Canning factory. (Photo: Anfaco)

Canned fish exports on the rise

SPAIN
Friday, September 28, 2012, 23:40 (GMT + 9)

Spain exported 93,864 tonnes of canned fish and shellfish in the first seven months of 2012, totalling EUR 420 million. These figures represent annual increases of 1.35 per cent in volume and 12 per cent in value, according to the National Association of Canned Fish and Shellfish Manufacturers (Anfaco-Cecopesca).

According to Anfaco, this is the chapter that experienced the greatest growth among seafood and aquaculture products, which together generated more than EUR 1,660 million between January and July 2012, a 7.62 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

As to frozen fish, 267,650 tonnes were sent abroad for more than EUR 453 million, figures that show a drop of 8.35 per cent in volume and a rise of 11.81 per cent in value.

In the case of fresh fish, exports were up 6.36 per cent in value, reaching over EUR 207 million, despite a decrease of 4.79 per cent in volume, which amounted to 47,047 tonnes.

The same trend was observed in the area of shellfish, which recorded a 3.25 per cent increase in value and 3.31 per cent in volume, with EUR 275 million and 84,621 tonnes.

Regarding crustaceans, 20,068 tonnes were sent abroad (5.04 per cent less than in the first seven months of 2011) for EUR 120 million (8.51 per cent more).

By contrast, exports of fish fillets increased by 3.92 per cent in volume – 27,990 tonnes – and were down 4.19 per cent in value -- EUR 142.7 million.

In the report, Anfaco notes that shipments of dried, salted and/or smoked fish abroad increased by 5.93 per cent in volume (8,795 tonnes) and decreased by 0.07 per cent in value (EUR 40 million).

Among canned products, tuna remains the 'flagship' with 70 per cent of the total value and more than EUR 297 million between January and July, 2012.

In the same period, Spain exported 61,802 tonnes of tuna, that is to say, 0.23 per cent more than in 2011.

The 'big increase' is also highlighted among the sales of mackerel, with 72 per cent in volume -- 1,036 tonnes -- and 54 per cent rise in value -- EUR 4.5 million.

Furthermore, there was a growth in the sales of canned sardines abroad: 1,435 tonnes (1.2 per cent more than in 2011) for EUR 5.6 million (up 7.2 per cent).

With regard to destinations, Europe remained the largest market, with a rise in exports of 11.89 per cent, reaching EUR 387.3 million. America was the second destination, with EUR 15.3 million, that is to say, 3.43 per cent more than in the first seven months of 2011.

Africa (EUR 14.2 million), Asia (EUR 2.9 million) and Oceania (EUR 712,000) were located further back.

By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com

 ANFACO-CECOPESCA - Asociacion Nacional de Fabricantes de Conservas de Pescados y Mariscos-

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