“The Portuguese fish sector continues to increase its economic weight in the country every year and, above all, its exports: we exported more than 1,100 million euros in 2022 and, for 2023, we foresee an increase that could go up to 15% , exceeding 1,250 million”, says the president of ALIF, Manuel Tarré, from Gelpeixe.

For the president of the association, the presence of the Portuguese industry in major international fairs has contributed to this growth, such as the Seafood Expo Global, which takes place for the second consecutive year in Barcelona, from 25 to 27 April.

At this fair, the Portuguese sea food industry "will have the greatest representation ever", with 18 business groups present from various parts of the country and from all subsectors of fishing, ports, manufacturing units, aquaculture and marketing.

Portuguese fish is currently the most important agri-food product in the country's exports, followed by wine, olive oil and vegetables, according to ALIF.

According to the association, the global increase in demand for products linked to the economy of the sea over the last decade "is in line with the growing concern of consumers with their food and health".

Sustainable

“The good 'performance' of the seafood industry is based on the qualification of its processes, which have become environmentally sustainable, and on the increasing nutritional and gastronomic quality of the fish used”, says Manuel Tarré.

The leader of ALIF considers that “the process of internationalisation of several national companies and their ability to become competitive in the global market has also been very important”.

“Sales have grown in the main markets sending tourists to Portugal”, says Manuel Tarré.

Spain, France or Italy are the countries, according to ALIF data, where the Portuguese product has asserted itself every year through increased sales.