September 20, 2010

Brazil's fish consumption up 40%

Brazilians have increased their fish consumption by almost 40% between 2003 and 2009, going from 6.46kg per capita annually to 9.03kg a year, according to a study released by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MPA).

Through the programme, 'More Fisheries and Aquaculture', the MPA's goal was to reach an average consumption of 9kg by 2011, but they accomplished this a year earlier.

According to the World Health Organisation, ideally, each person should consume around 12kg of fish annually.

For Altemir Gregolin, head of the MPA, the increase in domestic consumption is attributable to the policies adopted by the Brazilian government regarding the development of fisheries and aquaculture, particularly in relation to the cultivation of fish in captivity, and an increase in average income.

The study, titled "Fish Consumption per capita in Brazil", states that the average annual growth of consumption of fish amounted to 6% during the period analysed.

Only between 2008 and 2009, did the rise reach 8%, from 1.5 million tonnes to 1.7 million tonnes. Research also indicates that 96% of domestic production was sold in Brazil with the rest (4%) being exported.

The main importers of Brazilian fish were the US, France, Spain, Japan and the UK.

Furthermore, in the last three years (2006 to 2009), the study showed the ratio of domestic consumption (70%) and imported consumption (30%).

Gregolin estimated that Brazil has the potential to produce up to 20 million tonnes of fish per year, thanks to its 8,000 miles of coastline.