
Markets
Bringing mackerel to the world
Norwegian mackerel is firm, delicious and packed full of essential nutrients, such as omega-3. With a fresh, rich taste in every bite, it’s no wonder that mackerel from Norway has become popular the world over.

We export mackerel to countries across the planet, but the largest of our export markets is Asia, specifically Japan. It’s a relationship that spans three decades and demonstrates the exceptional flavour of Norwegian mackerel.
In the 1980s, due to overfishing, there was a shortage of locally caught mackerel in Japan. Norwegian mackerel was imported as a substitute and the rest is history. Fast forward to the present day, and even though the Japanese fishermen catch more mackerel than their Norwegian counterparts, the demand remains high. In fact, Japan imports 100,000 tonnes of Norwegian mackerel per year.

Head Chef Kazuhiro Kageyama, Japan

Global appeal
Different cultures enjoy mackerel in many different ways.

A local treat
With daylight hours at their longest and brightest in the summer months, Norwegians enjoy plenty of BBQs. What’s more, thanks to the warmer waters, the mackerel swim right into our crystal clear fjords hunting for zooplankton. Their dark blue stripes make them easy to spot from the surface, so the locals head to the piers to fish for their suppers. The mackerel bite on almost anything, so they’re easy enough to catch with a rod – hence angling is a popular activity for all ages.

Mackerel sandwich
A brand new way of serving mackerel, developed by Chef Kageyama and desired by young consumers in particular.

Saba don
The traditional Japanese dish Saba don, which is salted Norwegian mackerel steak on a bowl of rice.
Part of a thriving economy
With around 500 seafood exporters and more than 2000 products distributed in over 130 countries, Norway plays a key role in the international seafood market. In 2015, seafood exports from Norway totalled NOK 74.5 billion, making Norway the largest seafood exporter in the world. That same year, the export value of Norwegian mackerel was NOK 3.8 billion.
We’re also Europe’s largest marketplace for the first-hand sales of pelagic species. The market is owned and operated by Norwegian fishermen, which ensures they secure a fair price at e-auction.
Exporting our fish isn’t just about the economy. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do and we want to ensure that our children (and their children!) can enjoy the same delicious seafood that we do. By exporting our fish around the world, we are demonstrating the benefits of regulation and quotas, and proving that businesses can be successful with sustainability at their core. As customers in emerging markets learn more about the importance of fishing in a sustainable manner, demand for conscientious producers only increases.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORWAY'S QUALITY MACKEREL
Nature provides us with nutritious, high quality mackerel, discover how we ensure that all the natural goodness makes it to your plate.