Registration opens: BIM conference on seafood new product development insights
BIM is hosting a dynamic and future-focused conference on 2 September in Naas, Co Kildare, bringing together leading voices from the food industry to explore the future of seafood innovation. Focused on new product development (NPD), the event is offering seafood businesses insights, practical strategies, and cutting-edge trends to drive sustainable growth and unlock new market opportunities.
The conference, Strategic Product Innovation: Building Competitive Strength, is exploring four key themes of effective new product development (NPD) in the seafood sector.
1. Structured NPD: Innovating with purpose This session will highlight the importance of embedding clear, strategic objectives into the NPD process—ensuring innovation is purpose-driven and aligned with market demand and long-term business growth.
2. Market trends for NPD: Navigating a shifting landscape Attendees will gain insights into emerging food trends, with particular focus on seafood, and learn how to adapt their innovation strategies to evolving consumer preferences in key domestic and international markets.
3. Digital tools in NPD: Embracing AI and the future of innovation This segment will explore the transformative role of digital technologies—especially artificial intelligence(AI)—in streamlining and enhancing the NPD process, from concept development to market launch.
4. The business case for NPD: Measuring and funding innovation Participants will be equipped with practical tools and financial insights to evaluate, fund, and effectively communicate the value of their NPD initiatives to stakeholders and investors.
“New product development (NPD) is one of the key drivers of sustainable and competitive advantage. However, it’s critical that seafood businesses adopt a structured and strategic approach to NPD,” says Paul Ward, Head of Business Intelligence at BIM. “In the seafood sector, this means going beyond simply launching new products for the sake of novelty. It involves understanding emerging consumer preferences—such as demand for convenience, health benefits, provenance, and sustainability—and aligning innovation with market insights, regulatory requirements, and processing capabilities. Successful seafood NPD requires collaboration across the value chain, from fishers and aquaculture producers to processors, retailers, and chefs. By embedding innovation into their core strategy, seafood businesses can future-proof their operations, reduce waste, add value to underutilised species, and open new market opportunities both domestically and internationally.”
Details of speakers to follow.
The conference is taking place from 10:00 – 15:00 on 2 September 2025 at Kilashee Hotel, Naas Co Kildare.
The event is jointly funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU under the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
You can register your attendance here.