Gadus morhua, a white cod characterized by its size and the ways it is prepared in the kitchen, is Norway’s target for introduce a larger quantity to the Dominican Republic.
Øystein Valanes, director of the Norwegian Seafood Council for the country, He stated that this type of cod has already been in the local market for two years and sales are projected to reach 15% more.
Of the 15,000 tons that Norway exports to the Dominican Republic per year, 200 correspond to gadus morhuamarketed more in Brazil and Portugal (main consumer).
This type of fish is large (it can reach 50 kilograms), easy to prepare filleted, the consistency of the meat and the flavor is a little different, and in the case of restaurants it is a product that can be presented as tenderloin, Valanes said. These characteristics make it different from Saithe (coal), which is the one with the highest consumption in the national territory and purchased by 70% of its buyers in grocery stores.
According to the official, the Saithe has more flavor and is firmer. Its weight reaches up to 25 kilograms.
“For many consumers the color of the product matters. Whiter, more expensive, more exclusive”, highlighted Valanes during a meeting with the press at the Council headquarters in Tromsøcity located north of the Scandinavian country.
In addition to its size, the Gadus morhua is a product that requires greater refrigeration and it is more difficult for it to be sold in establishments other than supermarkets.
Consumption and export
Norway’s total fish export (including salmon) reached US$14.5 billion last year.
Norway exports more than 85,000 tons of cod per yearand this is the most important sea product for the Nordic country.
The Dominican market is the second in the world for Norwegian cod, followed by the Portuguese.
According to the latest study of Seafood Council Made with Dominican consumers between 24 and 65 years old, cod has the advantages of its proteins, it is good for health, it has Omega 3, it is easy to prepare, it is a different dish, among others.
While as disadvantages, the more than 800 respondents pointed out that it is very salty, its price, and the thorns. Although the majority (52%) indicate that they do not see any disadvantages to the product.
According to the study, during the weekdays cod ranks third among the most consumed proteins in homes (59%), chicken is the main one (69%), vegetarian products (68%), and beef and pork, with 42 and 40%, respectively.
About the Council
The Norwegian Seafood Council is in charge of promoting the products of this country to increase demand and has been operating since 1991. Currently, it has offices in Spain, Germany, France, Brazil, China, Japan and the United States.
Norway occupies one of the main positions in the world ranking of fish and shellfish exporters and the fishing sector is the country’s second largest exporter.