Weak consumer demand in European markets made 2024 a challenging year for Irish shellfish exports, but increased sales to China and a boost to the domestic processing sector via E.U. grants have helped soften the blow.
Data published in Irish food promotion agency Bord Bia’s “Export Performance and Prospects Report 2024-2025” shows Irish seafood exports overall rose 9 percent by value in 2024 to EUR 595 million (USD 618 million), but the country’s shellfish exports rose by a smaller 4 percent, reaching EUR 185 million (USD 191 million) and 29,000 metric tons (MT).
The report highlighted that though there was some growth by value, the sector was plagued by challenges.
“Across all key shellfish species, there were difficulties such as the squeeze on consumer spending, the availability of cheaper proteins, and lower-priced competition in key export markets – all dampening demand and prices for Irish shellfish exports,” the report said. “European markets for premium shellfish remained sluggish, with ongoing closures of outlets within the foodservice sector in France – a key route to market for Irish premium shellfish.”
This has forced Irish shellfish exporters to turn their focus to markets like China, where exports of Irish langoustine rose from EUR 4.47 million (USD 4.64 million) in 2023 to EUR 5.9 million (USD 6.13 million) in 2024.
“We have been very focused on langoustine demand in China,” Michael Hussey, senior manager of drinks and seafood at Bord Bia, told SeafoodSource. “We had been very dependent on the Italian market, and we wanted to diversify. We work with Chinese celebrity chefs, and we use social media platforms like Weibo to drive that business.”
Bord Bia has also been planning a marketing campaign to target Chinese top-end restaurants, Hussey added...
