INDUSTRY OVERVIEW BEFORE THE NORWAY–UK SEAFOOD SUMMIT

Industry overview before the Norway–UK Seafood Summit.

Doors open at 11am today!

While the year began with difficulties for Norwegian seafood globally, the UK market continues to demonstrate resilience and growth. The summit will explore how we can build on this momentum and strengthen collaboration across the sector.

January once again showed how quickly global market dynamics can shift. Global Norwegian seafood exports fell by 3% compared with the same month last year, driven by lower salmon prices, a stronger Norwegian krone, and a significant 37% drop in export value to the US.

Yet, despite declines across several major destinations, export value to the UK grew by 2% in January, underlining its role as a stable and strategically important destination for Norwegian seafood.

This growth is fuelled by two key species:

• Salmon – our most important engine, with strong growth expected to continue.
• Haddock – essential to the British Fish & Chips tradition and a cornerstone of the UK whitefish category.

And what about cod?

Cod exports remain constrained by lower wild‑caught quotas, affecting availability in the UK. At the same time, exports of farmed cod increased from just 1 tonne last January to 48 tonnes this year, adding aquaculture cod to the portfolio. While supply challenges continue into 2026, scientists expect quotas to begin increasing from 2027, positioning Norway for future growth and new opportunities.

By Bjørn-Erik Stabell, UK Director, Norwegian Seafood Council

Image: ©Fish Focus