POLAND
Polish Fish Industry Congress, 16–18 October 2013, Bolszewo
Fish marketing should focus on greater value addition Between 16 and 18 October at the Polish Fish Industry Congress, representatives from Poland’s fish-processing industry met scientists, experts, and advocacy groups to discuss the current condition and future development of Polish fish processing. Invited speakers gave advice on how to overcome current stumbling blocks and prepare for a brighter future, and local players debated matters closer to home.
T
According to Grzegorz Mech (GfK Polonia), Polish consumers are not shopping as much as previously and are choosing less-expensive products. Recently, less has been spent on products in most categories, except for fresh and smoked fish, although an increase in trout and salmon sales was noted.
results for the first half of 2013, during which the Polish fish industry generated smaller profits despite increased sales. This is mainly the result of a weak internal market and the high cost of raw material, especially salmon.
Adding value a priority
future of the Polish fish market was that of fish promotion. Kristin Pettersen from the Norwegian Seafood Council pointed out that marketing should not focus on increasing the sales volume, but must prioritise product valorisation and maximisation of added value.
Krzysztof Hryszko (IoAaFE) pointed to the poor financial
A theme vitally important to all participants and relating to the
Increasing added value was the subject of presentations by Hubert Bierndgarski
he congress opened with a session devoted to trade, which focused on demand in the domestic market and the financial situation of Polish firms. It was repeatedly emphasised that, despite high hopes for an increase in the consumption of fish in Poland, the demand for fish and seafood remains stable or is even decreasing slightly.
Presentations at the conference often provoked a lively discussion which benefited the audience as well as the speakers. Here, Jerzy Safader from the Polish Fish Processors Association has the floor. 38
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05/12/13 1:04 PM