Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 9/30/2004

**GAIN Report Number:** GM4035

GM4035

**Germany**

**Fishery Products**

**Annual**

**2004**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Karina Ramos

U.S. Embassy, Berlin

**Prepared by:**

Sabine M. Lieberz

**Report Highlights:**

The total volume of fish and fishery products produced in Germany
amounted to 439,637 MT in 2003, a drop of only 0.3 percent compared to
2002. Per capita consumption increased by 400 g to 14.4 kg, and is
expected to further increase to 14.8 kg in 2004. Germany is the biggest
net-importer of fish and fishery products in the EU. Best prospects for
U.S. fish products are for Alaska-pollock, salmon, lobster and caviar
substitutes.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Unscheduled Report

Berlin \[GM1\]

\[GM\]

Table of Contents

[Executive Summary 3](#executive-summary)

[Definitions 3](#definitions)

[Production 4](#production)

[Figure 1: Production share of different product categories in 2003
5](#figure-1-production-share-of-different-product-categories-in-2003)

[Consumption 6](#consumption)

[Trade 7](#trade)

[Total Imports 7](#total-imports)

[Salmon Imports 10](#salmon-imports)

[Groundfish Fillets Imports 10](#groundfish-fillets-imports)

[Exports 10](#exports)

[Marketing 10](#marketing)

[Trends in fish sales by retail type
11](#trends-in-fish-sales-by-retail-type)

[Fish and frozen food 11](#fish-and-frozen-food)

[Seafood in the HRI sector 12](#seafood-in-the-hri-sector)

[Seafood Trade Shows 12](#seafood-trade-shows)

[Section II: Statistical Tables 13](#section-ii-statistical-tables)

[Table 6: PSD and Import Price Table for Salmon, Whole/Eviscerated (in
MT, U.S. \$)
13](#table-6-psd-and-import-price-table-for-salmon-wholeeviscerated-in-mt-u.s.)

[Table 7: German Imports of Salmon Whole/Eviscerated (in MT)
14](#table-7-german-imports-of-salmon-wholeeviscerated-in-mt)

[Table 8: German Exports of Salmon Whole/Eviscerated (in MT)
15](#table-8-german-exports-of-salmon-wholeeviscerated-in-mt)

[Table 9: PSD and Import Price Table for Groundfish Fillets (in MT, \$)
16](#table-9-psd-and-import-price-table-for-groundfish-fillets-in-mt)

[Table 10: German Imports of Groundfish Fillets (in MT)
17](#table-10-german-imports-of-groundfish-fillets-in-mt)

[Table 11: German Exports of Groundfish Fillets (in MT)
18](#table-11-german-exports-of-groundfish-fillets-in-mt)

# Executive Summary

Germany is the fourth largest fish processor in the EU-15, after the
U.K., France, and Spain.

However, only 21 percent of the raw fish is sourced domestically.

Production value of fish and fishery products at factory level decreased
by 3.1 percent to U.S.\$ 1.889 billion (1.531 billion Euro) in CY 2003,
while production volume decreased by only 0.3 percent compared to CY
2002 and amounted to 439,637 MT (product weight).

Calculated per capita consumption increased to 14.4 kg in CY 2003, from
14.0 kg in CY 2002, and is expected to further increase in CY 2004, as
fish products continue to be associated with a modern healthy diet.
However, German per capita consumption is still below the world average
of 16.1 kg.

Germany is the biggest net-importer of fish and fishery products in the
EU. Total imports of fish and fishery products into Germany in CY 2003
amounted to 785,006 MT (product weight) at a value of U.S. \$ 2.73
billion (Euro 2.21 billion).

The U.S. supplied 40,772 MT of fish and fish products in CY 2003 at a
value of US\$ 113 million (Euro 92 million). On a volume and value
basis, this amounts to 5 and 4 percent respectively of the German import
market. Frozen Alaska-pollock fillets, frozen Pacific salmon, caviar
substitutes, and live lobsters are the most successful U.S. fish
products on the German market.

In 2003, the U.S. share of German imports dropped due to the re-entry of
China into the market, however U.S. exports to Germany were still higher
than in 2001. In the first half year of 2004, German imports from the
U.S. rebound at the expense of imports from Russia. They surpassed the
previous year's level by 70 percent in volume and 50 percent in value.

