Welcome   Sponsored By
Subscribe | Register | Advertise | Newsletter | About us | Contact us
   


Photo: Stockfile/FIS

FAO: 'Global Bivalve Mollusk Demand Rises Amid Declining Supply'

WORLDWIDE
Monday, January 20, 2025, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

Demand for bivalve mollusks surges across Europe during the summer months as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainable seafood. According to FAO-Globefish, 2024 continues this trend, with bivalve mollusks remaining a top choice for eco-conscious diners.

Despite the peak production season in the Northern Hemisphere, prices have generally risen, reflecting a tightening supply. As winter approaches, demand is expected to decline—a typical seasonal pattern. Outside of oysters, most mollusks see reduced popularity during the festive season (e.g., Christmas and year-end holidays in Western countries). While overall trade levels remain consistent with last year, the market shows signs of stabilization with evolving consumption trends.


Mussels

The global mussel trade remained steady in the first half of 2024, with exports totaling 171,000 tonnes, comparable to the same period in 2023. Chile continues to dominate as the world's largest mussel exporter.

In France, mussel production has experienced several positive developments this year. The market continues to expand steadily, fueled by growing consumer interest in sustainable seafood. Valued for their high protein and omega-3 content, mussels are versatile, finding their way into direct consumption, processed foods, and even animal feed. This rising demand aligns with a broader shift toward healthier diets and increased awareness of nutritional benefits. With these favorable trends, the French mussel industry is poised for continued growth in the coming years.


Oysters

France, Europe’s leading oyster producer, is grappling with significant challenges in 2024. Rising production costs, disease outbreaks, and environmental pressures, including water quality issues, are straining the sector. Despite these hurdles, oysters remain a key player in festive and luxury seafood markets, ensuring their relevance in European cuisine.


Scallops

Scallop production is heavily concentrated in Asia, with global trade in the first half of 2024 reaching 83,000 tonnes, an 18% decline compared to the previous year. The drop was primarily driven by reduced exports from Japan, the world's largest scallop supplier.


Clams

Global clam production stands at approximately 3 million tonnes annually, with Italy producing 50,000 tonnes, making it the leading producer in Europe and second worldwide, after China. However, Italy’s clam production faces challenges from invasive green crabs that prey on young shellfish, including oysters, mussels, and cockles.

China remains the largest producer and exporter of clams, accounting for roughly half of global exports. During the review period, China exported 65,000 tonnes of clams, an 8,000-tonne increase over the same period last year. South Korea and Japan remain China’s top markets, with imports rebounding from last year's low levels. Despite global seafood market difficulties, the Italian clam industry remains active, driven by consistent consumer demand for sustainable seafood.


Forecast

The future of bivalve aquaculture is increasingly threatened by climate change, which has already impacted production. The FAO projects that declining supply, particularly in countries like Italy, will continue to drive prices upward in major global markets. As demand outpaces production, the need for innovative and sustainable aquaculture practices will become even more critical.

editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media


 Print


Click to know how to advertise in FIS
MORE NEWS
Peru
Jul 10, 06:00 (GMT + 9):
IMARPE Debunks Single Jumbo Squid Population Theory in the South Pacific
United States
Jul 10, 05:30 (GMT + 9):
ASMI: 2025 Weekly Alaska Salmon Harvest Update #4
Russian Federation
Jul 10, 02:30 (GMT + 9):
Russian Far East Reports Strong Start to 2025 Salmon Fishing Season
Spain
Jul 10, 01:00 (GMT + 9):
EU Debates Labeling of Plant-Based 'Fish': Fishing Sector Demands Consumer Clarity
India
Jul 10, 01:00 (GMT + 9):
IN BRIEF - Kasaragod District Earns Kerala Fisheries Excellence Award 2025
Argentina
Jul 10, 00:30 (GMT + 9):
Historic Abundance of Illex: Record 2025 Norpatagonian Squid Season
Pakistan
Jul 10, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
FAO Drafts New National Policy to Transform Pakistan's Fisheries Sector
Chile
Jul 10, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
Chile Forms Alliance for Sustainable Artisanal Jumbo Squid, Driving a Responsible Fishing Future
Viet Nam
Jul 9, 17:00 (GMT + 9):
Vietnam's Fish Cake and Surimi Exports See Continued Growth Amidst Industry Transformation
China
Jul 9, 16:50 (GMT + 9):
Youth Innovation Drives Deep-Sea Fisheries Transformation in Zhoushan
Norway
Jul 9, 08:00 (GMT + 9):
IN BRIEF - Salmon Evolution ASA: Q2 2025 operational update
Spain
Jul 9, 07:00 (GMT + 9):
Sustainable Fishing Milestone: Atlantic Coast Iberian Sardine Recovers MSC Blue Label
Chile
Jul 9, 06:00 (GMT + 9):
IN BRIEF - IFOP Reveals Key Advances in Sea Lice Control in Chilean Salmon Farming
Brazil
Jul 9, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
Brazilian Fisheries Institute Advances Fight Against Lethal Tilapia Virus
Viet Nam
Jul 9, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
Vietnam's Shrimp Exports See Strong May Rebound, But June Outlook Clouded by Trade Uncertainties



