Shrimp demand surges in southern Europe, holds steady in other regions

Shrimp consumption preferences within the EU vary by region. Most European consumers favor peeled and headless shrimp for convenience in home cooking and restaurant preparation. Breaded shrimp products are especially popular in the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, fresh shrimp finds favor in premium markets like France, Spain, and Italy, where home-cooked meals are more common. France and Italy also have high demand for tiger shrimp. Northern European markets, including Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands, place a strong emphasis on sustainably certified shrimp products.

The trend of purchasing shrimp through online platforms continues to rise across Europe, particularly for frozen and pre-prepared products. Fast delivery services and packaging designed for e-commerce have become significant competitive advantages.

Southern Europe, encompassing Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, and Greece, represents the largest shrimp market in Europe. Each country has robust seafood consumption, and shrimp imports have soared, presenting valuable opportunities for exporters aiming to expand their footprint in this region.

In 2023, Southern Europe’s five key markets imported 332,000 tons of shrimp from non-EU sources, down slightly from a peak of 349,000 tons in 2021. Penaeus shrimp (HS 03061792) accounted for 64% of imports by volume, while species like Argentine red shrimp and Asian pink shrimp (HS 03061799) represented 31%. Value-added shrimp products contributed only 3% to total imports. Although imports of wild-caught shrimp (HS 03061799) have declined since 2021, imports of Penaeus shrimp (HS 03061792) have seen modest growth.

Southern European countries have a strong dining-out culture supported by a sizable HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering) sector catering to both locals and tourists. Large food wholesalers and specialized seafood distributors supply this segment, but retail remains the primary channel for seafood sales. Modern supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the retail landscape, although traditional seafood vendors still play a crucial role, particularly in Greece and Portugal. While the HORECA sector is highly fragmented, the supermarket sector is more consolidated.

The EU is Vietnam’s fourth-largest shrimp export market, accounting for 13% of Vietnam’s total shrimp export value. Vietnamese shrimp faces intense competition from major exporters such as India, Thailand, Ecuador, and Brazil. Despite this, Vietnam’s shrimp industry continues to assert its quality and ability to meet the EU’s stringent requirements.

With its rigorous standards for quality and food safety, the EU has become a benchmark for the competitiveness of Vietnam’s shrimp industry. From minimizing environmental impacts during farming to ensuring clear traceability and animal welfare, every shrimp exported must meet the highest standards.

VFM