# Definitions

Note 1: In this report trade data for groundfish fillets includes:

  --------- ------------ ------------------- ----------------------------
  HS Codes               English Name        Scientific name

  fresh or                                   
  chilled                                    
  fillets                                    

  0304      1031         Cod                 Gadus ssp. + Boreogadus
                                             siada

  0304      1033         Coalfish            Pollachius virens

  0304      1035         Redfish             Sebastes ssp.

  0304      1038         Other               

  frozen                                     
  fillets                                    

  0304      2021-2029    Cod                 Gadus ssp.

  0304      2031         Coalfish            Pollachius virens

  0304      2033         Haddock             Melanogrammus aeglefinus

  0304      2035-2037    Redfish             Sebastes ssp.

  0304      2041         Whiting             Merlangius merlangus

  0304      2055-2059    Hake                Merluccius ssp.

  0304      2085         Alaska pollack      Theragra chalcogramma

  0304      2091         Blue grenadier      Macrutonus novazealandiae

  0304      2095         other               
  --------- ------------ ------------------- ----------------------------

Note 2: In recent years the U.S. dollar/Euro exchange rate has been as
follows:

2001: US\$1 = Euro 1.1165

2002: US\$1 = Euro 1.0575

2003: US\$1 = Euro 0.8840

Further exchange rates (as of September 21, 2004, *Handelsblatt*) are
for:

U.S. dollar/ Euro US\$1 = Euro 0.8106

Euro/U.S. dollar Euro 1 = U.S. dollar 1.2336

Abbreviations:

CY = calendar year

HS = harmonized system of tariff codes

Kg = kilogram (1 kg = 2.2 pounds)

MT = metric ton (1 MT = 1000 kg = 2205 pounds)

NMS = New Member States (EU)

n.a. = not available

PSD = production, supply and demand balance sheet

U.K. = United Kingdom

U.S. = United States

# Production

The total catch of the German fishing fleet (landings in domestic and
foreign ports) amounted to 309,000 MT (catch weight) in CY 2003, this is
an increase of 62,000 MT or 25 percent compared to CY 2002. The increase
is attributed to an higher catch of mussels and herring. 106,600 MT were
landed in domestic ports versus 81,000 MT in 2002.

Only 34.6 MT of salmon was caught in 2003 compared to 41.3 MT in 2002.

The major fishing regions for the German fleet are the North Sea (about
36 percent), followed by the Northeast Atlantic (34 percent) and the
Baltic Sea (18 Percent).

On January 1, 2002 the German ocean fishing fleet consisted of 2,247
ships, 12 deep sea fishing vessels plus 2,269 cutter and coastal
fisheries vessels. Total tonnage amounted to 69,227 gross register tons,
engine power totaled 163,862 kW. That is a reduction of 35 ships, 2,043
gross register tons and 3,725 kW compared to the previous year. In CY
2003 a total of 9,249 workers were employed by 94 fishing and fish
processing companies, 953 workers less than in CY 2001. (Note: Only
companies with more than ten employees were counted)

Germany is the fourth largest fish processor in the EU-15, after the
U.K., France, and Spain. Production value of fish and fishery products
at factory level decreased by 3.1 percent to U.S.\$ 1.889 billion (1.531
billion Euro) in CY 2003, while production volume decreased by only 0.3
percent compared to CY 2002 and amounted to 439,637 MT (product weight).

Fish preparations, such as canned fish, baked fillets or fish sticks,
make up the majority of production followed by frozen and salted fish.
Fresh fish production is already the smallest segment and expected be
less and less significant in the future. Production share of the
different categories is illustrated in figure 1, details are shown in
table 1.

