Scotland returns to Aqua Nor 2025

The Scottish pavilion at Aqua Nor is about creating visibility in the right place, at the right time. It’s a stage to showcase Scotland to global buyers, investors and partners, to whom we extend a warm Scottish invitation to visit us.  

We are building on our momentum from 2023, ensuring that Scotland’s ambitious supply chain stands out and that collectively we demonstrate our commitment to engaging globally, making personal connections and building trusted long-serving relationships.     

At HIE, we recognise the social and economic importance of aquaculture to the region and Scotland. We have been engaged with the sector throughout our 60-year history, supporting investments and transformational innovations.  
 
Today the pace and scale of innovation to improve fish health and interaction with the natural environment is at an unprecedented level. I’m pleased that we are returning to Aqua Nor 2025 with a diverse mix of companies and organisations from across the aquaculture supply chain to showcase knowledge, innovation and capability.  
 
They bring to the forefront pioneering sustainable feeds, new engineering solutions, remote low-impact systems, and AI and other technologies for fish and environmental monitoring. We are joined by world leading academics and researchers who are developing and applying new science in the sector with the business community.  The pavilion truly is the place where the world sees how Scotland is turning ideas into practical, sustainable solutions for the future of aquaculture.  
 
Looking back at 2023, I’m proud of what we accomplished. With 18 exhibitors the Scottish Pavilion was a vibrant showcase of our aquaculture supply chain – featuring everything from ground-breaking research to cutting-edge technologies. Our design earned glowing feedback from attendees who appreciated the personal pods to market their businesses, and the open inviting environment which encouraged collaboration and networking. The lounge area enabled us to host a range of events, and in the private room we had one to one trade and investment meetings. 
 
The true measure of success came from our exhibitors. An overwhelming 94% said that the event met or exceeded their expectations and many left with promising new business leads, partnerships and insights into new markets.  
 
In 2024, feedback from participating companies showed 84% of exhibitors saw strong results from new leads, 76% in new business opportunities and 53% in sales growth. Even more encouraging, 38% reported having already seen an increase in turnover or international sales and two companies secured new external investment.  

This year, we’re building on our experience from two years ago. Our pavilion will be an informal hub where all Scottish delegates, whether they are exhibiting on the pavilion, have their own stand elsewhere or are simply visiting, can connect, collaborate, and celebrate what makes Scottish aquaculture special. 

Since 2023 we have built our own partnerships with other nations and look forward to in person meetings. We’ve put together a great lineup of events aimed at igniting fresh thinking and building meaningful connections. From exploring disruptive innovation to a business brunch unpacking the power of innovation clusters, we’re setting the stage for conversations. We’re delighted to welcome the Young Aquaculture Society – Scotland’s dynamic young professional network – for a special session alongside their international counterparts including Norwegian organisation, Young Fish. 

Away from main show we are collaborating with Innovation Norway and their partners on events with like minded businesses and experts from around the world who are keen to do business, invest and work together.  
 
Our full programme will be published in July – find out more on our dedicated Aqua Nor 2025 web page.

We’re grateful for the support from Marine Fund Scotland towards the pavilion, the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre and Scottish Development International.    

If you’re exhibiting elsewhere or visiting the show, please drop by our pavilion where you’ll find spontaneous opportunities, create new ideas, and develop relationships that take your businesses and the sector forwards.  

 
Find us at Stand D-337 
Follow along at #ScotlandAtAquaNor 
For more info, contact: andrea.mccoll@hient.co.uk