Present market situation and prospects of meagre (Argyrosomus regius), as an emerging species in Mediterranean aquaculture
No hay miniatura disponible
Fecha
Autores
Título de la revista
ISSN de la revista
Título del volumen
Editor
FAO ;
Resumen
Descripción
The present document review the aquaculture activities and the market situation and prospect of the meagre (Argyrosomus regius) in the Mediterranean countries. Meagre culture started in France and in Italy in the late ‘90s and is developing in the Mediterranean Region, jumping from a few tonnes in 2 000 to over 10 000 tonnes expected in 2010, highlighting the appearance of a new aquaculture species on the market. Meagre is currently sold by a limited number of players on niche segments (small volumes at relatively high prices to selected market segments). From a market viewpoint, meagre is endowed with intrinsic values such as attractive fish shape, good processing yield, good nutritional values, low fat content, excellent taste, firm texture suitable for a large variety of recipes. Yet it is very little known to end consumers. Meagre production is expected to grow fast in the medium term and ex-farm prices will probably drop under the pressure of increasing supply. T his is what will most likely happen if the coming increased production converges towards favourable markets like Spain, Italy and Portugal. This report draws the picture of the existing market of meagre and describes the possible routes for development. Indeed, based on its aquaculture characteristics, meagre has the potential to become a mass market species, moving from the present position of a niche species with a limited production directed to selected market segments. The paper re commends some actions to be undertaken to consolidate good conditions for future growth and to reduce commercial risks. Most of the information used originates from national data and from the author’s personal estimates.