Russia is a global fisheries superpower. With its vast coastline spanning the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic oceans, the country boasts some of the world’s richest fishing grounds, including the legendary Barents and Okhotsk Seas. As a leading producer of pollock, cod, herring, and premium crab, Russia is a critical player in the global seafood market.
For international businesses—whether you are a supplier of processing equipment, a buyer of high-quality seafood, or a manufacturer of sport fishing gear—Russia’s fishery trade shows are your essential gateway. Here is your guide to the most significant industry events on the 2026-2027 calendar.
Global Fishery Forum & Seafood Expo Russia: The Undisputed Industry Leader
This is the main event of the Russian fishery industry calendar. Officially supported by Russia’s Federal Agency for Fisheries and the Ministry of Agriculture, the Global Fishery Forum & Seafood Expo Russia is the largest and most influential B2B gathering for the sector, covering the entire value chain from catch to consumer.
Scale and Reach: The 2025 edition (the 6th) featured over 350 exhibitors from multiple countries and attracted over 20,000 professional visitors from 84 Russian regions and 81 foreign nations. The exhibition occupied two pavilions totaling 26,000 square meters.
The 2026 Edition: The IX International Fishery Forum and Seafood Expo Russia will take place September 16-18, 2026, at the Expoforum Convention and Exhibition Centre in St. Petersburg. Organizers have announced plans to expand the specialized exposition sections and attract even more international exhibitors.
What You Will See:
- Fishing & Processing Companies: Showcasing catch volumes and processing capabilities
- Aquaculture Producers: A growing segment with dedicated exhibition space
- Equipment & Technology Suppliers: Processing lines, freezing technology, packaging machinery, and components
- Shipbuilding & Repair: With a massive fleet modernization underway, this sector is a major draw
- Logistics & Cold Chain: Essential for connecting Russia’s far-flung fisheries to domestic and global markets
The Business Program: The event features a high-level forum with plenary sessions addressing critical industry issues. The 2022 session, for example, focused on “Smart Fishing: Research, Catching, Processing”—exploring technological innovation, logistics restructuring, and sustainable resource management.
Why Attend: This is where major deals are signed. The event is attended by senior government officials, including the Minister of Agriculture and the Chief of the Federal Agency for Fishery, making it a critical platform for understanding regulatory priorities and market direction.
- Dates: September 16-18, 2026
- Venue: Expoforum Convention and Exhibition Centre, St. Petersburg
- Frequency: Annual (9th edition in 2026)
Russian Hunting & Fishing Expo (VDNH Moscow)
For companies specializing in recreational and sport fishing gear, the Russian Hunting & Fishing International Expo is the premier platform. Held at the iconic VDNH Exhibition Center in Moscow, this event targets both trade professionals and the passionate consumer angler.
Scale and Reach: More than 700 Russian and foreign companies take part in this exhibition, making it one of the largest gatherings for the outdoor recreation sector in Russia.
Product Focus: This is the event for:
- Fishing Gear & Tackle: Rods, reels, lines, lures, and terminal tackle
- Clothing & Footwear: Specialized waterproof and thermal gear for all seasons
- Boats & Accessories: Fishing boats, kayaks, and outboard motors
- Outdoor Equipment: ATVs, all-terrain vehicles, camping gear, and portable shelters
Why Attend: This event is unique in that it bridges the gap between B2B and B2C. Retailers can source from manufacturers, while also observing direct consumer engagement with products. Additionally, experienced fishermen share knowledge and tips, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
- Dates: September 10, 2026 (4 days)
- Venue: VDNH Exhibition Center, Moscow
- Frequency: Twice per year
FISHER (Hunting & Fishing Expo – Patriot Expo)
Another major player in the sportfishing segment is FISHER (Russian Fishing Exhibition), held at the Patriot Expo near Moscow. This event is dedicated to both beginners and professionals in the sport fishing community.
Product Focus: The exhibition features stores and manufacturers of fishing gear and clothing, fishing rods, comfortable footwear, ATVs, and all-terrain vehicles. It is a comprehensive showcase for everything the modern angler needs.
Why Attend: The 2026 edition took place April 2-5, 2026, with the 2027 edition expected in April as well. This timing makes it the perfect spring event for launching new products ahead of the peak summer fishing season.
