Norwegian seafood industry trends and policy

Norway is experiencing a divergence between domestic seafood consumption and export performance. Per-capita seafood consumption in Norway has declined, falling to 17.94 kg, marking a 2% decrease from the previous year and a 13.5% drop over the last decade. The Norwegian Seafood Council attributed this trend to higher prices, changing food trends, and reduced cod quotas.

Conversely, seafood export values have surged, reaching 15.6 billion NOK in July, a 13% year-on-year increase. Salmon exports specifically rose by 16% in value.

In response to these shifts, the government is implementing measures to support the domestic industry and food security. The Nyt Norge labeling scheme is being expanded to include seafood to help consumers identify domestic products. Additionally, Fisheries and Ocean Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss introduced a roadmap to strengthen the role of seafood in national food preparedness, sustainability, and food security amidst geopolitical and climate uncertainties.