AKVA group turns its back on Aqua Nor

Global fish farming supplier AKVA group will take part in a new trade show near Olso next year instead of attending Aqua Nor in Trondheim, it announced today.

AKVA is prioritising Global Aqua in Lillestrøm, which is easier to reach for many potential customers than Trondheim. Lillestrøm is part of the Oslo metropolitan area and just a 10-minute train ride from the centre of the capital, giving visitors access to a greater choice of accommodation than in Trondheim, where hotel rooms are hard to find and expensive during Aqua Nor.

“The industry is growing, and meeting places are evolving accordingly. We see a need to be present where we can best meet customers, partners and decision-makers,” said chief commercial officer Ståle Økland in a press release.

Lower overall costs

AKVA said Global Aqua is more accessible for its international employees and customers, while its proximity to Oslo enables closer interaction with both media and the political environment. With a growing industry and a developing exhibition, this is considered an increasingly relevant arena. It is also seen as a better choice from a cost-benefit perspective, with lower overall costs.

“We will be present where we create the greatest value – both for ourselves and for our customers,” said Økland.

Global Aqua takes place at NOVA Spektrum in Lillestrøm, with strong connections to Oslo Airport and the rest of the country. The exhibition will be held on September 7-9, 2027, two weeks after Aqua Nor.

The new event is being organised by Norwegian Promotion Group AS (NPG) and AqKva AS.

According to the organisers, the reason for the new event is that Aqua Nor has grown too large for the city in which it is held.

Aqua Nor 'overstretched'

“We have heard the same thing from many people. Both fish farmers and exhibitors are not getting room, and capacity is overstretched,” said Hans Runshaug, general manager of AqKva AS, at the launch of the trade show seven weeks ago.

Yesterday, organisers said that nearly 200 exhibitors have now registered, and they have had to book additional premises. 

“It has exceeded all expectations, and we are overwhelmed by the reception we have received from the industry,” said Global Aqua event manager Vidar Onarheim.

“We are going to create the world's largest aquaculture fair, and it will become the leading meeting place for international aquaculture. The ambition is 300 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors from all over the world.”

In comparison, Aqua Nor had around 580 exhibitors on its exhibitor list for its previous event in 2025.