This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the evolution of fishery and aquaculture product consumption in the EU, examining changes in consumption patterns, consumer behaviour and preferences, and the main economic and structural factors shaping demand.
EU apparent consumption declined from 12,94 million tonnes in 2014 to 10,25 million tonnes in 2023, while per capita consumption fell from 25,5 kg to 22,9 kg, its lowest level of the decade. Trends varied considerably across Member States: consumption decreased in countries including Spain, France and Lithuania, while it increased in Italy, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. Portugal and Spain remained the EU’s largest per capita consumers.
The study identifies a gradual shift from frequent at-home consumption towards more occasional patterns and greater out-of-home consumption. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger consumers, who tend to have lower familiarity with fish preparation and stronger expectations regarding convenience. Demand is increasingly oriented towards portioned, prepacked, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products.
Price and product appearance remain the main purchasing criteria, although origin, convenience and sustainability are gaining importance. At the same time, EU supply also shape consumption patterns. The EU market’s reliance on imports and retail strategies favouring stable, predictable supplies are contributing to a concentration of consumption around a limited number of species, such as salmon, tuna and shrimp.
The report also provides detailed analyses of Spain, France, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands and Austria, showing how cultural traditions, income, retail structures, product availability and price sensitivity influence consumption differently across national markets.