The seafood sector has welcomed the launch of the UK Seafood Federation Limited, which brings together seafood partners across the UK into one trade body.

The UK’s seafood processing and trading industry has a new unified voice to promote its sector with the launch of the UK Seafood Federation (UKSF). UKSF is an amalgamation of
the Provision of Trade Federations, Seafood Industry Alliance (SIA), and Seafood Grimsby & Humber Alliance Limited (SGHA).

The membership organisation will be chaired by Simon Smith, Vice-Chair of Sofina Foods (Europe) and formerly the SGHA Chairperson.  The management team led by Simon Dwyer, CEO, will be joined by Andrew Kuyk and Mike Short, formerly of the SIA, and the former SGHA team of Professor Val Braybrooks, Julie Waites and Joanne Woodhouse.  

UKSF will also become members of the European Fish Processors Association, AIPCE. UKSF brings together the UK seafood processing and trading businesses, large and small, in a pre-competitive collaboration with a mission to be the voice of the UK industry in making seafood a bigger part of the British diet for a healthier nation and planet. The UKSF strategy will focus on common industry challenges, skills, ethics and sustainability, industry integrity and reputation, smooth and efficient trade flows and communication and engagement.

Simon Smith commented: “This is a milestone for the seafood processing and trading businesses across the UK. Sales in the UK to retail and food service are in excess of £8bn of which the vast majority is handled in some format by UK businesses. The UKSF will have a fully committed board representative of UK businesses and a delivery team with a strong track-record with SIA and SGHA. I look forward to working with the board and the team to deliver our priorities.”

Mike Sheldon, Chairperson of the Seafish Industry Authority said “The Seafish executive team and colleagues look forward to working with UKSF and being an associate member of their board. Clearly, UKSF priorities shadow our corporate plan in many ways, which is pleasing.”

Jimmy Buchan, CEO of the Scottish Seafood Association, added “Our organisation has been involved in the consultative process of creating UKSF. Simon Dwyer and Andrew Wallace, Fishmongers’ Company, have visited us in Peterhead twice in recent months. We already have positive working relationship with the SGHA over the years and we’ve worked with their partner, the University of Lincoln, in delivering the Future Seafood Leaders programme in the North East of Scotland. We look forward to having an active involvement in UKSF organisation and supporting them in their priorities.”

This landmark initiative aims to strengthen the representation of one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse sectors, bringing together businesses and stakeholders to address shared challenges and opportunities.

The UK Seafood Federation will serve as a central hub for seafood processors and traders, advocating for the industry’s interests and ensuring its critical contribution to the UK economy and food supply is recognised. From small-scale processors to major trading enterprises, the federation represents the full spectrum of the seafood supply chain, including companies committed to sustainability, innovation, and quality.

The UK Seafood Federation invites seafood processors, traders, and industry stakeholders to join this groundbreaking initiative. Together, members will shape the future of the industry, advocate for fair policies, celebrate the rich diversity of UK seafood and deliver the mission for seafood being a bigger part of the British diet for a healthier nation and planet.

For more information about the UK Seafood Federation, please contact Simon Dwyer at +44 7866 508194