As per official data Norwegian seafood exports in the first quarter of 2010 were valued at NOK 12.4 billion. This is an increase of NOK 1.9 billion or 18 percent compared with the first quarter of 2009. In March alone, exports totalled NOK 4.7 billion. This is an increase of NOK 1 billion and sets a new March record. The most sought after items was the exports of fresh seafood which made up over half of all Norwegian seafood exports.
Egil Ove Sundheim, director of market information with the Norwegian Seafood Export Council, admits that the record result shows that there is a very strong market demand for Norwegian seafood, the growth in exports seen last year has continued into the first quarter of this year. She said that they are seeing record exports of Norwegian Salmon, and at the same time sales of clipfish and salted fish are showing growth following a difficult and challenging 2009.
In the first quarter of 2010, Norwegian Salmon exports topped NOK 6.5 billion, up by NOK 1.7 billion or 37 percent compared with the first quarter of 2009. In March alone, the value of Norwegian seafood exports was NOK 2.7 billion. The reason behind such a boosting export is higher export prices coupled with increased export volume. In March, the average price for whole fresh Norwegian Salmon was NOK 36.43, compared to NOK 30.36 in March 2009.
In the first quarter of 2010, exports of fresh seafood made up over half of all Norwegian seafood exports. Strong growth in exports of fresh Norwegian Salmon was a major factor, although exports of fresh whole Norwegian Cod and fresh Norwegian Cod fillets also showed healthy growth. Exports of clipfish in the first quarter of 2010 increased by NOK 91 million to a total value of NOK 910 million.
