November 5, 2014
India now potential key market for Norway''s salmon
India is being considered as a potential key market for Norway''s growing seafood exports, specifically salmon, The Hindu newspaper reports.
With Russia''s current ban on food imports from the EU, Norway''s exports are significantly affected, with its salmon and cod being shut off from its most important market.
"We see a huge potential in India and foresee similar positive changes in demand for Norwegian salmon that we have seen in countries like Russia and China", said Christian Chramer, the director of the Norwegian Seafood Council. "India has a large population that prefers to eat healthier food, and is aware of the benefits of Omega 3 in seafood."
Norway has been exporting seafood to India for over ten years now but in limited volume. The country ships salmon to the South Asian country via Denmark, Poland and the Netherlands.
"Of the limited volumes of salmon going to India (about 60 tonnes in 2013), most comes from Norway," Chramer said.
However, Norway has yet to set any exports target for India. According to Chramer, communications between Norwegian exporters and Indian seafood importers are still being worked out.
In addition, a free trade agreement (FTA) needs to be established to solidify the Norway-India seafood trade, he added.
Other potential international markets Norway is trying to penetrate are Indonesia, Vietnam and countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
"These are countries where salmon was not (popular) 10 to 15 years ago but has become popular lately," Chramer added.