Fish origins and mislabeling at the heart of the Mediterranean debate
Pordenone, February 18, 2026 – The origin of fish served in restaurants and the phenomenon of mislabeling in the Ho.Re.Ca. sector were the focus of a bilateral discussion between Italy and Spain hosted today at Aquafarm 2026, the only national event entirely dedicated to aquaculture and the seafood industry.
In the internationally renowned setting of Pordenone, two major Mediterranean countries—European leaders in seafood consumption, with over 30 kg per capita annually—took on a strategic issue for the future of the sector, also in light of the findings of the recent FAO report on the phenomenon of mislabeling in seafood.
The topic concerns the incorrect or incomplete indication of the species, origin, or production method of seafood served outside the home. This is far from a marginal issue: over 50% of fish consumption in Italy occurs in the restaurant sector.
Despite a strong food culture and a consolidated Mediterranean identity, both Italy and Spain are largely dependent on imports: over 75% of the fish consumed in Italy – and similar percentages in Spain – comes from abroad. Domestic production, although high-quality and growing, is still unable to meet structurally high demand.
The session was moderated by Alejandro Guelfo (misPeces). Speakers included José Manuel Fernández Polanco, Professor of Applied Economics at the University of Cantabria; María Luisa Álvarez Blanco, Director General of FEDEPESCA; and Matteo Leonardi, President of the Italian Fish Farmers Association.
In his speech, Leonardi emphasized the quality of Italian aquaculture and the strategic value of transparency:
"The quality, traceability, and safety of Italian aquaculture products represent a heritage that must be recognized and promoted. Greater awareness of the origin of fish served in restaurants means protecting consumers and creating the conditions for stronger and more competitive development of national production."
The discussion revealed a shared vision: Italy and Spain, two pillars of the Mediterranean diet and among the main European markets for seafood consumption, must strengthen coordination on the issue of origin and labeling in the restaurant sector as an element of economic policy as well as consumer protection.
Ensuring transparency at the final link in the supply chain means addressing a strategic market issue: fully informing demand allows for informed purchasing decisions and the proper promotion of national production.
In a context where over 75% of fish consumed comes from abroad, greater clarity regarding origin also represents a concrete tool for strengthening food sovereignty. Making the value of the national product visible can help stimulate investment, production growth, and the development of Italian aquaculture, a key sector for reducing dependence on imports and strengthening food security in the Mediterranean.
Aquafarm 2026 thus confirms itself not only as an exhibition showcase, but also as a place for discussion and international positioning for the future of the European seafood supply chain.
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