## Figure 1: Production share of different product categories in 2003

![](media/image2.wmf)

Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from the Association of the German Fish
Industry and Fish Wholesale

Table 1: German Production of Fish Products ( in MT, Euro 1,000, U.S. \$
1,000)

  ------------------ --------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
                     MT                  Euro 1,000              US \$ 1,000 

  Product            2002      2003      2002        2003        2002        2003

  Fresh or chilled   7,737     6,247     47,535      37,672      58,639      46,472

  Frozen                                                                     

  \- Filets          3,615     3,599     16,053      15,853      19,803      19,556

  \- Saltwater fish  261       n.a.      2,629       n.a.        3,243       0

  \- Fish meat       37,943    34,707    141,369     129,504     174,393     159,756

  \- Freshwater      1,566     2,361     8,762       11,602      10,809      14,312

  Salted                                                                     

  \- Smoked Salmon   14,883    18,628    162,346     186,307     200,270     229,828

  \- Smoked Herring  936       911       3,504       3,546       4,323       4,374

  \- Other smoked    9,226     8,593     67,983      69,116      83,864      85,261
  Fish                                                                       

  Other fish                                                                 
  preparations                                                               

  \- Herring         5,387     14,216    36,101      63,443      44,534      78,263

  \- Salmon          73,143    78,354    243,946     239,453     300,932     295,389

  \- Mackerels       712       607       n.a.        n.a.                    

  \- Sardines, sprat 1,704     1,232     8,809       5,716       10,867      7,051

  \- Other fish      131,541   136,725   343,652     336,741     423,929     415,404

  \- Baked           46,868    28,887    140,731     86,285      173,606     106,441
  filets/sticks                                                              

  \- Otherwise       31,160    37,318    112,740     124,555     139,076     153,651
  prepared                                                                   

  \- Fish salad      44,658    37,947    139,993     117,114     172,695     144,472

  \- Preserved       1,730     802       28,795      17,224      35,522      21,248
  Crayfish                                                                   

  \- Crayfish        278       401       n.a.        5,063       0           6,246
  preparations                                                               

  \- Caviar          2,428     3,629     27,098      39,119      33,428      48,257
  substitutes                                                                

  \- Frozen crayfish 3,155     2,704     21,929      18,970      27,052      23,401

  Total Production\* 441,150   439,637   1,580,601   1,531,401   1,949,829   1,889,136
  ------------------ --------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

n.a. = not published because of limited number of companies involved

\* = including unpublished values and volumes

exchange rate: 1 Euro = U.S.\$ 1.2336

Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from the Association of the German Fish
Industry and Fish Wholesale

Almost the entire German catch of groundfish goes straight into the
fresh market. Less than one percent of the market supply of groundfish
fillets are produced from fresh fish. Most groundfish fillets produced
in Germany are manufactured from imported fillets and further processed
into smaller pieces or convenience foods and repackaged. To avoid double
counting, \"production\" in the PSD for groundfish fillets only reflects
production from fresh fish.

# Consumption

Total human consumption of fishery products added up to 1.194 million MT
in CY 2003, up 3 percent compared to the previous year (1.158 million
MT). Calculated per capita consumption increased to 14.4 kg in CY 2003,
from 14.0 kg in CY 2002, and is expected to further increase in CY 2004,
as fish products are associated with a modern healthy diet. However,
German per capita consumption is still below the world average of 16.1
kg.

German consumers' favorite fishes are Alaska pollock, herring and tuna
followed by Atlantic and Pacific salmon (see table 2).

**Table 2: Favorite Fish Varieties in Germany, as a Percentage**

+------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+
|                        | 1999   | 2000   | 2001   | 2002   | 2003   |
+------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+
| Total Seafood Use      | 100    | 100    | 100    | 100    | 100    |
+------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+
| Thereof                | 69.3   | 78.5   | 75.6   | 75.1   | 73.0   |
|                        |        |        |        |        |        |
| Saltwater Fish (incl   |        |        |        |        |        |
| Herring)               |        |        |        |        |        |
+------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+
| Sweet Water Fish       | 17.2   | 11.2   | 15.5   | 15.8   | 17.6   |
+------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+
| Crayfish, Mollusks     | 13.5   | 10.3   | 8.9    | 8.7    | 9.4    |
+------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+

  ------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
  Type of Fish             1999      2000      2001      2002      2003

