Constant growth in norwegian seafood exports during the last 9 months

Except for October 2009, when figures were flat, seafood exports have enjoyed uninterrupted growth for the last 22 months. In July, seafood exports totalled an impressive NOK 3.8 billion, up by more than NOK 500 million or 15% from July 2009. The value of exports in the first 7 months of this year totalled NOK 27.9 billion, up by some NOK 4 billion on the same period last year, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to the latest figures from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council.

Photo: Astrid Hals (c) Norwegian Seafood Export Council

"Seafood exports in July show that the demand for Norwegian seafood is very strong at present," says director of market information Egil Ove Sundheim from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council. "Exports of Norwegian Salmon, in particular, have contributed significantly to this growth . In France, our most important market for Norwegian Salmon, increased consumption of smoked Norwegian Salmon is contributing to growth."  

Continued growth in Norwegian Salmon exports

In July, exports of Norwegian Salmon increased in value by NOK 565 million or 26% to a total of NOK 2.7 billion. This year to date, the value of exports of Norwegian Salmon total NOK 16.6 billion, an increase of NOK 3.8 billion or almost 30% compared to the same period last year. France was the biggest importer of Norwegian Salmon in July, with exports to France valued at NOK 382 million, up by 10% from July 2009. Russia is the next biggest market for Norwegian Salmon, with exports valued at NOK 259 million, up by 46% from July 2009.

Low season for herring and mackerel fishing

Summer is a relatively quiet season for herring and mackerel fishing, and even though the most important products are frozen, this is nonetheless reflected in the export statistics. Exports of herring in July totalled NOK 91 million in value, down by 15% compared to July last year.

This year to date, the value of herring exports currently totals NOK 2 billion, down by 9% compared to the same period last year. The value of exports of mackerel in July totalled NOK 19 million, down by 10% compared to July 2009. This year to date, exports of mackerel total NOK 509 million in value, a marked downturn of 24% compared to the same period last year.

Exports of frozen Norwegian Cod up

In July, the value of exports of frozen Norwegian Cod (both whole and fillets) totalled NOK 143 million, an increase of NOK 29 million or 26% compared to July 2009. A breakdown of this figure shows that exports of frozen whole Norwegian Cod totalled NOK 72 million, while exports of frozen Norwegian Cod fillets totalled 71 million. The value of exports of frozen Norwegian Cod products for the year to date shows an increase of 32% to a total of NOK 814 million compared to the same period last year.

Exports of fresh Norwegian Cod from fishing showed a decline of 20% in July, compared to the same month last year. This downturn is attributable equally to Norwegian Cod fillets and whole Norwegian Cod. However, for the year to date exports of fresh Norwegian Cod are up by 11% compared to the same period in 2009, with the value of exports of whole Norwegian Cod up by no less than 21% and exports of Norwegian Cod fillets up by just over 3%.