Lenguaje
FEATURED EVENTS
  
TOP STORIES
Norwegian Seafood Exports Soar: Herring and Mackerel See Record Prices and Strong Demand in First Half of 2025
Norway Buoyed by strong international demand and strategic shifts, Norway's pelagic sector defies global uncertainties with impressive value growth Oslo – Norway's pelagic seafood sector has repo...
ALPESCAS Urges Resolution in Labor Conflict Threatening Uruguayan Industrial Fishing
Uruguay The Latin American Alliance for Sustainable Fishing and Food Security (ALPESCAS) has issued strong backing for Uruguay's industrial fishing sector amid a labor dispute triggered by the union's disrega...
Norwegian Cod Exports Navigate Quota Cuts with Record-High Prices and Strategic Market Shifts
Norway Despite significant volume drops across categories, Norway's cod industry secures unprecedented values for fresh, frozen, and cured products, buoyed by strong demand and the growing role of farmed cod...
End of an Era: Beloved US Lobster Purveyor Files for Bankruptcy After Decades of Service
United States One of New England's most celebrated seafood companies, Cozy Harbor Seafood, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Its downfall reflects the increasing pressure on food and restaurant giants across the...
 

Umios Corporation | Maruha Nichiro Corporation
Nichirei Corporation - Headquarters
Pesquera El Golfo S.A.
Ventisqueros - Productos del Mar Ventisqueros S.A
Wärtsilä Corporation - Wartsila Group Headquarters
ITOCHU Corporation - Headquarters
BAADER - Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH+Co.KG (Head Office)
Inmarsat plc - Global Headquarters
Marks & Spencer
Tesco PLC (Supermarket) - Headquarters
Sea Harvest Corporation (PTY) Ltd. - Group Headquarters
I&J - Irvin & Johnson Holding Company (Pty) Ltd.
AquaChile S.A. - Group Headquarters
Pesquera San Jose S.A.
Nutreco N.V. - Head Office
CNFC China National Fisheries Corporation - Group Headquarters
W. van der Zwan & Zn. B.V.
SMMI - Sunderland Marine Mutual Insurance Co., Ltd. - Headquarters
Icicle Seafoods, Inc
Starkist Seafood Co. - Headquearters
Trident Seafoods Corp.
American Seafoods Group LLC - Head Office
Marel - Group Headquarters
SalMar ASA - Group Headquarters
Sajo Industries Co., Ltd
Hansung Enterprise Co.,Ltd.
BIM - Irish Sea Fisheries Board (An Bord Iascaigh Mhara)
CEFAS - Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science
COPEINCA ASA - Corporacion Pesquera Inca S.A.C.
Chun Cheng Fishery Enterprise Pte Ltd.
VASEP - Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters & Producers
Gomes da Costa
Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. (Headquarters)
NISSUI - Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. - Group Headquarters
FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization - Fisheries and Aquaculture Department (Headquarter)
Hagoromo Foods Co., Ltd.
Koden Electronics Co., Ltd. (Headquarters)
A.P. Møller - Maersk A/S - Headquarters
BVQI - Bureau Veritas Quality International (Head Office)
UPS - United Parcel Service, Inc. - Headquarters
Brim ehf (formerly HB Grandi Ltd) - Headquarters
Hamburg Süd Group - (Headquearters)
Armadora Pereira S.A. - Grupo Pereira Headquarters
Costa Meeresspezialitäten GmbH & Co. KG
NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Headquarters)
Mowi ASA (formerly Marine Harvest ASA) - Headquarters
Marubeni Europe Plc -UK-
Findus Ltd
Icom Inc. (Headquarter)
WWF Centroamerica
Oceana Group Limited
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Ajinomoto Co., Inc. - Headquarters
Friosur S.A. - Headquarters
Cargill, Incorporated - Global Headquarters
Benihana Inc.
Leardini Pescados Ltda
CJ Corporation  - Group Headquarters
Greenpeace International - The Netherlands | Headquarters
David Suzuki Foundation
Fisheries and Oceans Canada -Communications Branch-
Mitsui & Co.,Ltd - Headquarters
NOREBO Group (former Ocean Trawlers Group)
Natori Co., Ltd.
Carrefour Supermarket - Headquarters
FedEx Corporation - Headquarters
Cooke Aquaculture Inc. - Group Headquarters
AKBM - Aker BioMarine ASA
Seafood Choices Alliance -Headquarter-
Austevoll Seafood ASA
Walmart | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Supermarket) - Headquarters
New Japan Radio Co.Ltd (JRC) -Head Office-
Gulfstream JSC
Marine Stewardship Council - MSC Worldwide Headquarters
Royal Dutch Shell plc (Headquarter)
Genki Sushi Co.,Ltd -Headquarter-
Iceland Pelagic ehf
AXA Assistance Argentina S.A.
Caterpillar Inc. - Headquarters
Tiger Brands Limited
SeaChoice
National Geographic Society
AmazonFresh, LLC - AmazonFresh

Copyright 1995 - 2025 Seafood Media Group Ltd.| All Rights Reserved.   DISCLAIMER