In 2023, the world’s total anchovy catches amounted to 5.314.000 tonnes, all anchovy species included. The major producer was Peru, with 39% of the volumes, China with 12%, and Mexico with 10% (the latest having more than tripled its production since 2014). Catches of European anchovy in particular reached 98.237 tonnes, 11% of the world’s anchovy catches. Its main producer is Turkey (46.171 tonnes), followed by the EU fleet (16.700 tonnes) and Georgia (12.771 tonnes). Over the past 10 years (2014-2023), the total anchovy catches have decreased by 9%, reaching their lowest amount in 2023. In the meantime, EU anchovy catches only declined by 4%, mainly due to the decline in anchovy catches in France and Italy.
In 2023, Spain (44.830 tonnes) dominated the EU production with 46% of the total output. However, the sharpest increase in production over the last decade occurred in Croatia (+36%) which now represents 20% of EU production (13.840 tonnes). In contrast, Italy’s catches decreased by 38%, reaching a production of 19.628 tonnes in 2023. The introduction of maximum levels of authorized catches in the Adriatic in 2022, and subsequent changes of volumes’ allocation between Croatia and Italy3 have contributed to reshaping the fishing capacity of these two member states. Greece and Portugal followed with 11.527 tonnes and 4.805 tonnes (after a significant rise of 481% since 2014) respectively, whereas France’s production dropped by 45%, reaching 3.549 tonnes in 2023.
The EU apparent consumption for anchovy amounted to 110.098 tonnes LWE in 2023, mainly composed by prepared products.
In 2024, extra-EU imports reached 32.113 tonnes product weight (mainly from Morocco), consisting of prepared anchovies for 75% of import volumes. Extra-EU exports amounted to 26.257 tonnes product weight and were mainly destined for Albania, consisting of salted anchovies for 46% of volumes. There are also significant intra-EU flows between Member States (33.937 tonnes in 2024), Spain and Italy being both the main exporters and importers in value. The two biggest markets were Italy and Spain, accounting for 70% of the EU apparent consumption when combined (respectively 48.187 tonnes LWE and 28.699 tonnes LWE).
The present report focuses on Italy, Spain and Croatia:
- In 2023, Italy was the second EU producer of anchovy, with high exports (15.612 tonnes LWE) and imports (24.683 tonnes LWE, more than the national production). Characterized by a high apparent consumption at national level, partly fresh but mainly preserved, it values its preserve-making tradition. The price structure analysis covers glass jars of salted anchovy fillets in olive oil. Anchovy in oil is sold in large-scale retail, with an ex-factory price of 12,4 EUR/kg and a final price of 40 EUR/kg.
- Spain is the first EU producer and is mainly supplied by national production (44.830 tonnes LWE in 2023). To satisfy its demand, it is also the first importer (30.587 tonnes LWE in 2023). The following two detailed price structure analyses cover Spanish anchovy preserves:
- Canned anchovy in vinegar (Boquerón) retailed in supermarkets (ex-factory price at 14,6 EUR/kg and final price at 30,30 EUR/kg);
- Canned anchovy in olive oil (Anchoa) retailed in supermarkets (ex-factory price at 21,80 EUR/kg and final price at 44,9 EUR/kg).
- Croatia is the third biggest EU producer for anchovy, but second exporter which explains its low apparent consumption. It is almost entirely supplied by national catches (13.840 tonnes LWE in 2023) in the Adriatic. Exports reached 15.723 tonnes LWE in 2023, representing almost all its supply. The preserve industry produces small volumes of salted anchovies in oil. Two price structure analyses are detailed, both for preserved anchovies:
- Salted anchovies in sunflower oil (ex-factory price at 18,78 EUR/kg and final price at 46,58 EUR/kg)
- Salted anchovies in olive oil (ex-factory price at 29,70 EUR/kg and final price at 47,17 EUR/kg)