- Dates: April 2027 (specific dates TBC)
- Venue: Patriot Expo, Moscow
- Frequency: Annual
Moscow Boat Show: The Marine & Yachting Connection
While primarily a boating and yachting event, the Moscow International Exhibition of Boats and Yachts (Moscow Boat Show) has significant relevance for the fishing industry, particularly for manufacturers of marine electronics, outboard motors, and serious sport fishing vessels.
Audience: The show attracts all professionals of the yachting industry as well as fans of yachting and amateurs of water crafts. For high-end fishing equipment suppliers, this is a direct line to a premium customer base.
- Dates: February 18, 2027
- Venue: Crocus Expo IEC, Moscow
- Frequency: Annual
Regional Events: Covering Russia’s Vast Geography
Beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg, regional events provide targeted access to key fishing and seafood markets.
AquaPro Expo (Moscow)
This international exhibition focuses on equipment and technologies for the extraction, farming, and processing of fish and seafood. It is held annually at the Crocus Expo IEC and is scheduled for February 2027.
InterFood Ural (Ekaterinburg)
While primarily a food exhibition, InterFood Ural (October 28-30, 2026) includes a significant seafood component. As the only B2B exhibition in the Ural region focused on food products and processing equipment, it offers access to Russia’s vital industrial heartland.
FoodTech Ural (Ekaterinburg)
Running concurrently with InterFood Ural, this exhibition focuses on equipment for food production. For suppliers of fish processing lines and freezing technology, this is a valuable regional complement to the larger St. Petersburg show.
At a Glance: 2026-2027 Fishery Events in Russia
| Event Name | Dates | Venue | Primary Focus | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moscow Boat Show | February 18, 2027 | Crocus Expo, Moscow | Boats, yachts, marine equipment | Marine professionals, premium consumers |
| AquaPro Expo | February 2027 (TBC) | Crocus Expo, Moscow | Extraction, farming, processing equipment | Industrial B2B |
| FISHER | April 2027 (TBC) | Patriot Expo, Moscow | Sport fishing gear, ATVs, outdoor equipment | Mixed B2B & consumer |
| Russian Hunting & Fishing Expo | September 10, 2026 | VDNH, Moscow | Fishing gear, hunting equipment, boats | Mixed B2B & consumer (700+ exhibitors) |
| Global Fishery Forum & Seafood Expo Russia | September 16-18, 2026 | Expoforum, St. Petersburg | Full industry value chain (flagship B2B event) | Industrial B2B (350+ exhibitors, 20,000+ visitors) |
| InterFood Ural | October 28-30, 2026 | Ekaterinburg EXPO | Food & seafood products, processing equipment | Regional B2B |
| FoodTech Ural | October 28-30, 2026 | Ekaterinburg EXPO | Food production equipment, processing lines | Regional B2B |
Why the Russian Fishery Market Matters Now
The Russian fishing industry is undergoing a profound transformation, creating powerful opportunities for international partners.
1. The Investment Quota Program is Driving Modernization
The Russian government’s “investment quota” program links access to valuable fishing quotas with investments in new, modern vessels and onshore processing plants. This has created a massive, ongoing demand for foreign technology and expertise—from shipbuilding components to processing line automation. The program has also driven a high (70%) localization level for new vessel construction, creating partnership opportunities with Russian shipyards.
2. Import Substitution Creates Openings
With shifts in global supply chains, Russian fishing companies are actively seeking international partners for components, processing technology, and packaging solutions that are no longer available from Western suppliers.
3. Strong Export Demand
Russia continues to be a major seafood exporter. Recent data shows significant shipments to China (289 certificates) and South Korea (145 certificates), demonstrating the importance of international trade relationships for the Russian industry.
4. Growing Domestic Consumption
The Russian government is actively working to stimulate domestic consumption of fish products, creating opportunities for innovative packaging, branding, and retail solutions.
5. The St. Petersburg Advantage
The flagship Global Fishery Forum takes place in St. Petersburg at the modern Expoforum complex—a world-class venue with excellent international accessibility, reinforcing the city’s status as a historic maritime trade hub.
For international manufacturers of fishing gear, processing equipment, or shipbuilding components, as well as seafood buyers looking for reliable supply, Russia’s fishery trade shows are the most direct and effective route to market.
Whether you choose the B2B power of the Global Fishery Forum & Seafood Expo Russia in St. Petersburg (September 16-18, 2026), the consumer-facing reach of the Russian Hunting & Fishing Expo in Moscow, or the regional specificity of InterFood Ural, the opportunities are substantial.
