European Seaweed 2026 kicks off at Gastvrij Rotterdam
2026-06-02
European Seaweed 2026 will take its first step inside the food industry at Gastvrij Rotterdam, taking place from 21–23 September 2026 at Rotterdam Ahoy.
Formerly known as North Sea Seaweed, European Seaweed 2026 marks a new approach: instead of bringing the sector together at a standalone event, we are showing up where markets already meet. Gastvrij Rotterdam offers exactly that setting. As a leading trade fair for gastronomy and hospitality professionals, it brings together chefs, restaurant owners, F&B managers, hospitality entrepreneurs, buyers, wholesalers, foodservice operators and other decision-makers shaping what ends up on the plate.
At the heart of our presence will be the European Seaweed Pavilion: a dedicated 100+ m² showcase designed to bring seaweed innovation to life. The pavilion will feature members active in food, packaging and related markets, presenting a clear chain from raw material and processing to seaweed-based end products.
The pavilion will serve as a live market case for seaweed applications. For members active in food and packaging, it offers a strong opportunity to reach professionals who are looking for new products, sustainable ingredients and future-oriented solutions. For farmers, processors and suppliers across the value chain, it also creates visibility among market players actively exploring how to source and apply seaweed.
For members not directly active in the food market, Gastvrij Rotterdam offers a valuable opportunity to observe the approach in practice. The Seaweed Pavilion will act as a test case for how the European seaweed sector can show up at major industry events, with learnings that can be applied to other markets such as biostimulants, packaging, food and hospitality.
Alongside the pavilion, European Seaweed 2026 will include a programme of networking moments and side events, including the Rabo Food Leaders Seaweed Lunch, drinks, workshops and a members’ dinner at the World Horti Center. This dinner will offer members a relaxed setting to connect, exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration across the community.
The World Horti Center visit will also highlight the link between seaweed and land-based cultivation. As a global hub for greenhouse horticulture innovation, the centre connects business, research, education and government around sustainable food production and new technologies.
European Seaweed 2026 at Gastvrij Rotterdam is the first step in a broader market-oriented approach: bringing seaweed out of the sector bubble and onto the stage of the industries that can help accelerate its uptake.
Members interested in visiting Gastvrij Rotterdam will receive a free entry ticket.
Download the pitch deck below for more information about the pavilion, programme and opportunities to participate.
