The fish and seafood market - Brazil

The fish distribution market covers the consumption and sale of seafood products. The market is dominated by a few large wholesalers, who supply several thousand retailers. Fish consumption is rising sharply worldwide, partly due to increased production, but also to other factors such as improved distribution channels. Demand for fish in Brazil has risen over the last ten years, and as a result, production is increasing mainly with species that are common in Brazil, such as tilapia and Amazonian fish. However, consumption remains well below the world average of 20 kg per capita per year. In addition to cultural reasons - Brazilians are not accustomed to eating fish and seafood every week - there is the price factor, as fish remains more expensive than meat in Brazil. Depending on the locality, per capita fish consumption can reach 4 kg per year, as is the case in Rio Grande do Sul. On the other hand, in the state of Amazonas, with its many rivers, average consumption is around 50 kg per capita per year. [IBGE]