Brazil

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Norwegian Seafood Council's operations are led by Randi Bolstad, our seafood representative, in collaboration with Karina Exner Ribeiro Mendes, our market advisor.

Brazil holds a prominent position in Norwegian seafood exports, especially within the clipfish sector, ranking as the second-largest clipfish market for Norway. Its influence has significantly shaped the industry's trajectory, despite recent challenges in market access. However, proactive measures are underway to surmount these obstacles, paving the way for potential market expansion.

The Brazilian seafood market boasts diverse species and has witnessed fluctuations in per capita consumption. Norwegian clipfish maintains its dominance, accounting for a substantial market share, with Norway exporting 15 thousand tons of clipfish in 2022. Meanwhile, the bacalhau segment, centered on cod, exhibits distinct consumption patterns. Despite its premium status, bacalhau consumption per capita has experienced a slight decline, offering opportunities for growth and increased market awareness.

In a competitive landscape shared with Portugal, a well-defined market strategy, particularly for traditional and high-end segments, becomes crucial. Norwegian exporters are actively involved in this dynamic market, displaying promising indicators with a growing interest in desalted products and increased purchasing power.

The Norwegian Seafood Council is diligently working to enhance market access. This involves initiatives such as updating listings in DIPOA, streamlining information flow between authorities, and aiding exporters in fortifying their presence within the market. Randi Bolstad is optimistic about the region and states “It's an area that requires continuous work, but I believe in expanded market opportunities in the future in Brazil.