Global Atlantic salmon production reached 2,9 million tonnes in 2022, a 37% increase from 2013, with aquaculture dominating and wild catches accounting for less than 0,1%. Norway is the largest producer, contributing to 54% of the world's salmon production, followed by Chile (26%) and the UK (6%). The EU's production is minimal, with Ireland as the main EU producer.
The EU is one of the main markets for salmon worldwide and has a significant processing industry for smoking salmon. The apparent consumption for salmon at the EU-27 level was estimated at tonnes live weight equivalent (LWE) in 2022 and the apparent consumption of smoked salmon was 139.384 tonnes. Poland, France and Lithuania are the top EU processing countries. France led smoked salmon consumption at 28% of the EU market, followed by Germany (18%) and Italy (16%).
Given the limited salmon production in the EU, the EU smoking industry relies entirely on imports. Norway is the leading supplier of salmon to the EU, accounting for 83% of extra-EU imports in 2023. Sweden and Denmark play key roles as trade hubs, importing fresh salmon from Norway and re-exporting it to major EU markets such as Poland, Germany, and France. The UK was the second-largest supplier to the EU, providing 5% of imports, followed by the Faroe Islands (4%) and Iceland (2%).
This study focuses on three Member States (MS) among the largest markets of smoked salmon in the EU: France, Germany and Poland.
France is the largest market for smoked salmon in the EU and the third largest producer, with a production of 22.650 tonnes in 2022. The French salmon smoking industry is entirely dependent on imports, mainly of fresh whole Atlantic salmon from Norway. Domestic production of smoked salmon has decreased by 46% in volume and 34% in value over the past decade, while demand remains high. Most of the salmon is smoked cold in France and is sold sliced and vacuum packed in 100 and 200 g portions. Approximately 71% of smoked salmon sold in France is processed domestically, and the "Fumé en France" (“Smoked in France”) label plays a significant role in the differentiation strategy implemented by processors, which allows them to reach higher prices. The French market is segmented between premium processor brands and retail brands. The demand peaks during Christmas and 90% of French consumers consider smoked salmon as an essential part of their festive meals.
Germany is the second market for smoked salmon in the EU and the fifth largest producer. In 2022, Germany's production of smoked salmon reached 8.418 tonnes, with raw material imported as fresh or frozen whole fish or fillets. Germany also imports significant volumes of smoked salmon, with Poland as the leading supplier, followed by Lithuania and Denmark. While domestic production grew by 28% between 2021 and 2022, total imports slightly decreased, and national supply reached 39.430 tonnes in 2022, mostly driven by imports. Consumption has seen a long-term decline, attributed to decreased production and imports. The retail market is segmented by fish quality, brand, and origin, with a high share of sales occurring in large-scale retailers. Consumption is mainly dominated by consumers over the age of 50, although younger groups also contribute significantly to the whole demand.
Poland is the largest producer of smoked salmon in the EU and the third largest market in the EU. The Polish salmon market is also characterised by its reliance on imports from Norway. In 2022, Poland's production of smoked salmon reached 77.158 tonnes, accounting for nearly half of the EU's total. The Polish smoking industry is export-oriented, with Germany as the primary destination. Domestically, salmon consumption has grown from a luxury item to a widely consumed product, driven by increased availability and promotional efforts. Smoked salmon is available across various retail outlets, with cold-smoked varieties particularly popular among younger, wealthier consumers, while hot-smoked salmon appeals to a broader demographic. Despite this growth, consumption of smoked salmon remains lower than traditional smoked meats in Poland.
The study provides a price structure analysis of smoked salmon in France, Germany and Poland. On the three markets, retail prices of smoked salmon have increased steadily since 2021, which is correlated to the increase in the prices of raw materials from Norway.