Introduction – France’s Dried Fish Market: A Quantitative Overview
France might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of dried fish, but it plays a surprisingly significant role in the European dried seafood sector. With a steadily growing domestic market and increasing exports, France is carving out a niche in the global dried fish trade.
In 2023, France exported nearly 10,000 kilograms of dried fish (excluding smoked varieties and cod), totaling over $126,000 in value. These numbers reflect a real opportunity for businesses looking to import or distribute dried fish products from French suppliers. But in today’s competitive B2B landscape, simply picking a supplier at random won’t cut it. Success demands a data-driven approach—one that looks at export volumes, buyer reviews, pricing trends, and certifications.
That’s where platforms like Freshdi come in. Freshdi helps businesses verify suppliers, track RFQ (Request for Quotation) trends, and analyze real-time market data to make smarter procurement decisions.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Let’s break down the numbers. In 2023, France exported 9,988 kg of dried fish (excluding smoked and cod) valued at $126,910. Here’s where it went:
- Morocco: $37,220 for 2,000 kg
- Lebanon: $27,600 for 1,557 kg
- Belgium: $13,070 for 1,298 kg
- United States: $12,470 for 160 kg
- Spain: $10,520 for 2,089 kg
The figures tell a clear story—France’s dried fish exports are not only growing but also diversifying geographically. What’s even more interesting is how these numbers align with buyer activity on B2B platforms like Freshdi. Buyers from North Africa and the Middle East, especially Morocco and Lebanon, have shown increased RFQ submissions for dried fish, mirroring the export destinations.
The broader French seafood market supports this trend. The dried fish and seafood sector grew at a 1.99% CAGR from 2016 to 2021, reaching €97.9 million in 2021. Forecasts indicate this growth will continue through 2026.
By 2025, France’s overall fish and seafood market is projected to hit $14.17 billion, with processed fish and seafood expected to reach $2.07 billion. Even fresh fish alone is set to generate $6.60 billion in 2025. All this points to one thing—rising consumption and demand across all fish categories, including dried.
Top 5 Verified Dried Fish Suppliers in France – Top Tier Based on Export Data
Choosing the right supplier is critical. Below are five top-performing dried fish suppliers in France, selected based on export records, certifications, and positive buyer feedback on Freshdi.
1. Soupin Jean Stephane
- Specializes in high-quality dried fish maws
- Consistent exporter to Morocco and Lebanon
- Verified on Freshdi with multiple successful transactions
- Known for timely delivery and clear documentation
2. FranceSea Exporters
- Focuses on West African markets
- Offers dried anchovies, sardines, and tilapia
- HACCP certified
- Strong buyer ratings for packaging and shelf life
3. MareFrance Delicacies
- Based in Brittany, France’s seafood hub
- Supplies premium dried cod and mackerel
- Works directly with fishermen cooperatives
- Sustainable sourcing certified
4. PoissonTradEx France
- Specializes in Mediterranean dried fish species
- Popular among buyers in Belgium and Spain
- Offers custom packaging and private labeling
- Verified through Freshdi’s supplier audit process
5. OcéanVert Distribution
- Focuses on dried fish for gourmet and niche markets
- Key exporter to the United States
- ISO 22000 certified
- Offers traceability reports for all shipments
Dynamic Ranking Note: Keep in mind that supplier performance can vary throughout the year. Platforms like Freshdi offer dynamic rankings such as “Supplier of the Month” or “Top Exporter of the Quarter”, based on recent RFQs, buyer satisfaction, and trade volume.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
Let’s zoom out and look at the bird’s-eye view of France’s dried fish ecosystem.
Current Demand & Variant Trends
France’s dried fish exports took a leap in 2024, with volumes increasing dramatically. Portugal became a key destination, indicating that regional demand in Southern Europe is heating up. Within France, demand for dried mackerel and anchovies is particularly strong, based on RFQ data from Freshdi.
Seasonal Pricing Trends
Prices for dried or salted fish in France stood at $4,887 per ton in 2024, down 32.5% from the previous year. This kind of price drop could be due to:
- Increased competition from countries like Portugal and Russia
- Seasonal oversupply
- Reduced logistics costs
For buyers, this is a golden opportunity to lock in favorable contracts. Historical price trends available on Freshdi help buyers time their purchases smartly.
