The Importance of a Local Catch

The average Spanish consumer prefers fish from Spain, according to a study published in the 'Food Quality and Preference' journal.

Scientists at the Institute for Research and Technology in Food and Agriculture (IRTA) interviewed nearly 900 consumers from nine Autonomous Communities (Andalusia, Asturias, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Catalonia, Galicia, Madrid and Murcia) about their preferences when buying fish. Evaluated factors included the country of origin (Spain, Morocco and Norway), whether they were fished or farm-raised, their conservation method (fresh or frozen) and the price (6€/kg, 12€/kg and18€/kg).

The results reveal that the place of origin (Spain in this case) is the most important factor for consumers when buying fish. The statistical analyses outline that the relative importance of the country of origin stands at 42.96%, whereas the other three variables are less than half: 20.58% for storage conditions, 19.13% for price and 18.01% for whether the fish is wild or farm-raised.

Spain is the largest producer of fish in the European Union but in recent years its population has consumed less fish, especially seafood.  The nation has a longstanding tradition of fishing and its homeland products are considered to be fresher than their imported counterparts.

Photo: Cantabrian Hake

Seafood and Fish