  Alaska/Pacific Pollack   19.8      27.2      30.1      31.4      29.6

  Herring                  22.6      20.1      19.2      16.0      18.9

  Tuna                     13.2      12.6      9.8       12.2      14.0

  Salmon                   10.4      6.6       7.8       8.1       9.9

  Redfish/Perch            6.0       5.0       4.0       5.0       5.5

  Coalfish                 4.6       4.3       3.9       4.8       4.7

  Hake                     5.4       4.3       4.4       5.7       4.0

  Cod                      7.0       3.3       4.2       3.7       3.4

  Trout                    5.1       2.6       2.6       2.1       1.9

  New Zealand Hoki         n.a.      n.a.      1.7       1.5       1.6

  Mackerel                 2.0       2.2       2.4       2.1       1.3

  Plaice                   1.6       1.3       1.3       1.1       1.1

  Halibut                  0.8       0.5       0.6       0.4       0.5

  Other                    2.3       10.5      8.0       5.9       3.6
  ------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------

Source: Fish Information Center: *Daten und Fakten 2004*

The importance of convenience products is increasing in the fish
industry, as in other parts of the food sector. In CY 2003, frozen fish
products had the largest market share (32 percent), followed by canned
fish preparations (30 percent). Fresh fish remained stable at 10
percent. Crayfish and mollusk accounted for 12 percent, smoked fish for
6 percent, and fish salads for 4 percent (see table 3).

# Table 3: Fish Consumption by Product Group, in Percent

  -------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
                       1997    1998    1999    2000    2001    2002    2003

  Frozen Fish          21      26      25      25      31      34      32

  Preservations and    31      29      29      30      26      29      30
  Marinades                                                            

  \- Herring           21      18      17      16      15      16      17

  \- Thuna             7       8       10      11      9       11      12

  \- Sardines          2       2       1       2       1       2       1

  Fresh Fish           14      13      14      14      12      10      10

  Crayfish and         14      14      15      13      13      12      12
  Mollusks                                                             

  Smoked Fish          5       3       5       7       7       6       6

  Fish Salads          4       5       4       4       4       3       4

  Other Fish Products  11      10      8       7       7       7       6
  -------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------

Source: Fish Information Center: *Daten und Fakten 2004*

# Trade

## Total Imports

Germany is the biggest net-importer of fish and fishery products in the
EU. Total imports of fish and fishery products into Germany in CY 2003
amounted to 785,006 MT (product weight) at a value of U.S. \$ 2.73
billion (Euro 2.21 billion). Of this, roughly 36 percent originated from
other EU countries (282,413 MT at U.S.\$ 1.03 billion or Euro 836
million). Imports from third countries accounted for about 74 percent of
total imports (502,594 MT at U.S.\$ 1.7 billion or Euro 1.38 billion).
In terms of value, Denmark was the most important EU supplier of fishery
products at U.S. \$ 395 million (Euro 320 million), Norway was
Germany\'s biggest non-EU supplier at U.S. \$ 290 million (Euro 235
million).

German imports from the United States decreased in 2003 by 33 percent
after an increase of 88 percent in 2002. In 2002, U.S. exports to
Germany had benefited from EU import restriction for animal products
originating from China. From February through June 10, 2002, imports
from China were prohibited, from June 10 through September 27, 2002
imports of fishery products were allowed but 20 percent of import had to
be tested for antibiotics (chloramphenicol). U.S. share of German
imports dropped when China came back on the market, however, U.S.
exports to Germany were still higher in 2003 than what they had been in
2001. The U.S. supplied 40,772 MT of fish and fish products in CY 2003
at a value of US\$ 113 million (Euro 92 million). This amounts to 4.1
percent of the German import market. In CY 2001 only 3.8 percent or
32,154 MT of German imports originated in the U.S..

In the first half year of 2004, U.S. exports rebound and surpassed the
previous year's level by 70 percent in volume and by 50 percent in
value. The products with the highest relative increase in value were
preserved salmon (up 2,487 percent), scallops (up 166 percent), live
lobsters (up 104 percent), and shrimps (up 103 percent.) However, these
increases occurred from a low absolute level (see table 5a). The highest
absolute increase was achieved by Alaska Pollock (up about \$ 20,000)
followed by caviar substitutes and live lobsters with an increase of
about \$ 1,000 each.

Frozen Alaska-pollock fillets, frozen Pacific salmon, caviar
substitutes, and live lobsters are the most successful U.S. fish
products on the German market.

