Since 1974, Aalborg has hosted fishing trade fairs every 2-3 years, designed for industry professionals and focusing on everything from fishing gear and equipment to boats and catch tools.

Located in Northern Jutland, Aalborg is geographically central to more than half of Denmark’s registered fishermen. From the very beginning, the fair was marketed as “The Fishermen’s Own Fair.”

In 1993, the event expanded its international reach with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which promoted the fair through embassies and consulates to attract international visitors. With growing ambitions, the fair was renamed “DanFish International” in 1996, and approximately 500,000 DKK was allocated to enhance its global appeal.

With the name change came a sharper international focus, and the growth has continued ever since. The fair initially targeted 18 countries, and in its first edition as DanFish International, delegations from 16 of them participated—bringing around 140 attendees.

In 2007, a partnership was established with the Danish Export Association, exhibitors, and ambassadors through the “Key Buyer Program”, aimed at attracting 100 key buyers to each event. This initiative has helped cement the fair’s reputation and ensured ongoing participation from this vital audience.

DanFish International has experienced continuous growth, with every edition in Aalborg selling out its 9,000 m² exhibition space. To accommodate the increasing demand, an additional mobile hall has been set up in Kildeparken.