. According to the organizers, the 2025 show attracted over 4,000 professional visitors, featured more than 100 exhibiting brands across 7,500 m² and hosted over 40 hours of specialized seminars - demonstrating the event’s growing stature.

A standout feature was the technology and solutions pavilion, where companies showcased innovations in storage, logistics, traceability platforms, packaging, labeling and advanced processing equipment such as fillet cutters, portioning machines, precision weighing systems and automation lines. Beyond fresh and frozen fish, the exhibition also featured value-added, canned goods and by-product items including fish skin, scales, powder and oil. The majority of attendees were distributors, importers, chefs, restaurant chains, hotels and supermarkets - offering exhibitors valuable opportunities to connect directly with professional buyers.

For Vietnam, this was a key opportunity to promote the national seafood brand and flagship products - pangasius, shrimp and mollusks - targeting the Latin American market. Several Vietnamese companies, including Vinh Hoan, I.D.I and GODACO, participated as exhibitors and business networkers in Brazil. Their involvement delivered tangible benefits: expanding export markets, securing investment and processing collaborations, while accessing cutting-edge industry technologies to shape the global seafood sector.

A Vinh Hoan representative assessed that Brazil currently ranks among the top three largest importers of Vietnamese pangasius, trailing only China and the United States, while operating in a highly price-competitive environment. In 2025, Brazil’s pangasius market continued its strong growth trajectory with export value in the first eight months rising approximately 35% compared to the same period in 2024.

Brazil serves as the core market in the LATAM region, accounting for roughly 65% of regional import volume and around 75% of total value across Latin America. With a strategic focus on developing high-standard product segments, Vinh Hoan is prioritizing quality excellence and full compliance with MAPA standards (Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock), while expanding into high-standard, long-term and stable customer groups in the region.

The Latin American market currently records an average seafood consumption of approximately 10.5 kg/year, projected to reach 15 kg/person/year by 2030, driven by a growing shift toward healthy and sustainable protein sources. In this context, Vietnamese pangasius is positioned as a promising alternative to tilapia, offering competitive pricing and white flesh quality that aligns well with local consumer preferences. As the region diversifies import sources and reduces reliance on traditional suppliers, Vietnamese seafood holds significant potential due to its consistent quality, cost competitiveness and strong traceability capabilities.

During the Seafood Show Latin America 2025, the Vietnam Trade Office in Brazil (concurrently responsible for Peru, Bolivia, Suriname and Guyana) attended the regular meeting of the Brazilian Fish and Seafood Promotion Association (ABRAPES) and delivered a presentation introducing Vietnam’s seafood industry and future cooperation opportunities. Founded in 2016, ABRAPES aims to promote and expand fish consumption in Brazil, comprising importers, exporters, distributors, trading companies and retailers. During the meeting, Brazilian importers and distributors welcomed the resumption of Vietnamese tilapia fillet imports after the temporary suspension was lifted in April 2025. The first containers are scheduled to ship from Vietnam in late October to early November 2025, arriving in Brazilian retail and distribution systems from January 2026. In addition, Brazilian importers also expressed strong interest in Vietnamese shrimp, particularly black tiger shrimp and urged both governments to expedite market access negotiations.

According to Ms. Pham Hong Trang, Vietnam’s Commercial Counselor in Brazil, participation in the Seafood Show Latin America 2025 not only opens doors to the Brazilian market but also elevates Vietnam’s seafood stature across Latin America. It enables direct engagement with importers, supermarkets, restaurant chains and retailers in Brazil and the wider region, while enhancing global brand recognition. With professional preparation - from Portuguese/ Spanish packaging and labeling, tailored product offerings to post-event communication strategies and long-term strategies - this marks a significant step forward in Vietnam’s export market diversification journey.