ABN AMRO expects steady trend in demand for fish

The demand for fish is rising. This is currently causing prices to recover. However, ABN AMRO analysts expect high inflation and lower spending capacity in the second half of this year to put pressure on consumer spending in the Netherlands and other EU countries. This could affect the demand for fish and fish products, leading to price pressure towards 2023, but in the longer term ABN AMRO expects a steady trend in the demand for fish.

Consumers who want to eat less or no meat can opt for fish. The group of flexitarians is growing. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) expects per capita fish consumption in the European Union to be approximately 4% higher in ten years' time than it is now.

The Netherlands exports a lot to other EU countries. Germany is the most important country, followed by Belgium, France, Italy and Spain. Western consumers see fish as part of a healthy meal. The Voedingscentrum (Nutrition Centre) recommends eating fish once a week. Only 34% of the consumers follow that advice. Here is an opportunity for an increase.

Offering convenience products that contain fish and clear communication about sustainability can help to increase the demand for fish. New fish products are already regularly introduced on the shelves of European supermarkets. Packaging is becoming more sustainable and products easier to prepare. 

Analysts at ABN AMRO believe that prospects for additional sales can be found through sustainably caught fish and by emphasising the contribution that fish makes to people's health. In the protein transition, fish can be a welcome addition to consumers' choices. There are opportunities here in the promotional campaigns for fish.

Foodholland.nl