Cod is expected to become more expensive next year, given the reduction in quotas in the Barents Sea and the international context, according to estimates from the Cod Industry Association (AIB).
“For 2026, a worsening of the scenario is expected taking into account the reduction in quotas planned for fishing in the Barents Sea, as well as the international context, which together, will certainly put additional pressure on supply and prices”, indicated the AIB, in response to Lusa.
Until Christmas, a maintenance or slight increase in the price of cod is expected, driven by import and transport costs.
Christmas continues to represent around 30% of annual consumption, despite the economic context.
A “strong cultural and affective component” contributes to this, promotional campaigns and marketing actions.
Last year, the annual consumption of cod in Portugal stood at around 55,000 tonnes, and this year it should be lower, estimated the AIB.
In 2025, the cod market “remained resilient”, despite the challenging international context.
With regard to sales, dried salted cod had “a reduction of less than two digits” due to greater rationalization in purchases and increased prices.
In turn, deep-frozen soaked cod saw slight growth, as a result of the search for convenience and ease of preparation.
AIB also highlighted the preference for more practical packaging and smaller portions, in order to reduce waste, the growth of consumption outside the home and greater attention to health, as well as the sustainability and origin of the product.