2010 was a Record Year for Norwegian Salmon Exports

Exports of Norwegian Salmon have never been higher than in 2010. The value of Norwegian Salmon exports for the year as a whole was up by NOK 7.7 billion to NOK 31.4 billion. In December alone, exports of Norwegian Salmon totalled NOK 3.5 billion. This is the highest value ever recorded in a single month, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to Norwegian Seafood Export Council.

"Global growth in demand for salmon combined with reduced international competition has helped boost the value of Norwegian Salmon exports to new heights. Never before has Norway produced as much salmon as it is doing now, and at the same time prices keep moving upwards," says market analyst Paul Aandahl from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council.

The average export price for fresh whole Norwegian Salmon in 2010 was NOK 37.50 per kg, which is NOK 6.78 higher than the average price for 2009. At the same time, the volume of exports of all Norwegian Salmon products increased by 73,000 tonnes to a total of 784,000 tonnes.

The Norwegian Seafood Export Council's marketing manager for salmon and trout, Bjørn-Erik Stabell, also has high hopes for 2011.

He explains: "Our belief that these trends will continue in 2011 is based primarily on the fact that Norwegian Salmon and Norwegian Fjord Trout are considered to be extremely healthy foods in markets worldwide. Also, the Norwegian aquaculture industry has proven to be highly innovative and continues to launch new products, which in turn contributes to increased demand."

Continued growth in exports to EU

The most important salmon market for Norway - and, indeed, the world - is the EU, where total consumption of Atlantic salmon tops 700,000 tonnes in round weight. The value of exports of Norwegian Salmon to the EU in 2010 increased by 24% or NOK 4 billion. The biggest importers of Norwegian Salmon in 2010 were France, Poland and Denmark. While exports of Norwegian Salmon to France are mainly for domestic consumption, much of the exports to Poland and Denmark are further processed before being re-exported to other EU countries.

The growth in exports to the EU is attributable primarily to growing demand for smoked products within the EU.

Strongest growth in exports of Norwegian Salmon to eastern Europe

Exports of Norwegian Salmon to eastern Europe were up in value by NOK 1.4 billion or 63%. This is the strongest relative growth in exports to any market region. The value of exports of Norwegian Salmon to Russia increased by 66% to NOK 1.2 billion, and in 2010 accounted for no less than 82% of exports to eastern Europe. This strong growth is in part attributable to better distribution and increased demand, particularly outside the central areas of Russia, and a reduced flow of trout. Other markets in the region showing strong growth are Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

Sushi and sashimi push up Norwegian Salmon exports to Asia

Exports of Norwegian Salmon to Asia in 2010 increased in value by 43% to NOK 4.2 billion. The most important markets in the region are Japan, Hong Kong and China. The strong growth is due primarily to increased demand for salmon for raw consumption as an ingredient in sushi and sashimi.

Prices up, volume down for exports of Norwegian Fjord Trout

In 2010, exports of Norwegian Fjord Trout fell in value by 17% to NOK 1.6 billion. The decline is due to reduced production volume. The volume of exports was down by 35% to a total of 40,000 tonnes in product weight. The average price of fresh whole Norwegian Fjord Trout increased by NOK 10.04 to NOK 40.75 per kg. Russia is the most important market for Norwegian Fjord Trout, accounting for 53% of the total export market value. Other important export markets for Norwegian Fjord Trout in 2010 were China, Japan and Belarus.