January 7, 2013

Norway becomes the largest seafood exporter to EU, Russia

About 20% and 38% of seafood imported into the EU and Russia, respectively, are of Norwegian origin making Norway now as the largest provider of seafood products to EU and Russia.

Norwegian seafood exports in 2012 totalled 2.3 million tonnes of seafood. This is a decrease of 3% compared with 2011, but it still makes 2012 one of the best years ever for Norwegian seafood.

"The market situation is challenging, our goal must be to increase exports. Overall, the 2012 is still a good year for Norwegian seafood industry. Despite the financial crisis affects hard in key export markets such as Portugal and Italy, the figures show that Norwegian seafood is one of the last to be cut. People need food, and it is clear that consumers want Norwegian fish," Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Minister, Lisbeth Berg-Hansen said.

A pleasant surprise is that more Norwegians choose fish for dinner. Growth in the Norwegian seafood market has been almost 5% in value and 3% in volume.

"People are concerned about eating healthy and serve healthy food for their children. It may be one of the reasons why we see a growth in Norway," the Minister said.