Chile, which only started mussel farming in the late 1990s, is now the largest exporter of mussels in the world. In 2017, it exported more than 76,000 metric tons worth USD 209.8 million (EUR 172.2 million), up from a value of USD 177.2 million (EUR 145.4 million) in 2016.
Spain is the largest importer of Chilean mussels, followed by the U.S.A., France, Italy, and Russia.
“We have worked hard to produce a premium frozen product that is available in a wide variety of formats, sizes, and preparations,” Patagonia Mussel Executive Committee President José Miguel Barros said. “European chefs and consumers particularly value our mussels. Around 60 percent of exports go to European Union countries, which is why we believe it is important to come to Seafood Expo Global.”
Barras explained that exports of mussels have been helped by a branding campaign undertaken a few years ago, when the main mussel companies got together to create the brand Patagonia Mussel.
“This brand gives a unique and distinctive identity to our mussels and portrays the untamed beauty of Patagonia and the attributes of the cold, clear waters of the Pacific Ocean,” he said.
Promotion of the Patagonian Mussel brand first began in Russia, then rolled out to Brazil and China, where there remains excellent potential to expand the brand, according to Barros. Market development work is also underway on the U.S. West Coast and plans are in hand to expand into new markets throughout Europe in the near future.
“We are constantly reacting to market demand, creating new products and processes and improving the presentation of existing ones,” said Barras.
One product tipped by Barras for good future growth is canned mussels, with demand growing at a healthy pace.
Photo courtesy of Panapesca
