September 6, 2013

 

 

In the first six months of 2013, Brazil's state of Ceará produced about 20,000 tonnes of shrimp, a volume that producers hope to double by the end of 2013.

 

This is according to the president of the Shrimp Sector Chamber and the Association of Shrimp Breeders of Ceará.

 

Cristiano Peixoto Maia, who chairs both entities, considers the production obtained represents an increase of 20% on-year, and the sector expects higher growth accompanying the increased demand for shrimp. The increase in local production of shrimp will also help create new jobs.

 

In Brazil, the per capita consumption of shrimp is barely half a kilogramme annually while in Europe it is 12 kilogrammes.

 

"The growth potential of domestic consumption is much larger. Our role is to encourage the rise in consumption," continued the leader. Moreover, the idea is that the Ceará shrimp is again sold in France.

 

Peixoto Maia explained that until 2006 Ceará exported much of their shrimp to France, but the market then turned to the shrimp that was native to Asian countries. Now, due to lower production in Vietnam and Thailand, French importers are reconsidering Brazil.

 

But he said that if Ceará decides to export to France, it will be a small amount so as to keep foreign markets open. In addition, he said that at present the price offered by the French is lower than in Brazil.

 

According to the shrimp leader, a kilogramme of shrimp costs BRL12 (US$5), but over BRL6 (US$2.50) is spent on transport. And in the domestic market, the consumer can purchase it for around BRL18 (US$7.50) and BRL20 (US$8.40).

 

Furthermore, tilapia farming in Ceará would be reduced by 17% compared to 2012. Given the outlook, in 2013 production would reach 25,000 tonnes, that is to say, about 5,000 tonnes less than last year.

 

The President of the Aquaculture Association of Ceará (Aceaq), Camilo Diogenes, considers a major obstacle faced in Ceará is releasing the areas of the State to expand tilapia production.