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Bord Bia

Seafood Performance & Prospects Summary

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Overall exports of primary seafood returned to growth in 2021, recovering by 6% to €485 million, albeit with varying trends across species. Compared to 2019, exports were 1% lower, a good result given the difficulties faced by the sector.

Pelagic exporters experienced a difficult 2021 with a cut to the mackerel quota as a result of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) leaving the Irish processing sector challenged for raw material supplies.  As in previous years, as a result of uncertainties around Brexit, there was a concerted effort by the Irish pelagic sector to catch a large proportion of the mackerel quota allocation at the start of the season and this drove an increase in exports in the early part of the year. The value of pelagic exports for the year was down by 1% at €169 million but was 6% ahead of exports in 2019.  The Asian markets were strong with Irish exports to this region increasing by 56% in value to € 25.7 million, as markets opened up and demand increased for imported pelagic species. 

Exporters of shellfish were helped by the reopening of foodservice channels in Europe and Asia in 2021. Total shellfish exports were up by 25% at €165 million with volume increases running behind at around 17%.  Shellfish exports to Asia recovered by more than 29% in value but were 44% lower than 2019 exports. EU markets also showed good recovery increasing by almost 26% in value.  Demand for Irish shellfish in China and Hong Kong was particularly strong increasing by over 23% and 33% respectively. There was also good recovery in the Japanese market.

Freshwater exports – the vast majority of which is salmon – had a challenging year in 2021. Increased competition in the organic market from other countries offering year round supply, impacted on prices secured by Irish exporters.  In overall terms exports declined by 8% in value to €98 million during 2021.   Whilst prices held firm in the French market, exports of Irish organic salmon fell sharply in both value and volume terms to Poland.

The whitefish export market was challenging in 2021.  Good supplies from French and Spanish vessels coupled with prioritisation by French buyers for sourcing from local vessels meant it was difficult for Irish whitefish exporters throughout the year. Whitefish export values declined by around 15% to €40.6 million, with volumes reducing significantly more by over 40% during the year.  Lower quotas for some whitefish species, greater consumption of whitefish on the domestic market and difficult catching conditions all contributed to the overall reduction in 2021.

The prospects for this year remain challenging across most species. However, shellfish exports should continue to perform well as foodservice markets recover in Europe and Asia. There will be a further cut in the mackerel quota and the challenge will be to attract more foreign landings into Irish ports. Whitefish and freshwater species prospects will remain challenging but Bord Bia is working with the sector to maximise the return from the market.