Pangasius exports to Spain recovered

Average fish consumption in Spain increased. Seafood consumption per capita in Spain increased by 1.8% to 26.8 kg/person/annum. Fresh seafood consumption in households accounted for 44.6% of total seafood consumption, followed by processed seafood and canned seafood.

After a long period of decline, exports of some whitefish products to Spain bloomed.
According to the ITC, in 1H 2014, Spain majorly imported frozen hake fillets with 24,070 MT, up 17.89% year on year. Whitefish imports by the country, however, witnessed the  highest growth in cod, which was 11,266 MT, up 42.52% year on year.  

Until the end of June, Spain did not import catfish from China although the country still imported the fish from other countries.  
Seafood consumption in Spain was also positive. Despite the decrease in sales volumes, fresh seafood was most consumed, accounted for 7% while canned seafood was 2.1% and frozen seafood was 1.6%. In 2013, consumption of aquatic products in Spain decreased but it was less than other foods such as meat, fruit and vegetables.

In 2014, seafood sales showed signs of recovery. For efficient seafood business in Spain, it is needed to diversify products design and create new products, while increasing the usability of each product. Retailer is a key fresh seafood distribution channel although supermarkets and hypermarkets are growing very fast in the country.