Seafood has always been a bridge between cultures, economies, and communities. From the fishing harbors of Kerala and Gujarat to the sushi markets of Japan and the shrimp processors in the USA, seafood links India to the world. This global journey of fish and shellfish comes alive at the 24th edition of the India International Seafood Show (IISS) 2025, which will be held from 25th – 28th September 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
The show is not just another trade fair; it has earned the reputation of being Asia’s pre-eminent seafood trade fair, a platform where the future of seafood is imagined, debated, and displayed. And this time, the stage is even bigger: IISS 2025 will be hosted as part of World Food India 2025, the Government of India’s premier global food innovation event.
At Quein’s – Online Seafood & Fish Store, we believe this year’s edition will be historic — not just for exporters and traders, but for every seafood consumer who values freshness, traceability, and sustainability.
The Journey of IISS – From a Trade Fair to Asia’s Seafood Powerhouse
Over the decades, the India International Seafood Show has transformed into one of the largest seafood exhibitions in Asia. Its strength lies in its inclusivity — IISS is where everyone in the seafood value chain meets:
- Producers and processors
- Importers and exporters
- Aquaculture farmers and fishers
- Machinery and packaging manufacturers
- Cold storage solution providers
- Financial institutions and insurers
- Technology innovators and service providers
This diversity makes IISS more than a trade fair. It is a marketplace of ideas, a launchpad for innovations, and a forum for collaboration.
Recognized globally as the go-to event for seafood trade, IISS has helped India cement its place as the “World’s Seafood Basket.” Today, India is not only a leading seafood exporter but also a driver of sustainable aquaculture and cutting-edge processing technology.
Why IISS 2025 is Different
This edition is special because it merges with World Food India 2025, an event that celebrates India’s culinary heritage, food innovation, and international partnerships.
- World Food India 2024 impact:
- Over 100,000 visitors
- 1,500 exhibitor stalls
- Representation from 15 countries and 23 Indian states
By combining forces, IISS 2025 gains a much larger canvas. Seafood exporters will showcase products not just to buyers but also to stakeholders across the entire food value chain — including chefs, retailers, investors, government representatives, and academics.
For the global audience, this synergy means they can explore India’s seafood in the broader context of its agricultural strengths, food processing leadership, and culinary diversity.
Who Exhibits at IISS?
The exhibitor profile at IISS 2025 makes it a holistic seafood marketplace:
- Seafood processors, exporters, and importers showcasing India’s world-class shrimp, tuna, crab, and more.
- Processing & packaging equipment manufacturers unveiling the latest freezing, grading, and packing technologies.
- Cold storage and logistics providers, including shipping lines and reefer cargo specialists.
- Ingredient & additive suppliers driving value-added seafood products.
- Testing, electronics, and cleaning equipment innovators ensuring safety and hygiene.
- Manufacturers of insulated fish boxes, tubs, and crates for safe handling.
- Investors, bankers, and insurance firms connecting finance with fisheries.
- State & Central Government fishery institutions presenting policies, research, and support frameworks.
This mix creates a dynamic environment where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can connect with global buyers, innovators, and thought leaders. For many local businesses, IISS is the gateway to global markets.
Themes and Focus Areas of IISS 2025
Every edition of IISS brings new focus areas. In 2025, expect the spotlight on:
- Sustainability in Seafood – Certifications (MSC, ASC, BAP), traceability systems, and eco-friendly farming practices.
- Digitalization of Supply Chains – Blockchain, IoT, and AI-driven logistics ensuring transparency from “ocean to plate.”
- Value-Added Seafood – Ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products that meet urban consumer demand.
- Global Trade Expansion – Diversifying exports beyond shrimp to tuna, seabass, tilapia, and more.
- Food Safety and Standards – Strengthening compliance with EU, US, and Japanese markets.
- Innovation in Processing & Packaging – New technologies for shelf-life extension and food safety.
India’s Seafood Industry – The Bigger Picture
- India exported 1.7 million tonnes of seafood in 2023-24, worth over USD 8 billion.
- Shrimps accounted for more than 40% of export value, especially to the USA, China, and the EU.
- Domestic demand for fresh and frozen seafood is rising sharply due to health-conscious consumers and eCommerce platforms like Quein’s.
- India’s aquaculture sector is the second largest in the world, offering massive growth potential.
IISS 2025 will highlight how India plans to sustain and grow this leadership position while meeting global sustainability standards.
Why New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam?
The venue — Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi — is symbolic. Located in the heart of the capital, it represents India’s ambition to be a global hub for food trade and innovation. With state-of-the-art exhibition facilities, world-class logistics, and global connectivity, Bharat Mandapam ensures IISS 2025 will receive maximum visibility from policymakers, investors, and international media.
Who Will Attend?
- Global Importers & Buyers from USA, Japan, EU, Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
- Seafood Exporters & Processors from across India.
- Technology Providers – logistics, freezing, packaging, and traceability solutions.
- Investors & Banks looking for seafood ventures.
- Government Policymakers from fisheries and commerce.
- Researchers & Academics contributing to sustainable aquaculture innovations.
- Chefs & Culinary Experts exploring new seafood trends for global menus.
Why It Matters for Consumers
Though IISS is a B2B exhibition, its impact trickles down to consumers:
- Better Quality – advanced freezing and packaging ensures fresher seafood.
- More Variety – from prawns to value-added fillets, options expand.
- Transparency – traceable sourcing builds trust.
- Sustainability – eco-friendly practices ensure long-term availability.
For online platforms like Quein’s, these improvements directly translate into better service, fresher seafood, and more trust for customers.
Event Details
- Event: India International Seafood Show (IISS) 2025
- Theme: IISS – The World’s Seafood Basket
- Dates: 25th – 28th September 2025
- Venue: Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India
- Organizers: MPEDA & SEAI, in partnership with World Food India 2025
Final Thoughts
The India International Seafood Show 2025 is more than a trade exhibition — it is a celebration of India’s seafood journey. By aligning with World Food India 2025, it becomes part of a much larger narrative that combines tradition, innovation, and global collaboration.
- For industry players, it’s a marketplace of opportunities.
- For policymakers, it’s a stage for vision and action.
- For consumers, it’s the promise of fresher, safer, and more sustainable seafood.
At Quein’s – Online Seafood & Fish Store, we are excited to see how the innovations, collaborations, and ideas from IISS 2025 will reshape the seafood experience — from the fisherman’s net to the family dinner table.
India is ready to prove, once again, that it truly deserves its title as the “World’s Seafood Basket.