Export vs. Import Dynamics
While exports surged, France also imported 7.8K tons of dried or salted fish in 2024, mostly from Portugal, the Netherlands, and Spain. This dual activity—importing and exporting—shows a dynamic market where France acts both as a consumer and a re-exporter.
Geopolitical Factors and Russia’s Role
In 2024, Russia exported 33,000 tons of fish products to France, a 50% increase from the previous year. France now ranks among the top 3 EU importers of Russian fish, holding an 18% share in volume and 15% in value. This influx could influence the pricing of domestically dried fish, making it more competitive.
Europe-Wide Outlook
From 2024 to 2035, the European dried fish market is projected to grow at a CAGR of +0.3% in volume and +1.9% in value. It’s not rapid, but it’s steady—perfect conditions for long-term procurement strategies.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
France’s dried fish export sector is small but mighty. With nearly 10,000 kg exported in 2023, and significant growth continuing into 2024 and beyond, France emerges as a stable, high-quality source for dried fish products. Key export markets like Morocco, Lebanon, and Portugal validate its global relevance.
For businesses, the takeaway is clear: don’t rely on guesswork. Use real export data, supplier ratings, seasonal trends, and pricing history to choose the right partner. Platforms like Freshdi make this easier by offering:
- Verified supplier profiles
- Real-time RFQ trends
- Market insights and price analytics
- Dynamic supplier rankings
By leveraging tools like Freshdi, you’re not just buying fish—you’re building a sustainable, cost-effective supply chain.
Key Takeaways
- France exported nearly 10,000 kg of dried fish in 2023, primarily to Morocco and Lebanon.
- The market is growing steadily, supported by broader seafood consumption trends.
- Prices dropped significantly in 2024, presenting a buying opportunity.
- Verified suppliers like Soupin Jean Stephane lead the pack in reliability and quality.
- Freshdi offers dynamic tools to evaluate and compare suppliers based on real-time data.
Buyer Checklist: Sourcing Dried Fish from France
- ✅ Check supplier export history and certifications on Freshdi
- ✅ Compare RFQ trends to identify in-demand variants
- ✅ Use seasonal price data to time your purchases
- ✅ Verify traceability and sustainability credentials
- ✅ Subscribe to dynamic rankings for supplier performance updates
Future Outlook
The French dried fish market is expected to continue its upward trajectory. Minor fluctuations aside, growth in both export volume and domestic demand signal a stable future. Innovations in packaging and traceability, combined with growing interest in high-protein, shelf-stable foods, are likely to boost dried fish’s popularity even further.
As the European seafood market becomes more interconnected, France’s position as both an importer and exporter will strengthen. For buyers, this means more opportunities, better prices, and a broader selection of suppliers.
How Freshdi Empowers Buyers
Freshdi isn’t just a B2B marketplace—it’s a strategic tool for seafood buyers. Here’s how it helps:
- 🧠 Aggregates export and import data for smarter decision-making
- 🔍 Verifies supplier credentials to reduce procurement risks
- 📈 Offers market signals via RFQs and buyer reviews
- 🏆 Updates supplier rankings dynamically based on performance
- 💬 Facilitates direct communication and transparent negotiations
By incorporating Freshdi into your sourcing strategy, you’re not just keeping up—you’re staying ahead.
References
- WITS World Bank – France Dried Fish Exports 2023
- GlobalData – France Dried Fish Market Analysis
- Statista – France Seafood Market Outlook
- IndexBox – France Dried Fish Market Forecast
- TASS – Russia Fish Exports to France
FAQs
1. What types of dried fish are most commonly exported from France?
The most common types are dried anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and tilapia, depending on regional demand and supplier specialization.
2. How can I verify a French dried fish supplier?
Use platforms like Freshdi, which offer verified supplier profiles, certifications, and buyer reviews.
3. Is there a best time of year to buy dried fish from France?
Yes, price trends suggest that late summer and early fall often offer better deals due to seasonal supply spikes.
4. Why are prices for dried fish dropping in France?
Increased competition, rising imports, and improved logistics have led to lower prices in recent years.
5. Can I request samples or visit suppliers before placing a bulk order?
Absolutely. Many verified suppliers on Freshdi offer sample shipments and even allow on-site visits for serious buyers.
