Brazil – a growing market for Norwegian seafood

The export of Norwegian clipfish to Brazil reflects the deep, historical ties between our two countries, and we are very pleased that the market for Norwegian seafood in Brazil is continuing to grow. Now it is also possible to export Norwegian salmon to Brazil. This means that the Norwegian salmon industry has the opportunity to explore a new market,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Clipfish for dinner

During Prime Minister Støre’s visit to Rio de Janeiro to participate in the G20 Summit, he also took the opportunity to promote Norwegian clipfish in the Santa Teresa district, one of Rio’s most historic neighbourhoods. To the beat of Samba music at the traditional Armazem São Joaquim restaurant, Mr Støre served the Brazilian dish bolinhos de bacalhau, much to the delight of all those in attendance.

Clipfish is a popular ingredient in Brazilian culinary tradition, and Norway is a key supplier of the fish.

Trade between Norway and Brazil began in the 1800s with the exchange of Norwegian clipfish for Brazilian coffee. Today, clipflish is a symbol of longstanding trade relations and friendship between the two countries.

Large market

Brazil is currently Norway’s second most important market for the export of clipfish, exceeded only by Portugal. Norwegian clipfish has a 65 % market share in Brazil and Norway exports 19 000 tonnes, valued at NOK 1.3 billion, per year. Most of the exported clipfish was from pollock. Access to the Brazilian market is crucial for Norwegian exporters and plays a key role in the industry’s business strategy.

Export of Norwegian salmon to Brazil

Prime Minister’s Støre’s visit to Brazil also provided an occasion to mark the opening of the Brazilian market for Norwegian salmon. In September, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and the Brazilian authorities reached an agreement on terms for the export of aquaculture products.

Starting 15 September, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority has been able to issue health certificates for the export of all aquaculture products to Brazil. The ability to export salmon to such a significant new market is an important milestone for the Norwegian seafood industry.

‘We are very pleased that Brazil has now opened the door to more Norwegian seafood. Being able to export Norwegian salmon to such a key market represents a significant new step for the industry. It will be very exciting to see how Norwegian salmon exports develop in the time ahead,’ said Mr Støre.