Comparison of Greek and Italian Seabass Plays a Key Role in the Distribution Channel

The rising cost of energy in Italy boosted the imports of farmed sea bass from Greece, the leading producing country. The price difference is notable. Sea bass from Greece is sold at a wholesale price range of USD 7.00-10.00/kg depending on the size of the fish, while sea bass of Italian origin ranges from USD 11.00-15.00/kg. Despite the differences in price, fish shops and markets still prefer to stock Italian farmed sea bass due to the weight. The average Hellenic size is 300-600g, while Italian sea bass normally weighs 600-1,000g.

Moreover, in Italy the fish market trade requests that the fish arrive on the sales counter within 24 hours of being caught. The fish from Greece however takes a day and a half, giving Italian origin sea bass the advantage. Nevertheless, the large-scale retail trade mostly sells sea bass imported from Greece and Croatia. In the past 5 years the GDO (Grande Distribuzione Organizzata) has achieved the role of preferred distribution channel with 67% of Italians purchasing farmed fish in supermarkets and discount retailers, mostly in the North of the country.