Introduction – Portugal’s Salted Pouting Market by the Numbers
When you think of Portugal, chances are good food and fresh seafood come to mind. But did you know that Portugal plays a major role in the global salted fish market? While cod (bacalhau) steals the spotlight, another intriguing niche product is quietly making waves — salted pouting.
Though not as widely recognized as cod, salted pouting is gaining attention for its affordability, mild flavor, and suitability for a range of culinary uses. For importers and buyers, Portugal’s long-standing expertise in salt-curing fish makes it a go-to hub for high-quality products. But how do you find the best salted pouting suppliers in Portugal?
Let’s break it all down using a data-first approach. We’ll tap into production stats, trade trends, and insights from B2B platforms like Freshdi to highlight the Top 6 Salted Pouting Suppliers in Portugal in Q3 2025.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Demand Insights
Here’s the thing: hard data on salted pouting alone is scarce. But don’t let that discourage you. Portugal’s salted fish industry as a whole is booming, and that includes species beyond just cod.
Portuguese Salted Fish Market Highlights:
- Portugal is the largest importer of salted fish from Norway, receiving around 18,606 tonnes in 2024.
- In the same year, Norway exported 24,243 tonnes of salted fish globally, with Portugal taking in 76% of that.
- Portugal’s agro-food exports hit a record €8 billion in 2023, growing 8.7% year-on-year.
- Spain was the top buyer, taking in 38.6% of Portugal’s food exports.
This paints a clear picture: Portugal isn’t just consuming salted fish — it’s also a powerhouse in processing and re-exporting it.
Demand Trends and Buyer Signals:
Based on RFQ (Request for Quotation) volumes from Freshdi, there’s a noticeable uptick in interest for alternative salted fish species — like pouting. This is partly due to:
- Consumer demand for affordable protein sources during inflationary periods.
- A shift toward ready-to-cook and value-added products like pre-soaked or filleted salted fish.
- Trade opportunities in Latin America, thanks to the EU-Mercosur agreement.
So, while salted pouting might not be the headline act, it’s definitely part of the show — and growing its fan base.
Top 6 Verified Salted Pouting Suppliers in Portugal – Proven Export Performers
Finding reliable suppliers in a niche market can be a challenge. That’s where platforms like Freshdi come in handy. They offer verified profiles, performance reviews, and insights that help buyers make smarter decisions.
Here are the Top 6 Salted Pouting Suppliers in Portugal in Q3 2025, based on export volumes, certifications, customer feedback, and Freshdi’s supplier verification metrics:
1. G Oliveira & C Santos LDA
- Location: Northern Portugal
- Specialties: Salted pouting, wet salted cow, cod variants
- Certifications: EU HACCP, ISO 22000
- Why Choose Them: Known for consistent quality, prompt delivery, and customizable packaging solutions.
2. Pescamar Portugal SA
- Location: Matosinhos
- Specialties: Salted pouting, bacalhau fillets
- Certifications: IFS Food, MSC Certified
- Why Choose Them: Strong export presence in Spain, Brazil, and Angola; great for large-volume buyers.
3. Atlantico Fish Co.
- Location: Setúbal
- Specialties: Salted pouting, frozen fish blocks
- Certifications: BRCGS, FDA Approved
- Why Choose Them: Offers both bulk and retail-ready formats; ideal for supermarkets and distributors.
4. SalMar Litoral LDA
- Location: Algarve
- Specialties: Salted and dried fish, including niche species like pouting
- Certifications: EU Organic, Friends of the Sea
- Why Choose Them: Focus on sustainable sourcing and traditional curing methods.
5. Nova Peixe Portugal
- Location: Lisbon
- Specialties: Salted pouting, anchovy, sardines
- Certifications: ISO 9001, HACCP
- Why Choose Them: Great for buyers looking for smaller lots and flexible shipping.
6. Maré Alta Seafood Solutions
- Location: Porto
- Specialties: Salted pouting, seafood mixes
- Certifications: Global GAP, EU Traceability Compliant
- Why Choose Them: Competitive pricing, multilingual support, and excellent after-sales service.
