Norway is looking at newer markets like India for its growing volume of seafood, especially Norwegian Salmon and Norwegian Cod with Russia, its most important market for seafood, slamming its doors on imports.Since August 7, Russia has imposed import restrictions on lots of products from the European Union (EU), the U.S., Canada, Australia and Norway to counter economic sanction imposed on it. As far as Norway is concerned, the impact on seafood exports is severe.
Norway, which exports seafood to 140 countries, was now looking at newer markets such as India, Indonesia, Vietnam and countries in Central and Eastern Europe, officials said.
“We see a huge potential in India and foresee similar positive changes in demand for Norwegian Salmon that we have seen in countries like Russia and China. These are countries where Salmon was not well known 10 to 15 years ago but is now growing rapidly,” said Norwegian Seafood Council director Christian Chramer.
“India has a large population that prefers to eat healthier food, and is aware of the benefits of Omega 3 in seafood. At present, , people are having it in five-star hotels and may soon have Salmon at home or at restaurants” he added. Norway has not set any exports target for India. “At this stage, we are facilitating contact between Norwegian exporters and the Indian seafood importers, trade and the retail sector. We are still at an early stage, and are building up our competence and establishing contacts with relevant partners in India step by step,” Mr. Chramer said. He said important milestones needed to be reached, the most important being establishment of a Free Trade Agreement between Norway and India before setting any targets.
Norway is exporting seafood to India for over ten years but in limited volume. The Norwegian Salmon coming to India is often exported via Denmark, Poland and the Netherlands.
“Of the limited volumes of Salmon coming into India (about 60 tonnes in 2013), the majority is from Norway. We believe that there is a great potential for growth of the seafood market in India,” Mr. Chramer said.