Table 5a: German imports of fish and fishery products from the United
States by calendar year and product

  ------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------
                                       2002                       2003         

  Product                  HS Code     MT           1000-\$       MT           1000-\$

  **Total frozen Alaska                **52,555**   **115,166**   **34,016**   **78,526**
  Pollock**                                                                    

  Frozen Pacific Pollack   0304 20 850 49,915       111,429       31,461       75,219
  fillet                                                                       

  Frozen meat of Alaska    0304 90 610 2,640        3,737         2,555        3,307
  Pollock                                                                      

                                                                               

  **Total frozen Pacific               **2,467**    **5,488**     **2,912**    **6,557**
  salmon**                                                                     

  Other frozen Pacific     0303 19 000 2,347        4,892         2,672        5,477
  salmon                                                                       

  Frozen Pacific salmon    0304 20 130 120          596           240          1,080
  fillets                                                                      

                                                                               

  **Caviar substitutes**   **1604 30   **271**      **5,116**     **386**      **5,813**
                           900**                                               

  **Live lobsters, not     **0306 22   **168**      **2,264**     **225**      **3,379**
  frozen**                 100**                                               

                                                                               

  **Total frozen hake**                **3,878**    **5,818**     **1,441**    **2,316**

  Frozen hake fillets      0304 20 560 2            3             154          250

  Other frozen hake        0304 20 580 2,528        4,144         1,227        2,012
  fillets                                                                      

  Frozen meat of hake      0304 90 470 1,348        1,671         60           54

                                                                               

  **Frozen meat of other   **0304 90   **138**      **1,274**     **266**      **1,175**
  saltwater fish**         970**                                               

  **Frozen monkfish        **0304 20   **95**       **593**       **146**      **1,050**
  fillets**                830**                                               

  **Preserved Salmon**     **1604 11   **21**       **67**        **95**       **881**
                           000**                                               

  **Sockeye salmon (red    **0303 11   **211**      **673**       **230**      **716**
  salmon)**                000**                                               

                                                                               

  **Total frozen dogfish**             **176**      **580**       **137**      **358**

  Frozen dogfish \'squalus 0303 75 200 143          289           122          281
  acant                                                                        

  Frozen dogfish fillets   0304 20 610 33           291           15           77
  \'squal                                                                      

                                                                               

  **Other frozen fish      **0304 20   **36**       **252**       **36**       **282**
  fillets**                950**                                               

  **Other frozen fish      **1604 19   **12**       **15**        **218**      **256**
  fillets**                910**                                               

  **Other freshwater fish  **0304 20   **53**       **354**       **39**       **253**
  fillets**                190**                                               

  **Other mollusks**       **0307 91   **1**        **82**        **12**       **232**
                           000**                                               

  **Frozen mackarel**      **0303 74   **11**       **8**         **249**      **208**
                           300**                                               

  **Shrimps in packagings  **1605 20   **17**       **162**       **18**       **174**
  =\<2 kg**                910**                                               

  **Other scallops**       **0307 29   **3**        **30**        **13**       **140**
                           900**                                               

  **Surimi preparations**  **1604 20   **43**       **129**       **42**       **124**
                           050**                                               

  **Frozen crabs           **0306 14   **4**        **112**       **4**        **129**
  \'paralith.camcha**      100**                                               

  Other                                282          1,375         279          1,116

  Grand-total                          60,442       139,558       40,764       103,685
  ------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------

Table 5b: German imports of fish and fishery products from the United
States by year and product (January through June)

