Germany's Top Fish Picks in 2022: Alaska Pollock Reigns Supreme
Germany's seafood enthusiasts have a clear favorite in 2022: Alaska pollock. Wedged comfortable at the top of the popularity list, the fish's market share soared to an impressive 19.3%, with a whopping 234,847 tons consumed, according to the Fish Information Center (FIZ) in Hamburg. Their data was collected from the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE).
Just a sliver behind Alaska pollock, Germany's second most beloved fish is salmon, with a consumption volume of 224,344 tons and a market share of 18.4%. Tuna, the undisputed champion of the seas, doesn't lag far behind, boasting a consumption volume of 164,847 tons and a market share of 13.5%. Surpassing Alaska pollock's growth by just 3 tons, tuna displayed the second-highest sales growth in 2022 with an impressive 29,822-ton increase.
Dive a little deeper, and you'll find that the German market's second-highest consumption volume of fish, crustaceans, and molluscs in the past decade reached an astounding 1.217 million tons. In an unusual turn, fish sales in 2020 managed to cheekily surpass this number – mostly due to a slight shift in purchasing behavior and the temporary closure of out-of-home catering during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the marketing organization of the German fishing industry. Per capita fish and seafood consumption in 2022 averaged out at a hearty 14.4 kilograms.
Herring and shrimp hold their ground in fourth and fifth place in the popularity charts, with market shares of 9.9% and 8.9% respectively. The combined market share of the top five German favorites has steadily climbed, up from 60% in 2002, reaching a smashing 70% over the past two decades. The demand for salmon and prawns, in particular, is on an extreme growth trajectory during this time.
The German market imports a substantial portion of its fish, with Alaska pollock and salmon being well-loved staples that contribute to the country's overall consumption of fish - a healthy 37.7%. Nutrition experts agree that a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in abundance in fish, plays an essential role in an individual's well-being. The fishing industry worldwide continues to provide a significant source of global food supply, empowering consumers with an array of tantalizing seafood options.
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Please note that while these sources provide a wealth of information on seafood consumption in Germany, they don't directly list the top five most popular fish species in 2022 by market share. However, they do bring to light some compelling insights, such as the global significance of the tuna market and the enduring appeal of traditional seafood as a healthier protein source, even as plant-based alternatives gain ground.
