Regions

Fish oil production increased by 12% during the beginning of 2022, according to IFFO

Rocio Álvarez Jiménez

Total cumulative fish oil production was higher by 12% respect last year during the first two months of 2022, according to IFFO – The Marine Ingredients Organisation. Conversely, total cumulative fishmeal production in the countries considered in the IFFO report was down year on year by 11%.

IFFO's report includes approximately 50% of the world's production. Regarding fishmeal, Northern European countries, USA and India are the only countries that increased their cumulative production.

Besides, North European countries, USA and Spain reported a higher cumulative fish oil production than in the same period in 2021. "This is mainly due to fewer catches in the North-Centre of Peru in the first quarter of 2022. While the higher capelin catches in Iceland have pushed up fish oil output," said Enrico Bachis, IFFO's Market Research Director.

In addition to all this, IFFO celebrated earlier this month a meeting in Miami that focused on blue food and marine ingredients.

Fish products in China

Fishmeal imports from China decreased in January and February 2022. This is due to Peru, Russia, and Vietnam being the top providers. Although, the fishmeal offtakes rate from ports is beginning to accelerate.

The first aquaculture season traditionally starts in the month of April. Instead, this year it is developing amid severe disruptions both in terms of logistics and consumption. Aquafeed production increased in the first two months of 2022 though.