+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
|                       |         | Jan/Jun |      | Jan/Jun |        |
|                       |         | 2003    |      | 2004    |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| Product               | HS Code | MT      | 100  | MT      | 1      |
|                       |         |         | 0-\$ |         | 000-\$ |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Total frozen Alaska |         | **1     | **   | **2     | **57   |
| pollack**             |         | 5,627** | 37,7 | 8,022** | ,674** |
|                       |         |         | 08** |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| Frozen Pacific        | 0304 20 | 14,593  | 36   | 25,955  | 55,097 |
| Pollack fillet        | 850     |         | ,279 |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| Frozen meat of Alaska | 0304 90 | 1,034   | 1    | 2,067   | 2,577  |
| Pollack               | 610     |         | ,429 |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
|                       |         |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Total frozen        |         | **      | *    | **      | **2    |
| Pacific salmon**      |         | 1,050** | *2,1 | 1,053** | ,539** |
|                       |         |         | 99** |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| Other frozen Pacific  | 0303 19 | 922     | 1    | 985     | 2,291  |
| salmon                | 000     |         | ,670 |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| Frozen Pacific salmon | 0304 20 | 128     | 529  | 68      | 248    |
| fillets               | 130     |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
|                       |         |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Caviar              | **1604  | **112** | *    | **188** | **2    |
| substitutes**         | 30      |         | *1,5 |         | ,632** |
|                       | 900**   |         | 38** |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Live lobsters, not  | **0306  | **60**  | **9  | **131** | **1    |
| frozen**              | 22      |         | 80** |         | ,996** |
|                       | 100**   |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
|                       |         |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Total frozen hake** |         | **506** | **8  | **512** | *      |
|                       |         |         | 53** |         | *859** |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| Frozen hake fillets   | 0304 20 | 0       | 0    | 19      | 44     |
|                       | 560     |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| Other frozen hake     | 0304 20 | 506     | 853  | 493     | 815    |
| fillets               | 580     |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| Frozen meat of hake   | 0304 90 | 0       | 0    | 0       | 0      |
|                       | 470     |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
|                       |         |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Frozen meat of      | **0304  | **196** | **7  | **11**  | *      |
| other saltwater       | 90      |         | 96** |         | *631** |
| fish**                | 970**   |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Frozen monkfish     | **0304  | **72**  | **4  | **28**  | *      |
| fillets**             | 20      |         | 92** |         | *617** |
|                       | 830**   |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Preserved Salmon**  | **1604  | **8**   | **   | **72**  | *      |
|                       | 11      |         | 30** |         | *776** |
|                       | 000**   |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Sockeye salmon (red | **0303  | **106** | **3  | **46**  | *      |
| salmon),**            | 11      |         | 14** |         | *250** |
|                       | 000**   |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
|                       |         |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Total frozen        |         | **55**  | **1  | **33**  | **94** |
| dogfish**             |         |         | 12** |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| Frozen dogfish        | 0303 75 | 55      | 112  | 33      | 94     |
| \'squalus acant       | 200     |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| Frozen dogfish        | 0304 20 | 0       | 0    | 0       | 0      |
| fillets \'squalus ac. | 610     |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
|                       |         |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Other frozen fish   | **0304  | **34**  | **2  | **0**   | **0**  |
| fillets**             | 20      |         | 36** |         |        |
|                       | 950**   |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Other frozen fish   | **1604  | **0**   | *    | **178** | *      |
| fillets**             | 19      |         | *0** |         | *224** |
|                       | 910**   |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Oth.freshwater fish | **0304  | **25**  | **1  | **13**  | **87** |
| fillets,**            | 20      |         | 68** |         |        |
|                       | 190**   |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Other molluscs**    | **0307  | **1**   | **   | **4**   | **88** |
|                       | 91      |         | 46** |         |        |
|                       | 000**   |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Frozen mackarel**   | **0303  | **240** | **1  | **408** | *      |
|                       | 74      |         | 99** |         | *304** |
|                       | 300**   |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Shrimps**           | **1605  | **8**   | **   | **19**  | *      |
|                       | 20      |         | 86** |         | *175** |
| **in packagings =\<2  | 910**   |         |      |         |        |
| kg**                  |         |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Other scallops**    | **0307  | **7**   | **   | **18**  | *      |
|                       | 29      |         | 76** |         | *202** |
|                       | 900**   |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Surimi              | **1604  | **22**  | **   | **16**  | **43** |
| preparations**        | 20      |         | 67** |         |        |
|                       | 050**   |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| **Frozen crabs        | **0306  | **2**   | **   | **2**   | **67** |
| \'paralith.camcha**   | 14      |         | 45** |         |        |
|                       | 100**   |         |      |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| Other                 |         | 172     | 632  | 235     | 721    |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+
| Grand-total           |         | 18,303  | 46   | 30,989  | 69,979 |
|                       |         |         | ,577 |         |        |
+-----------------------+---------+---------+------+---------+--------+

Source: FAS/Berlin based on German Federal Office of Statistics,
Wiesbaden

## Salmon Imports

Traditionally, Norway is by far the main supplier of salmon to the
German market followed by Denmark, the U.K. and the United States with
market shares of 59, 18, 9 and 6 percent, respectively (based on live
weight for whole or eviscerated salmon in CY 2003). Imports from the
United States amounted to 3,369 MT, up 13.5 percent from the previous
year (2,963 MT).

