According to news from SeafoodNews on May 12, Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Bureau, said that the solid rebound of the Chinese economy, the expansion of the middle-income group, and consumers' greater emphasis on healthy and nutritious food have all brought huge growth potential to Norwegian seafood exporters.

In the first quarter of this year, Norway exported 35,022 tons of seafood to China, with an export value of NOK 2.2 billion (about 210 million U.S. dollars), an increase of 18% year-on-year.

China has thus become the sixth largest market for Norwegian seafood exports, up from eighth at the end of last year.

The Norwegian Seafood Agency is promoting four main products including salmon, mackerel, cod and shellfish to the Chinese market. Fresh whole salmon from Norway showed exceptionally strong growth in the first three months of the year, with exports to China up 80% year-on-year in value and 42% in volume.

With the continuous optimization of China's new crown epidemic prevention and control measures, this year will provide opportunities for Norwegian seafood export companies at the macro and industry levels.

On the one hand, Norwegian seafood exporters will benefit from China's efforts to consolidate and expand the economic rebound, accelerate consumption recovery, and stabilize foreign trade and investment. On the other hand, with the gradual recovery of international tourism, more Norwegian exporters will be able to visit China to conduct business.

With the lifting of the epidemic control measures for cold chain products, seafood export trade will be improved, and local trade activities will return to normal, providing more opportunities for communication and exchanges along the value chain.

Andreas Thorud, Director of the Norwegian Seafood Bureau in Mainland China and Hong Kong, said that Norwegian seafood products can be bought in brick-and-mortar retailers such as Sam’s Club, Hema Xiansheng, Metro and Costco in China, as well as online channels JD.com and Tmall.

According to NSC's observation, the main target consumers of Norwegian seafood in China are middle-income groups aged 25-50.

First-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen have contributed to the booming Norwegian seafood export business. In addition, consumption in the "new first-tier cities" and second-tier cities such as Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Chengdu, Chongqing and Changsha shows great potential for growth.

Andreas Thorud said that it is important to stay close to the market and keep an eye on changing consumer needs and habits, especially in a dynamic market like China.