The Seaweed Pavilion at Gastvrij Rotterdam
2026-10-22
This year, instead of hosting our own North Sea Seaweed event, we chose to bring seaweed to existing industry events, starting with the food sector. That is where the buyers, chefs, caterers, foodservice professionals and decision-makers already are. Gastvrij Rotterdam, a food trade event, was the pilot for this new approach.
For three days, the Seaweed Pavilion at Rotterdam Ahoy put seaweed in front of the Dutch hospitality, foodservice and catering market. With 11 ESWA members presenting their products under one roof, the pavilion gave seaweed a single, recognisable presence on the show floor, one that stands out far more than any company could on its own.
At a glance
Total fair visitors: 21.000
Participating ESWA members: 11
Seaweed tastings at the chef's table: 12
New contacts and leads reported by members: 300+
Media exposure
The pavilion was the first stop of a press tour, giving seaweed and our members direct exposure to 20 journalists Next to that the pavilion was visited by regional television and different camera crews during the following days. Main sponsors Rabobank, the Province of North Brabant and Food Valley took part in the pavilion's official opening.
Member products on the plate
At the chef's table, organised by Green Leisure Group, buyers could taste members' products in real dishes rather than just see them on a stand. On day one, chefs worked with products from Olijck and Selekt Meat in hybrid meat dishes such as seaweed carpaccio, salmon with seaweed and seaweed burgers. Day two featured Monkeys by the Sea, Algamar and YourWell, and day three NEAP, and Seaweedland. The Green Leisure Group also organized small tastings where products and snacks of our members Foods, Your Well and Sea.Sense where presented.
Member consultations: Showcasing seaweed at what European markets in 2027?
We want to build on this success in 2027 with integrated seaweed pavilions at more European market events, putting our members in the spotlight. Should that be Anuga, the World Biostimulant Congress, Interpack, or another event? We would like to decide this together with you during a series of online consultation webinars in December. Members active in food, packaging, biostimulants, cosmetics or biobased materials are warmly invited. Your input will help us choose the events that create the most market traction for seaweed. Register here for the online member consultations.
