Norway’s production-grade salmon controversy driving up prices

So-called “production-grade” farmed Atlantic salmon is now estimated to account for around one-third of Norway’s total salmon output.In Norway, farmed salmon are classified as either “superior”, “ordinary”, or “production” grade, based on the quality of the fish. Under Norwegian regulations, it’s illegal to export production-grade salmon without first processing it, but after processing, these fillets can be sold as superior- or ordinary-grade. Principally, this law aims to maintain the market reputation of Norwegian salmon as a premium product. Discussing the current drivers of the Atlantic salmon industry in Kontali’s latest Seafood Explained webinar, Kontali Senior Financial Analyst Flip Szczesny said while grading salmon as production fish or “prod-fish” is a practice specific to Norway, it has an effect on the overall salmon market and creates “strange dynamics” in regard to pricing.In Q1 2024, and particularly around Easter, the market saw Norwegian salmon prices hit ...