Lisbon, Nov. 15, 2024 (Lusa) - Tuna is the most-produced canned fish in Portugal, accounting for almost half of the total output of the canned fish sector, and is also the most exported, accounting for €334 million in revenue in 2023, as well as the most imported, according to data from the sector association released on Friday on the occasion of National Canned Fish Day, 15 November.
Production of canned fish in Portugal totalled €468 million in 2022, "with a production volume of 80,000 tonnes. This performance represents a growth of 28% in value and 25% in quantity compared to 2021," revealed the National Association of Canned Fish Manufacturers (ANICP) in a statement sent to Lusa.
Tuna continues to be the main canned fish produced, generating €209 million, or 45% of the sector's total.
Sardines, crustaceans and molluscs also play an important role in the sector's production, the association pointed out..
More than 60% of all production is exported, and last year this represented 334 million euros, up 10% on the previous year.
Spain and France are the main export destinations, accounting for 29% and 24% of the volume exported, respectively.
In terms of selling price, the US stands out, at €9.10 per kilogram, followed by Italy, at €8.50.
Tuna is also the main product exported, accounting for 40% of the total, mainly to Spain, which takes 48% of exports.
Last year, Portugal imported 67,000 tonnes of canned seafood, for €289 million, an increase of 8% in value and 6% in quantity on last year.
More than half of these imports were of tinned tuna, with Spain also the main supplier, with 59%.
In 2022, the sector's operating costs in Portugal totalled €384 million.
In this period, gross value added (GVA) in the sector totalled €78 million and earnings before tax, interest, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) €35 million.
ANICP stressed that the sector "is facing increasing difficulty in hiring local labour," which represents a challenge and therefore requires strategies to attract and retain talent.
To this end, canneries have implemented policies to improve working conditions, including a scholarship programme for technical and higher education, launched in 2024, aimed at the families of workers with low financial resources.
Portugal has 36 kinds of tinned fish and more than 800 branded items.
This sector accounts for 3,500 direct jobs, 90% of which are held by women.
National Canned Fish Day, established by a resolution of Portugal's parliament, aims to recognise the value of this industry and raise awareness of the importance of fish products.
The date chosen to mark this anniversary corresponds to the first honour awarded to a Portuguese fish cannery at the closing of the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1855.
EP/ARO // ARO.
Lusa
