Tuna In Brine Drives Finnish Tuna Growth ff

Import data for the first quarter of 2007 demonstrates that the Finnish market is showing healthy growth in canned tuna at the level of 172.140 cartons. All this tuna was imported from outside the European Union (EU). This is a rise by 11% compared to the primary three months in 2006 quantity and with Thailand being the leading exporter.  On top of that, 18.900 cases were imported from within the EU, either from Germany or Spain.

Finland is a country where consumption of canned tuna is still growing and currently at the level of 1,33 kg per capita and sixth place in the EU.  With the increasing tuna sales Finland follows the European trend.

Also in 2006 Finland showed good progression – after the dramatic drop in 2005. The country imported 619.189 cartons (48x185g) of canned tuna from outside Europe. It was an increase of 7% from 578.142 cartons.

Finland mainly got the product from Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam during last year. Thailand is going strong- but the Philippines has been losing market share – however there are signs of recovery in 2007.

The new player in 2006 was Vietnam, which jumped from nothing to 41.385 cases, and a 7% share of the market.

If we look at the consumption pattern, Finland is showing a very different picture from the other Scandinavian markets which prefer mostly brine.  Finland is primarily an oil market, although there is shift in the pattern visible. Through 2006 Finland canned tuna in oil imports remained almost flat, but still reached 326.227 cartons (52% of tuna consumed).  

However tuna in brine is showing the strong growth. It jumped from the level of 256.070 cartons to 292.962, a rise of 14%, and 70% of this product was supplied by Thailand.



Considering the health trend in Europe, we can soon expect brine sales to exceed those of product in oil.