GIFAP blames economic climate for show cancellation
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The French industry body behind last year’s highly acclaimed Festival National de la Pêche has blamed the current economic climate for the surprise cancellation of the 2026 event.
In a statement on its LinkedIn page, GIFAP (Groupement de l’Industrie Française d’Pièces de Pêche), which organised the show in Nantes alongside Exponantes in partnership with the Confédération Mer et Liberté (CML) said the financial situation has made it difficult for large numbers of exhibitors to participate.
“The cost of such an event represents a significant financial commitment and this led us to take the decision not to organise a second edition in April 2026 exclusively for economic reasons.”
GIFAP added that it remains ‘fully mobilised’ to bring together the entire recreational fishing industry around a unifying event.
“We are already working on a new programme in close collaboration with exhibitors, fishermen’s federations and boating stakeholders in order to prepare a future edition that meets the expectations of the entire sector.”
It added:“After the success of the 2025 event, which was widely praised by all, GIFAP and member companies would like to thank you for your participation and enthusiasm.”
Festival National de la Pêche was due to take place from April 17 to 19 and has been widely tipped to take over as the premier coarse fishing show in France following the demise of the Clermont-Ferrand Show (Carrefour National de la Peche des Loisirs), which was consigned to history after three decades, to be replaced in 2027 by a leisure and outdoor event.
