Norwegian seafood exports to France

France is an important market for Norwegian seafood, and the Norwegian Seafood Council is locally represented in Paris by our envoy Sigrid Louise Philippart and our market advisor Solveig Førre.

Seafood holds a special place in the French diet, with per capita consumption significantly higher than in many other European countries.

The French consume 33.6 kg of seafood per person per year, and much of this is eaten at home. In recent years, inflation has been relatively high in France, which has impacted seafood consumption among French consumers.

French consumers care deeply about sustainability, quality, price, and seasonal products. These are key factors in our work in France. A focus on reliability, high-quality products, seasonality, and sustainable practices are therefore essential drivers of success in this market.

Norwegian Salmon Exports to France

France is one of Norway’s most important salmon markets, with an export value of NOK 9.8 billion in 2024, making it the third largest export market for salmon.

Salmon is available in a range of price categories, and French consumers enjoy it both cooked as a dinner dish and as smoked salmon for special occasions.

The total market for Atlantic salmon is 196,000 tonnes, and Norway held a market share of 59 percent in 2024. Norwegian salmon is highly valued for its quality, taste, and health benefits.

When it comes to consumer awareness of origin, the Norwegian origin of smoked salmon is well known in France—however, the origin of fresh Norwegian salmon is less recognized at the seafood counter.

Norwegian Whitefish Exports to France

Whitefish, especially cod and saithe, are very important in the French market. Skrei is also a key product for French consumers and is considered a delicacy during the skrei season from January to April.

French consumers eat an average of 160,000 tonnes of cod and 27,000 tonnes of saithe annually, based on 2024 figures.

Due to reduced availability of cod, there is now a focus on promoting saithe as a tasty and affordable alternative.

The origin of cod and saithe has been relatively unknown among French consumers, and the story and provenance of these fish have previously been unfamiliar to many. Origin labeling and marketing are therefore a major part of our efforts to highlight the Norwegian heritage of this seafood.

Norwegian seafood exports are built on a model that emphasizes strict regulation, sustainability, and quality. This is something that origin labeling and marketing aim to promote, and will be key in positioning Norwegian seafood as a strong choice for French consumers.

Market Plans for France