Dynamic Ranking Note:
Platforms like Freshdi offer dynamic supplier rankings such as “Supplier of the Month” or “Top Exporter of the Quarter”, based on real-time data, transaction volume, and buyer ratings. So, be sure to check back regularly for updated insights.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
Let’s talk strategy. Buying salted pouting isn’t just about finding a supplier — timing, pricing, and product format also matter.
Demand & Format Preferences:
While salted cod still dominates the market, salted pouting is carving out a niche thanks to these advantages:
- Lower price point versus cod
- Milder taste — appeals to younger and health-conscious consumers
- Available in skin-on, skinless, fillet, and block formats
These traits make it attractive for budget-conscious markets and institutional buyers like schools and hospitals.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations:
Fish prices often spike in Q4 due to holiday demand. For salted pouting:
- Q1–Q2: Best time to place bulk orders; lower prices, higher availability
- Q3: Prices stabilize; ideal for stocking before year-end rush
- Q4: Prices can rise 10–15% due to festive consumption
Historical data from platforms like Freshdi shows that buyers who plan ahead and lock prices in early quarters tend to save more.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
Portugal’s place in the salted fish industry isn’t just cultural—it’s commercial. With export volumes booming and new markets opening, there’s a real opportunity for buyers to tap into this growing niche.
Whether you’re a food distributor in Spain, a restaurant chain in Brazil, or a supermarket buyer in Canada, salted pouting from Portugal offers a great balance of quality and value.
But don’t go in blind. Use tools like Freshdi to:
- Compare verified suppliers
- Analyze RFQ trends
- Get real-time price updates
- Track performance metrics
- Secure better deals through competitive quoting
Smart buying is data-driven buying. And with Freshdi, you’ve got the data advantage.
Key Takeaways
- Portugal remains a dominant force in the salted fish market, exporting over 18,000 tonnes annually.
- Salted pouting is gaining traction as a cost-effective alternative to cod.
- Verified suppliers like G Oliveira & C Santos LDA and Pescamar Portugal SA lead the pack in Q3 2025.
- Tools like Freshdi empower buyers with real-time insights, supplier ratings, and dynamic rankings.
- Seasonal price trends and value-added formats are key to maximizing profitability.
Checklist for Salted Pouting Buyers
✅ Define your preferred product format (fillet, whole, block)
✅ Check certifications (HACCP, IFS, MSC) for food safety compliance
✅ Use Freshdi to compare RFQs and supplier ratings
✅ Order in Q1 or Q2 to beat seasonal price hikes
✅ Consider long-term contracts with top-performing suppliers
Future Outlook
As global food markets pivot toward affordable protein sources, salted pouting is poised to grow in popularity. With Portugal’s infrastructure and know-how, the country will likely remain a key supplier in this space.
Expect to see:
- More value-added offerings (e.g., pre-soaked, skinless)
- Increased exports to Latin America via new trade deals
- Tech-enabled procurement through AI-driven platforms like Freshdi
FAQs
1. What is salted pouting, and how is it different from salted cod?
Salted pouting is a white fish similar to cod but smaller and milder in flavor. It’s often used in the same way as cod but comes at a lower price point.
2. Is Portugal a reliable source for salted pouting?
Yes. Portugal has a long-standing tradition in curing fish and is a major exporter of salted fish products, including lesser-known species like pouting.
3. How do I verify if a supplier is reliable?
Platforms like Freshdi offer verified supplier profiles, user reviews, certifications, and export history to help you make informed choices.
4. When is the best time to buy salted pouting?
The best time to buy is in the first and second quarters when prices are more stable and availability is high.
5. Can I request samples from suppliers on Freshdi?
Yes. Many verified suppliers on Freshdi offer sample requests, especially for bulk or repeat buyers.
References
- Norwegian Seafood Export Report 2024 – en.seafood.no
- Portugal Agro-Food Exports 2025 – theportugalnews.com
- Portugal Retail Food Trends 2024 – fas.prod.usda.gov
- Record Exports of Norwegian Seafood – en.seafood.no
- Freshdi B2B Marketplace for Seafood Trade
