During the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, seafood companies from all over the world gather. Producers present new products, importers discover new suppliers, and many international collaborations begin here with an initial meeting.

Products are often tasted and discussed at the fair. However, after many conversations, almost the same step follows before an importer chooses a new supplier. The customer wants to test the product first in their own kitchen, laboratory, or quality department.

That's why many importers request a seafood sample after the fair.

Why sending seafood samples is crucial after the Seafood Expo

A sample plays an important role in international seafood trade. Importers want to assess the product for taste, texture, quality, and preparation results before placing an order.

Seafood companies therefore regularly send frozen samples to customers in, for example,

• Europe
• Asia
• America
• the Middle East

It is essential that the product remains completely frozen during transport. Even a small temperature change can affect the quality of fish, shrimp, or shellfish.

When an importer receives a sample that has arrived perfectly frozen, they can test the product under the right conditions.

The challenge of sending seafood samples

Sending seafood samples is more complex than sending a normal package.

With frozen products, several factors must be considered simultaneously.

• the correct amount of dry ice
• an insulated shipping box
• correct international documentation
• transport regulations for dry ice
• fast worldwide delivery

Dry ice, for example, falls under international transport regulations and must be correctly labeled and documented. If this is not done properly, a shipment may be delayed at an airport or even held back.

For seafood exporters, this can have major consequences. If a sample does not arrive properly, a potential customer may get a wrong impression of the product.

Not because the fish is not good, but because the shipment was not optimal.

Why a perfectly shipped sample makes all the difference

In international seafood trade, a single sample shipment can be decisive for a new collaboration.

An importer who receives a sample can have the product tested by chefs, quality managers, or buyers. If the quality is judged good, the first order often follows.

Many export relationships therefore begin with one well-shipped seafood sample.

How seafood companies ship their samples worldwide

More and more seafood companies are choosing to organize their sample shipments professionally.

To support companies in this, the Iceworx platform was developed. Through iceworx.com, seafood companies can ship their frozen samples worldwide without having to arrange all the logistical details themselves.

The platform automates the entire shipping process.

✔ automatic calculation of the correct shipping box

✔ automatic calculation of the required dry ice

✔ automatic commercial invoice for international shipping

✔ worldwide tracking of every shipment

✔ fast delivery within Europe, often within one day

✔ worldwide delivery within a few days

This allows seafood companies to fully focus on their product and their customers while logistics are handled professionally.

From a conversation at the fair to an export deal

Many international seafood deals begin with a conversation at a fair like Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona.

But ultimately, the collaboration is often decided by one moment. The moment the importer receives and can test the product.

When that sample arrives perfectly, it can be the start of a long-term export relationship.

Shipping seafood samples worldwide with Iceworx

For seafood companies that regularly send samples, a reliable logistics solution is essential.

Through iceworx.com, companies can ship their seafood samples worldwide including

• dry ice
• proper packaging
• export documentation
• full tracking

More information about sending seafood samples can be found via iceworx.com.

For questions or support with sample shipments, please contact us via
shipment@iceworx.nl

Frequently asked questions about sending seafood samples

How to ship seafood samples internationally

Seafood samples are usually shipped in an insulated shipping box with dry ice so that the product remains frozen during transport.

How long does a seafood sample stay frozen with dry ice

Depending on the amount of dry ice and the packaging, a shipment usually remains frozen for 24 to 72 hours.

Why seafood companies use dry ice for sample shipping

Dry ice keeps products well below freezing point, allowing fish products to be safely transported internationally.

How fast can seafood samples be delivered worldwide

Within Europe often within one day and worldwide usually within a few days, depending on the destination.

Would you like to schedule a demo or get in touch? Let us know https://www.iceworx.com/