The import of Salmon in Italy due to increase of demand

Over the past decade, Japanese cuisine has captured the Italian imagination to the extent of becoming the most popular ethnic cuisine, with sushi orders increasing by 68% in 2021 despite Covid-19 restrictions on the opening of pubs and restaurants. Consequently, this new trend has boosted consumption and, in turn, imports of salmon from its leading producer, Norway, making Italy its second-largest growth market. January and February registered record volumes of imported salmon, amounting to 18 million kg.

From 2011 to 2021, imports of salmon grew by 332%. Moreover, demand for smoked salmon accounts for the highest percentage of imports, followed by fresh and frozen salmon.