Creating value
2013
nofima.no
8
Financed BY:
The Norwegian Seafood
Research Fund
Quality can make the difference between profitable and unprofitable production.
photo: Jon-Are Berg-Jacobsen © nofima
Scientists Morten Heide and Edgar Henriksen interviewed
industrial actors and exporters in the white fish industry,
and compared the results with earlier work and official
statistics. The conclusion is that despite a good supply
from a stable cod stock, the fish that is landed is of ex-
tremely variable quality. This leads to reduced earnings.
Industry must take responsibilitY:
Large amounts of
the raw material are poorly bled, have gaping and have
other damage from rough handling. These quality errors
result in higher production costs, lower prices for the end
products and a poor reputation. The gear types gillnet
and Danish seine score lowest in relation to quality of
raw material.
There are complex reasons why such a big proportion
of the coastal fleet’s catches are landed with reduced
quality. But it is primarily the fishermen and the industry
itself that can raise the quality by improved handling and
choice of gear types.
“There is a need for a good dialogue between the
fisherman and buyer and it is clear that individual actors
have a responsibility and an opportunity to improve the
quality to avoid big loss of value,” says Heide.
Quality makes the difference:
In the market for fresh
fish, it is normally one and a half to twice the price for
high quality cod compared to the price for industrial raw
material. The production costs for poor quality fish are
also higher.
“Our calculations show that quality can make the dif-
ference between profitable and unprofitable production.”
Fish products of high quality can also further increase
their value. In order to achieve a better price in the high
quality market, good communication with the fishermen,
understanding of the market and a long-term approach
are important. It is also necessary to develop more
market segments with high willingness to pay, and to
secure a continuous flow of raw materials and products
over time.
The export value of Norwegian white fish could be significantly higher
with better raw material quality.
Big losses on variable quality
