French import statistics show that the salmon market is in strong growth and that Norwegian fresh salmon is increasing the most. Imports of salmon from January until April increased by over 6,000 tonnes, or 17 percent. Norway’s share increased from 37 to 46 percent.
Imports of fresh whole salmon increased by 4,600 tonnes. Despite the increased availability in Europe of less expensive frozen salmon fillets, the increase to France is a scant 200 tonnes, according to a statement from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council.
”It is gratifying that exports of fresh Norwegian salmon are increasing to France, which is now our largest market for Norwegian salmon”, says Market Analyst Paul Aandahl in Norwegian Seafood Export Council (NSEC).
”From among all the types of fish, salmon is the one the Frenchmen eat most of. The salmon’s popularity is in part because it is sold in many product forms and is therefore easy to work with for both the retail trade and the consumers”, says Fisheries Delegate for NSEC in France, Stål Heggelund.
One of the explanations for why salmon consumption is increasing strongly this year, says the statement, is that French consumers are concerned about their health. In the French media, there is a lot of focus on health benefits derived from intake of Omega 3 through fatty fish, especially salmon.
Another important point is that the markets use salmon as an ”attraction” in their fresh food counters to draw more customers to their stores. They run regular campaigns to increase awareness for Norwegian salmon. This summer, NSEC is running a campaign to increase the consumption of salmon for grilling. Amongst other things, 1.2 million recipe pamphlets will be distributed through French super- and hypermarkets to give the consumers ideas for summery salmon dinners.
