Hungary

Hungary in the world and in the EU

Hungary is a landlocked country with few internal catches. As for aquaculture production, it was the 12th largest EU-27 producer in 2023.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture consists in the farming of aquatic (freshwater or saltwater) organisms, such as fish, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants. Aquaculture data are reported in live weight equivalent and value.

With no direct access to the sea, aquaculture activity in Hungary is limited to freshwater farming. The following main production methods were used in 2023 according to Eurostat:

• 75% of production: in ponds;
• 25% of production: in tanks and raceways.

Main commercial species farmed and % of total
2023, million euros (nominal value) and 1.000 tonnes

Wholesale

Wholesale is an intermediary stage in the distribution channel that buys in bulk and sells to resellers (e.g. retailers) rather than to consumers. 

In Hungary, there is no clearly identifiable wholesale stage. A considerable part of the production is sold from aquaculture farms directly to the retailers or to angling associations. The largest producers have contracts with retail chains. Usually, minor producers sell their harvested quantities to larger producers. Source: Research Institute of Agriculture Economics.

Processing

According to Eurostat-SBS, 104 persons were employed in the Hungarian fish processing industry in 2023. The sector recorded a value added of 1,26 million euros, covering only 0,04% of the value added of total manufacture of food products.

In 2024, the main products sold were “Other fish, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (excluding minced products and prepared meals and dishes)” and “Fresh or chilled fish fillets and fish meat (including shark fins), whether or not minced” (source: Eurostat-PRODCOM).  

11 companies
Net turnover: 11
million euros
(2024, source: Eurostat - SBS)

Import

Main commercial species imported
and % of total imports
2024, million euros (nominal value)

Export

Main commercial species exported
and % of total exports
2024, million euros (nominal value)

Distrubution

The supply chain of fisheries and aquaculture products in Hungary (source: Research Institute of Agriculture Economics):

Consumption

In 2023, apparent consumption was estimated at 5,83 kg per capita, a considerable 13% decrease compared with 2022. The most consumed species were carp and freshwater catfish (source: EUMOFA).  

5,83 kg
per capita in live
weight equivalent
(2023, source: EUMOFA)

The country in EUMOFA