Introduction – Portugal’s Fish Market in Statistical Focus
Portugal isn’t just famous for its stunning coastline and rich maritime history—it’s also a powerhouse in the global fish export market. With centuries of fishing tradition and access to nutrient-rich Atlantic waters, Portugal has carved out a significant role in the global seafood industry. In 2024 alone, agro-food exports, including fish products, crossed the €8 billion mark, reflecting an impressive 8.7% year-over-year growth.
Fish, especially canned and frozen variants, are among Portugal’s top export categories. Tuna leads the charge, making up nearly 45% of the canned fish sector. With over 60% of canned production heading for international markets—mainly Spain and France—it’s clear Portugal is more than pulling its weight in the global fish trade.
For businesses looking to source fish from reliable suppliers, data-driven decisions are now non-negotiable. Tools like Freshdi empower buyers with verified supplier data, RFQ trends, and market insights to optimize procurement strategies.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Delving into the numbers gives us a clearer picture of Portugal’s fish export performance:
- Canned Fish Sector (2022):
- €468 million in production value
- 28% growth in value year-on-year
- 25% growth in quantity
- Tuna led with €209 million in value
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60%+ exported, mainly to Spain (29%) and France (24%)
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Agro-Food Exports (2024):
- Totaled over €8 billion
- 8.7% increase from the previous year
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Spain accounted for 38.6% of exports
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Fresh Fish Prices (2024):
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Average price increased to €2.62/kg (from €2.47/kg in 2023)
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Fishing Fleet Data (2025):
- 3,614 vessels (3.2% decrease YoY)
- 165,747 tonnes of total catch
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€337.7 million in revenue
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New Export Opportunities:
- Portugal gained access to Canadian waters for cod fishing (18,000+ tonnes)
These stats align closely with rising RFQ (Request for Quotation) volumes observed on Freshdi, where demand for Portuguese fish—especially tuna, cod, and sardines—is surging. Verified suppliers with high export ratings are seeing higher engagement, proving that quality and capacity now outweigh price alone.
Top 8 Verified Fish Suppliers in Portugal – Proven Export Performers
These companies have emerged as Portugal’s top fish exporters in 2025 based on export performance, certifications, global reach, and buyer reviews on platforms like Freshdi.
1. NAZARÉ-PEIXE, LDA.
Located in the iconic fishing town of Nazaré, this company specializes in fresh and frozen Atlantic fish. Their strength lies in traceability, MSC-certified products, and a loyal client base in Europe and Asia.
2. FREDERICO TEIXEIRA UNIPESSOAL LDA.
Known for its premium sardines and mackerel, this supplier has built a solid reputation for quality and timely deliveries. Their HACCP-compliant facilities ensure food safety at every stage.
3. ABRANCONGELADOS – PRODUTOS ALIMENTARES LDA.
A leading name in frozen seafood, ABRANCONGELADOS exports to over 20 countries. Their product catalog includes squid, octopus, and cod—processed and packed per international standards.
4. LAURENT MARCEL DO COUTO SOCIEDADE UNIPESSOAL LDA.
This boutique exporter focuses on high-grade tuna and swordfish. Their niche approach has earned them long-term contracts with gourmet retailers across Europe.
5. WE FISH
A modern, tech-savvy fish supplier, WE FISH stands out for transparency and sustainability. With blockchain-enabled traceability and eco-certifications, they appeal strongly to environmentally conscious buyers.
6. IBERCONSA DE PORTUGAL COMERCIO DE PRODUTOS DO MAR LDA.
This firm has a robust logistics network and a global footprint. Their frozen fish range is vast—from hake to shrimp—serving markets across Africa, Europe, and Asia.
7. DELTAMARISCO-PRODUTOS ALIMENTARES, S.A.
Specializing in bulk and retail-ready seafood, DELTAMARISCO is known for flexible packaging options and custom order solutions. Their cod exports saw a 15% rise in 2025.
