March 30, 2009

 

 

Norwegian cod and salmon exporters plan to invest EUR3.5 million (US$4.6 million) in pitching their products to the Portuguese market this year.

 

Norwegian Seafood Export Council (NSEC) representative in Portugal Oyvind Jensen said the investment will go towards broadcast and other media exposure of the Norwegian products in Portugal.

 

Jensen explained that the investment is part of a government package favouring the marketing of Norwegian Sea products, a measure considered vital as the crisis wears on.

 

Of the total to be invested by the Nordic country, EUR3 million and EUR500,000 will be allocated to marketing Norwegian cod and salmon, respectively.

 

Jensen said that cod consumption grew 23 percent in Portugal in the first two months of the year but its price fell 11 percent.

 

He noted that Portuguese consume much more cod, which is a highly competitive and valued product, and the price dropped a little, a trend observed in all food products.

 

Unlike Portugal, cod consumption has fallen in other European markets, like those of the UK and France, Jensen emphasised.

 

According to local media, NSEC trusts the new promotional campaign will lead to a boost in cod sales to Portugal.

 

Portugal continues to be the main market for the Norway-sourced dried salted cod in accounting for sales worth EUR100 million in 2008 but its imports fell EUR8 million from 2007.

 

Last year, Portugal imported 39,000 tonnes of cod from Norway, while in 2007, it purchased 40,700 tonnes and in 2006, 32,000 tonnes.

 

NSEC indicated that salmon consumption surged 30 percent in Portugal between January and February 2009.

 

US$1 = EUR0.758 (Mar 30)