Exports of Norwegian cod and salmon to the UK have all increased compared to this time last year, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) third quarter report.
The report indicated a strong demand for Norwegian whitefish in the UK. Exports of cod up 2.8 percent, from 1,976 to 2,031 metric tons (MT) compared to Q3 2011, making for a value increase of 6 percent, from GBP 6.6 million (USD 10.6 million, EUR 8.2 million) to just over GBP 6.9 million (USD 11.1 million, EUR 8.6 million).
The largest increase in export volume, however, was in salmon, with a third quarter results of 30.5 percent increase over the same time period in 2011, from 7,735 to 10,096 MT. The increase, the report indicated, was due to price reductions causing a surge in demand. As a result, value increase was “more moderate,” at 10.1 percent over 2011, from GBP 30 million (USD 48.4 million, EUR 37.4 million) to GBP 31.4 million (USD 50.6 million, EUR 39.2 million).
“All our main species; cod, haddock and salmon, are doing very well and these exports figures (in the context of value and volume) compared to the third quarter of 2011 highlights a strong, healthy future for the Norwegian fishing industry,” said Johan Kvalheim, the NSC’s UK director.
Kvalheim noted the 2013 Barents Sea cod quote is increasing by 33 percent to 1 million metric tons, which will likely lead to an increase in cod exports next year.
“The success of our sustainable fisheries management had led to this quota increase and ultimately means that Norway can continue to provide the UK with a consistent, plentiful supply of cod,” he said.
