Overseas
In 2024, the European smoked and dried fish market showed a significant trend reversal. According to IndexBox, consumption reached 749 thousand tons, marking an 8.9% increase compared to 2023, with a total value of around $8.1 billion.
European production stood at 794 thousand tons, up 9%, though still below 2022 levels. In value terms, production reached $8.5 billion, confirming the sector’s role as a strategic pillar of the European agri-food industry.
Imports totaled 396 thousand tons worth $4.6 billion. Germany is the largest market, followed by Portugal and Italy, with Italy importing about 49 thousand tons worth $678 million. This highlights Italy’s position as one of the main hubs of European demand, driven both by the foodservice sector and large-scale retail.
On the export side, Europe shipped 431 thousand tons abroad (-3.8% compared to 2023) for a value of $4.8 billion. Poland and Norway lead the ranking, with $1.3 billion and $943 million respectively, while the Netherlands recorded the most dynamic growth rate of the past decade.
Average trade prices reveal diverging dynamics: European import prices rose to $11,676 per ton, with peaks above $16,000 in Germany, while export prices remained stable at $11,218 per ton.
For Italy, the challenge remains the same: competing in a growing market dominated by Nordic players. Differentiation through quality and traceability can strengthen competitiveness and reduce reliance on imports, within a European landscape evolving at a fast pace.
2024 therefore marks a concrete recovery for the European smoked and dried fish market. For Italy, the third-largest importing market, the outlook is clear: invest in added value and qualified supply chains to stay competitive in an increasingly international arena.
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