## Groundfish Fillets Imports

Total imports of groundfish fillets decreased by 6 percent in 2003,
compared to the previous year and amounted to 782,307 MT. China was the
number one supplier to the German market with a market share of 31
percent followed by Russia (17 percent) and the U.S. (15 percent.)

Alaska pollock is the single most important groundfish species that the
U.S. exports to Germany and the one with the highest potential of
further increasing exports.

In 2002, for the first time, the U.S. had managed to become the most
important supplier of groundfish fillets (mainly Alaska-pollock) to the
German market and break the traditional predominance of Russia and China
in this market. The U.S. market share exploded from 0.6 percent in 2000
to 11 percent in 2001 and 23 percent in 2002. This big increase in 2002
was largely a result of import restrictions for animal products
originating in China (see section on total imports). These restriction
were lifted later in 2002, which resulted in a resumption of imports
from China. In 2003, China reclaimed its position as number one supplier
to the German market followed by Russia and the U.S.

In the first half of 2004, the U.S. was able to increase its Alaska
pollock exports to Germany by 78 percent compared to the same period in
2003. The U.S. market share rose to 36 percent, while China remained
stable at 44 and the Russian market share dropped to 17 percent. German
industry sources name problems with the quota management and overfishing
as reason for the decline in Russian exports to Germany. The Marine
Stewardship Council (MSC) an international nonprofit organization that
promotes sustainable fisheries is expected to officially complete the
certification of Alaska pollock in the coming months. This will further
enhance U.S. exports to Germany.

## Exports

German exports of fish and fish products in CY 2003 decreased in volume
by 4.3 percent and in value by 7.6 percent compared to the previous
year. Exports reached 307,244 MT, valued at U.S.\$ 1.12 billion (Euro
909 million), including U.S.\$ 976 million (Euro 791 million) to other
EU countries and U.S. \$ 145 million (Euro 118 million) to third
countries. Major export destinations within the EU-15 were France, the
Netherlands, the U.K., Italy, and Austria. Poland, Switzerland, Nigeria,
the Czech Republic and Lithuania were major non-EU destinations. Exports
to the United States are marginal. In CY 2003 they reached 812 MT, with
a value of U.S. \$ 3,681 million and consisted mainly of herrings.

# Marketing

Direct sales promotions and other marketing campaigns aimed at
increasing sales are entirely the responsibility of individual
companies.

Generic fish promotions are carried out by the Fish Information Center
(Fisch-Informationszentrum, FIZ,
[www.fischinfo.de](http://www.fischinfo.de/) ) in Hamburg. It was
founded in 1997 and is part of the Federal Association of the German
Fish Industry and the Fish Wholesalers (Bundesverband der deutschen
Fischindustrie und des Fischgrosshandels e.V.). It is open to private
industry and associations and is funded through membership
contributions.

The FIZ does not take part or fund sales promotion events, instead it
focuses on public relations campaigns and on initiatives to create a
positive image for fish and fish products and fishing practices in
Germany. FIZ addresses questions like quality and health aspects, animal
welfare and fish harvesting practices, resource protection, and the
impact of fishing on the environment and for third world countries.

The FIZ is open for joint promotion project with foreign institutions
and has expressed interest in a joint promotion in Germany for Alaska
Pollock with U.S. organizations.

## Trends in fish sales by retail type

On a volume basis, 84 percent of fishery products were purchased at
retail chains in 2003, compared to 81 percent in 2002. Fish specialty
stores accounted for 6 percent of the sales volume and other outlets
such as farmers markets for 10 percent. The market share of discount
stores (by volume) increased from 45 percent in 2002 to 48 percent in
2003. The trend towards shopping in discount stores will likely remain
unchanged in the future as the tight economic situation and cuts in the
German social security system lead to continued dampening of consumer
spending.