8. Luças & C.ª, Lda.
Tradition meets modernity at Luças & C.ª. They offer both fresh and canned sardines, with a focus on artisanal methods that preserve flavor and texture.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Supplier rankings on platforms like Freshdi are dynamic. They reflect recent buyer engagement, RFQ volumes, certifications, and fulfillment performance. Be sure to review the “Supplier of the Month/Quarter” sections on Freshdi for the latest insights.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
Let’s zoom out and explore the broader dynamics shaping Portugal’s fish industry:
Evolving Export Trends
Portugal’s fish exports have diversified, with tuna, sardines, cod, and octopus leading the way. The European market continues to dominate, but there’s growing interest from North America and the Middle East.
Seasonal Price Swings
Fish prices in Portugal fluctuate based on seasonal availability, fuel costs, and weather patterns. For example, prices tend to peak during late winter due to reduced catches. In 2024, an average price increase of 5.9% was recorded for fresh/chilled fish.
Buyers can mitigate risks by analyzing historical pricing data—a feature readily available on Freshdi, where fish category trends are mapped out over time.
Sustainability as a Market Driver
In July 2025, the Iberian sardine fishery regained MSC certification after years of stock recovery. This milestone not only boosts buyer confidence but also opens doors to eco-conscious markets.
Fleet and Quota Shifts
Although the number of vessels decreased by 3.2% in 2025, Portugal secured increased quotas in Canadian waters. This strategic win allows for higher cod catches, which could rebalance supply trends in coming months.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Optimized Supply Chains
Portugal clearly stands out as a high-performing, data-rich fish export hub. From tuna to sardines, its offerings span a wide range of species, processing options, and certifications. The top 8 suppliers listed above have proven themselves through consistent performance, global reach, and verified credentials.
Checklist for Businesses Sourcing Fish from Portugal:
- ✅ Verify supplier certifications (MSC, HACCP, ISO)
- ✅ Check RFQ response times and fulfillment ratings on Freshdi
- ✅ Monitor seasonal price trends and adjust procurement schedules
- ✅ Prioritize suppliers with sustainable sourcing commitments
- ✅ Use platforms like Freshdi to analyze market trends and supplier metrics
Future Outlook
With increasing global demand, expanding quotas, and a sustainability-first approach, Portugal’s fish export sector is poised for continued growth. Digital platforms are reshaping how buyers interact with suppliers, making procurement faster, smarter, and more transparent.
How Freshdi Empowers Buyers
Freshdi serves as a one-stop B2B platform where buyers can:
- Access verified supplier profiles
- Track RFQ trends and price shifts
- Compare certifications and buyer reviews
- Get notified about top-performing suppliers of the month
Whether you’re sourcing bulk frozen tuna or premium canned sardines, Freshdi streamlines the search, negotiation, and logistics processes—helping you stay ahead in a competitive global market.
FAQs
1. What types of fish does Portugal export the most?
Tuna, sardines, cod, and octopus are the top exports. Tuna leads in value, especially in the canned segment.
2. How can I verify a Portuguese fish supplier’s credentials?
You can use platforms like Freshdi, which list verified suppliers, their certifications (like MSC, HACCP), and buyer reviews.
3. Are fish prices from Portugal stable throughout the year?
Not exactly. Prices fluctuate based on season, demand, catch volumes, and fuel costs. Planning purchases with historical data helps reduce cost risks.
4. Is sustainability a priority among Portuguese fish suppliers?
Yes. Many suppliers now hold MSC certification. The Iberian sardine fishery’s recent certification renewal is a strong indicator of the industry’s sustainable shift.
5. Can I request custom packaging or bulk orders from Portuguese suppliers?
Absolutely. Many suppliers on Freshdi offer custom packaging, private labeling, and flexible order sizes tailored to your business needs.
Ready to dive into Portugal’s thriving fish export market? Start your sourcing journey today on Freshdi and connect with the industry’s best.
