Peru presented its leading seafood and aquaculture products at the Seafood Expo Global, which took place through April 23. The event brought together major international buyers and stakeholders in the sector. In 2025, Peruvian non-traditional fishery exports exceeded USD 2.2 billion, marking significant growth from the previous year.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism was represented by Luis Alberto Mesías Changa, Chief of Staff Advisors, who participated in the event “Peruvian Jumbo Squid Fishery: A Journey to the MSC Program,” organized by the Marine Stewardship Council. Mesías Changa said, “In 2025, Europe concentrated 21% of Peru’s non-traditional fishery and aquaculture exports. For this reason, we especially value this meeting with buyers, distributors, institutions and industry leaders in such a strategic location as this.” He emphasized that jumbo squid is Peru’s main export resource for direct human consumption and holds the largest share within sector exports.
Mesías Changa also noted that Peru remains among the world’s top exporters of jumbo squid—a position closely linked to artisanal fishing—and highlighted a recent milestone: “The entry of Peruvian squid fisheries into the MSC Improvement Program marks a milestone and reflects our country’s commitment to sustainability, traceability and responsible management of marine resources.” He added that advancing toward MSC certification is crucial for competitiveness: “International markets—especially in Europe—increasingly value products from sustainable fisheries. Therefore, moving towards MSC certification is a key strategy to strengthen our country’s competitiveness and consolidate global consumer confidence.”
At Seafood Expo Global 2026, Mesías Changa inaugurated Peru’s pavilion on behalf of Minister José Reyes Llanos. The space featured twenty exhibitors over an area of 302 square meters and aimed to generate commercial agreements worth USD 110 million within twelve months. Key products included various presentations of jumbo squid (pota), hake, scallops (conchas de abanico), canned tuna and anchovy.
As part of his agenda in Europe, Mesías held meetings with organizations such as MERCAMADRID—the most important fresh food distribution platform in Spain—and Madrid’s Association of Wholesale Fish Entrepreneurs. Discussions were also held with representatives from CAPECAL (the Peruvian Chamber for Jumbo Squid), APPA (the Peruvian Eel Producers Association) and Peru Mahi Alliance regarding progress toward MSC sustainability certification for fisheries.
Further talks included representatives from Import Promotion Desk—a German government initiative supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises—as well as LEVEL airline ahead of its upcoming direct Barcelona-Lima route launch.
The Ministry contributes to cultural progress by fostering sustainable tourism according to its official website. It belongs to Peru’s Executive Branch with sector-specific autonomy according to official information while advancing national strategies for foreign trade by promoting business expansion as reported on its website. Oversight falls under the Minister’s authority according to official sources, serving communities across Peru through trade facilitation as outlined officially. The Ministry collaborates with PromPerú among other entities according to its website, directing policies since its establishment in 2002 as a leading executive authority according to official records.
