A report by the Kantar World Panel, made available by the Norwegian Seafood Council (Norge), reveals that between January and September 2012 sales of Norwegian codfish increased by 13% compared to the same period in 2011. Sales amounted to 42,649 tons.
The average price per kilogram, however, has dropped 0.6% and now stands at €7.21. These figures indicate that, in spite of the current economic crisis, demand for codfish has increased, although consumers are looking for cheaper products and buy smaller portions, according to secretary general of the Association of Codfish Industry (AIB), Paula Mónica.
The report estimates that around 60% of Portuguese families buy and consume codfish during the Christmas period, this being the time of the year where sales reach its zenith and this year is not expected to be an exception.
The data (from a survey of 4,000 households) also revealed that the Portuguese increased the number of times they shop for cod by 9.4% but bought less (-1.4%) and spent less with every purchase (-1.9%). On average, people bought nearly 3 kg of cod each time they purchased the fish, which is 4.6% less than in 2011.
To Paula Mónica, the fact that the Portuguese still buy codfish despite the crisis is justified by its importance in Portugal’s gastronomic tradition and due to its versatility in the kitchen. “A kilo of codfish is a kilo of food. It’s a competitive solution because 90% to 95% can be used – you just have to remove skin and bones.”
