October 10, 2005

USDA: UK fishery products annual report 2005
 

The UK is a major consumer of seafood. Total spend on fish and fishery products by consumers at the retail level was estimated at BPS 1.82 billion (approximately US $3.37 bn) in CY2004. Chilled seafood sales are the driving force behind total category sales.

An estimated 1.2 million new households have purchased chilled seafood since CY2000. Chilled seafood sales benefit from positive consumer perceptions about the relative quality and freshness of the category versus frozen seafood products.

The UK fishing industry has been characterized by a declining wild catch over the last decade. However, commercial landings increased in CY2004 to 457,712 MT. A 9 percent increase in the volume of the demersal catch was key to this upturn.

In addition to the wild catch, the UK's aquaculture industry boosts seafood production. Salmon is the main species produced, accounting for more than 75 percent of UK aquaculture output. Shellfish and trout make up the remainder, although there are high expectations for the production of whitefish species.

The UK is a net importer of seafood and the volume of imports again increased in CY2004. The growing demand for value added and prepared seafood, together with more adventurous consumer tastes, means that there is a growing diversity of seafood entering the UK.

The UK is also a significant exporter of seafood, exporting an estimated 477,000 MT to the UK in CY2004. Key markets for UK seafood exports are typically other EU member states and salmon and shellfish are key export categories.

For the full USDA report, click here.