Canned fish, exported abroad

Wiki Spanish Food editorial team

ANFACO-CECOPESCA has published the results of the Clúster Mar-Alimentario de Galicia, a leader worldwide in processing and sales of fish and aquaculture products.

ANFACO-CECOPESCA currently comprises 226 associate companies from every segment of the sea industry complex, together creating an authentic cluster, or group, in the sea and food segment.Cluster companies have total annual revenues of 6.5 billion euros and more than 25,000 direct employees, of which more than 60% are located in Galicia.

685.8 million euros in exports

Spanish exports of canned and semi-preserved (canned products requiring refrigeration) fish and seafood in 2014 amounted to 157,365 tons, with a value of over 685.8 million euros, ranking Spain among the leading canned and processed fish and seafood exporters to the EU and the rest of the world. This is an accurate reflection of this industry's success in implementing its sales strategy in markets outside Spain.

As a result of high penetration in foreign markets, due to notable efforts by companies to enhance internationalization and their foothold abroad, exports of canned fish and seafood accounted for 46% of sector production in 2014.

Tuna continues to be the primary processed and canned fish and seafood product exported by Spain, accounting for 67% in terms of volume and 74% in terms of value. Cuttlefish and squid rank second (10% in terms of volume and 5% in terms of value) and other canned and processed fish products rank third (6% and 5%, respectively).

These products from Spain are exported to 117 countries on the five continents, and comprise the broadest range of high-quality canned and processed fish and seafood products in the world.

The European Union is the main destination for exports, and accounts for 87% in terms of volume and 85% in terms of value. Italy is the leading importer, followed by France, Portugal, Germany and the UK. Outside the European Union, the main importers arethe US, Algeria, Morocco and Chile.