Fish and chips, prawn cocktail and smoked salmon. All these dishes stand strong when Christmas is to be celebrated in Great Britain. And now Victoria Braathen of Norway’s Seafood Council can say that, taking the conditions into account, it has been a good year for Norwegian fish. The export volume of frozen whole cod to the UK increased by 990 tonnes in November compared to the same period last year. Norway exported NOK 16.7 billion worth of seafood in November. This is an increase of NOK 2.4 billion, or 17 per cent, compared to the same month last year. Facts about seafood exports in November The biggest markets for Norwegian seafood exports in November were Poland, Denmark and the USA. Poland had the biggest increase in value this month with an increase in export value of NOK 561 million, or 36 per cent, compared to the same month last year. The export volume to Poland ended at 31,629 tonnes, which is 3 per cent higher than the same month last year. Seafood was exported to a total of 118 countries in November. This is three fewer than in the same month last year. In November, Norway exported a total of 274,200 tonnes of seafood Source: Norwegian Seafood Council Although the volume has not increased, the value of seafood exports, as a result of the weak Norwegian krone, has skyrocketed. But the November figures for cod are not only positive. Victoria Braathen, Norwegian Maritime Council’s envoy to Great Britain. Photo: The Seafood Council Russian tariffs lead to a big increase Due to the high tariffs on Russian cod, the British import more Norwegian cod to make fish and chips. Victoria Braathen is the Norwegian Maritime Council’s representative in Great Britain. She says that they have not seen similar figures since 2008. – Britain is one of the largest and most important markets we have for Norwegian seafood. And then there is a particularly important market for Norwegian white fish, including cod and haddock. The fish has become a popular product in British grocery stores and restaurants. But it’s not all joy and sorrow in cod exports from Norway. Norway exported 2,420 tonnes of fresh cod to a value of NOK 141 million in November The value fell by NOK 36 million, or 20 per cent, compared to November last year According to the Seafood Council, the large decrease in the export value of fresh cod is partly due to the fact that only 156 tonnes of fresh fillet in November this year. This is a decrease of 188 tonnes, or 55 per cent, compared to November last year. – There is a decline in total cod exports globally at the same time as a larger proportion of cod from Norway goes to the British market. Throughout the year, we have seen the UK consolidate its position as our largest market for frozen cod, says Braathen. A graph showing the development of the export of frozen Norwegian cod in recent years to Great Britain. Photo: Norges Sjømatråd Braathen believes the development is an expression of the times we find ourselves in. – Consumers and companies have had a desire to explore alternatives. Things have become expensive, there has been inflation and there has been a focus on how to make good and sensible choices. Fewer Britons are eating fish and chips Over the past year, Britain has also noticed a general increase in prices. – Everything has become more expensive. This probably also applies to fish and chips, so there is a lot of focus on cost level. But even though the British have a passionate relationship with the dish, consumption has declined. And it is another expression of what you have to choose and what you can indulge in, says Braathen. – Fish and chips are considered to be something you should really enjoy and treat yourself to, and which does not cost too much. Campaign for Norwegian whitefish in London. Photo: Danny Puffett Norway’s Seafood Council is now planning a Christmas campaign with the UK’s best fish and chip sales. – From all over the UK, we have nearly 20 actors with us, where we will celebrate the iconic British dish in good festive spirit with Norwegian cod and haddock, of course. Traditional dish Depending on where you are in the UK, you have very strong preferences as to whether fish and chips are made with cod or haddock. – If you are in more central and southern England in particular, then there is a tradition of cod. The further north you go, you have a very passionate relationship with haddock, says Braathen. Do you want to make the dish yourself? Here is a recipe from news Mat:
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North Norwegian cod is eaten as fish and chips in Great Britain – news Nordland