Discount markets are stores with a limited number of products, usually
one per category and less than 1,000 in total. They compete on price and
do not offer much customer service. The most successful discount chains
in Germany are Aldi and Lidl. These stores are very popular as Germany
is a very price sensitive market.

**Figure 2: Fish sales by retail types and value**

![](media/image3.wmf)

Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from the Association of the German Fish
Industry and Fish Wholesale

## Fish and frozen food

The consumption of frozen food has increased dramatically over the past
ten years in Germany. From 1993 to 2003 the per capita consumption of
frozen food excluding ice cream increase from 23.3 kg to 34.6 kg. Fish
is one of the segments that benefited from this trend. In the retail
sector fish sales increased from 96,120 MT in 1993, to 155,747 MT in
2003. This translates into market shares of fish in the frozen food
retail sector of 9.5 percent in 1993, and 10.6 percent in 2003.

The development in the HRI consumption of frozen fish was also on the
rise but on a smaller scale. Consumption increased from 61,500 MT in
1993 to 84,897 MT in 2003. The market share, however, dropped from 7.0
percent I 1993 to 6.1 percent in 2003, as other frozen food segments
such as bakery goods expanded even more than fish.

## Seafood in the HRI sector

The German HRI magazine "*gv-praxis"* annually asks more than 150 HRI
companies about consumption trends in their company and the importance
of different kinds of food for their business. The last survey was
carried out in April/May of 2004, and showed that the importance of
seafood varies depending on the category of the companies. Out of 40
foods seafood ranked number 15 in institutional establishments, number 9
in hotels, and number 4 in restaurants.

## Seafood Trade Shows

*European Seafood Exposition* (ESE) in Brussels is the most important
trade show for the German fish market. ESE is an annual show and the
next show will be held on April 26-28, 2005. In 2004, 1,268 exhibitors
from 115 countries attracted 27,818 trade visitors. For more information
about the show and how to participate please visit:
[http://www.euroseafood.com](http://www.euroseafood.com/)

*Fish International* is the leading international seafood show held in
Germany, and includes the following four areas: trading, technology,
logistics and point of sale. It is held bi-annually in Bremen. The next
show date is February 9 --12, 2006. For more information about the show
and how to participate please visit: <http://www.fishinternational.com/>

# Section II: Statistical Tables

## Table 6: PSD and Import Price Table for Salmon, Whole/Eviscerated (in MT, U.S. \$)

![](media/image4.wmf)

Note: Intra-EU = EU-15 in 2003 and EU-25 in 2004 and 2005

Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from German Ministry of Consumer
Protection, Food, and Agriculture (BMVEL), Annual Report on German
Fisheries 2003; Federal Association of the German Fish Industry and Fish
Wholesale; German Federal Office of Statistics, Wiesbaden.

![](media/image5.wmf)Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from German
Federal Office of Statistics, Wiesbaden

## Table 7: German Imports of Salmon Whole/Eviscerated (in MT)

![](media/image6.wmf)

NMS = New Member States

Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from German Federal Office of
Statistics, Wiesbaden

## Table 8: German Exports of Salmon Whole/Eviscerated (in MT)

![](media/image7.wmf)

Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from German Federal Office of
Statistics, Wiesbaden

## Table 9: PSD and Import Price Table for Groundfish Fillets (in MT, \$)

![](media/image8.wmf)

Note: Intra-EU = EU-15 in 2003 and EU-25 in 2004 and 2005

Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from German Ministry of Consumer
Protection, Food, and Agriculture (BMVEL); Federal Association of the
German Fish Industry and Fish Wholesale; German Federal Office of
Statistics, Wiesbaden.

![](media/image9.wmf)

Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from German Federal Office of
Statistics, Wiesbaden

## Table 10: German Imports of Groundfish Fillets (in MT)

![](media/image10.wmf)

Source: FAS Berlin based on data from German Federal Office of
Statistics, Wiesbaden

## Table 11: German Exports of Groundfish Fillets (in MT)

![](media/image11.wmf)

Source: FAS Berlin based on data from German Federal Office of
Statistics, Wiesbaden