The shrimp market - Portugal

The fish distribution market covers the consumption and sale of seafood products, and is dominated by a few large wholesalers who supply several thousand retailers. Fish consumption is rising sharply worldwide, partly as a result of increased production, but also thanks to other factors such as improved distribution channels. According to data from the European Commission, Portugal has the third highest per capita seafood consumption in the world, just behind Norway and South Korea. Current seafood consumption habits are linked to geographical, cultural, historical and political factors. Portuguese seafood consumption is characterized by a wide diversity of species and preparation methods, in comparison with other European countries. Cod (salted and dried) does not exist in Portuguese waters, but due to several historical and cultural factors, it has become the main species in Portuguese seafood consumption, accounting for around 38% of national seafood demand. [Jornal da Economia do Mar] Today, Portugal stands out as the main consumer of fishery and aquaculture products in the EU andand is ranked 8th in the EU for fisheries production and 14th for aquaculture production. (EUMOFA ) The shrimp market in Portugal has undergone significant change in recent years, with an increase in imports and a drop in exports. Indeed, according to a study by EUMOFA, Portugal is set to become the 14th largest shrimp importer in the world by 2026 .