Greenland’s Vibrant Presence at Danfish 2023: A Showcase of Culture and Innovation
Last week, Greenlandic fishermen and companies made their mark at Northern Europe’s largest fishing fair, Danfish, held in Aalborg. The atmosphere buzzed through the six expansive halls as visitors encountered representatives from Greenland’s fishing industry, as well as many Greenlanders based in Denmark, reconnecting with family and friends amidst the event’s vibrant setting.
At the heart of the Greenlandic presence was a joint exhibition stand, a collaborative effort that included key players such as Tusass, the Danish Telecom Agency, Avannaata Kommunia, Qalut Vónin, KNAPK, KONFIFA, Royal Arctic Line, and the Department of Fisheries. The initiative, a first of its kind, was complemented by a broader presentation about Greenland, organized by Aalborg Kongres og Kulturcenter in partnership with Det Grønlandske Hus.
Room for Improvement
Director Cuno Jensen of Qalut Vónin expressed his enthusiasm for the event but also acknowledged areas for enhancement. “In previous years, we shared a stand with other companies in the Vónin group, but this year we ventured out on our own in the dedicated Greenlandic exhibition area—and it paid off,” he remarked.
While foot traffic may not have been overwhelming, Jensen noted that the quality of interactions was far more rewarding. “We had the opportunity to connect with the right people, allowing for more meaningful conversations with potential customers than I had anticipated.” He affirmed their commitment to return in two years, hoping to rally more private Greenlandic companies to bolster the joint stand. “The strength lies in our unity, and I would advocate for a more central location for the Greenlandic area in the future.” However, he acknowledged that whether or not changes would be made remains uncertain.
“We are genuinely pleased with how Danfish and the Greenlandic segment have evolved,” stated Lars Rønnov, commercial director at AKKC. “Our conversations with exhibitors have yielded positive feedback, and we will now focus on evaluating their insights as we prepare for Danfish 2027.”
Celebrating Greenlandic Culture
Nikoline Eugen Sørensen from Det Grønlandske Hus shared in the satisfaction surrounding the Greenland exhibition area, which was developed at the request of the Aalborg Congress and Culture Center. “We had the chance to immerse visitors in Greenlandic culture and daily life, generating interest in our home country,” she elaborated.
Guests were treated to unique aspects of Greenlandic lifestyle—from ship’s biscuits and Araba to virtual dog sled rides. The stand also featured delectable treats, including ice cream crafted from indigenous herbs and deep-fried prawns. An eye-catching polar bear skin added intrigue, prompting many attendees to engage with the exhibit. “People were generally curious, although many seemed surprised to learn we don’t actually live in igloos or encounter polar bears on our streets,” Sørensen reflected. “There’s a growing interest in Greenland, which is promising, yet it highlights a need for us to clarify the realities of life back home.”
Visitor interest clearly aligned with the fishing industry, with no one disputing Greenland’s status as a prominent fishing nation.
Providing Support and Guidance
The fair also emphasized the importance of providing support to Greenlandic exhibitors. This necessity was palpable for many Greenlandic participants, who sought to navigate potential language barriers. Organizations like KNAPK and the consulting service Aapisi stepped forward, offering assistance to members in attendance.
KNAPK sent a team, which included Vittus Qujaukitsoq, Mikael Petersen, Lars Dahl, and former chairman Nikkulaat Jeremiassen, to support their members. “We’re here to help our members not only with interpretation but with guidance on financing and opportunities,” explained Mikael Petersen. “Additionally, we provide a welcoming space for networking, complete with coffee and light snacks to foster conversations.”
Despite facing challenges—specifically a no-show on the first day owing to a flight cancellation—KNAPK successfully facilitated communications throughout the event.
By the time Danfish closed its doors on Thursday, the fair had welcomed a remarkable 13,708 visitors from 49 countries, highlighting the event’s significance as a convergence point for the fishing industry and a vital platform for Greenland.