Mixed trends for European crab imports this year

Crab products, although not among the top rank categories in European seafood markets, are nonetheless an important shellfish segment particularly in southern European markets such as Spain and France and, to a lesser extent, Italy. Imports of live, chilled and frozen crab products in these countries are showing mixed trends this year with volumes up in Italy but down in both Spain and France. In value terms, French and Spanish imports are, however, largely stable, or slightly down, pointing to an increase in unit prices compared with 2004.

UK and Ireland dominate French live crab imports

France imported over 13 000 tonnes (€43 million) of live, chilled and frozen crab during 2004 with the live/chilled category accounting for 75%.

In terms of species, brown, or edible, crab (C. pagurus) dominates at over 80%. The species is imported mainly live, but also in chilled prepared and frozen form and complements domestic landings, estimated at around 6 000 tonnes annually.
Volume imports of live/chilled crab declined by 22% during January-August this year with brown crab down 27% following a decline in sales from the UK and Ireland compared with the same period in 2004. The decline may be partially explained by a switch from live/chilled to frozen sales by both countries. On the other hand, live/chilled imports of other species, including spider and swimming crab, are up 15% following a large increase in volumes from Ireland.

In the French retail market, consumption of live/chilled brown crab tends to be unevenly distributed with Brittany and Paris the key regions, according to Ofimer/Secodip. Ofimer figures also show a distinct seasonality pattern with consumption skewered towards the second half of the year, peak months being July and September.

In line with various value added developments in French shellfish markets, the chilled crab segment has evolved in recent years particularly with the introduction of vacuum packed cooked crab products at retail level. Whole crab in this format has emerged as an alternative to live crab providing convenience features both to consumers and to retailers (handling, reduced waste from mortality) and now has an established position on many retail shelves.

In the frozen segment, which includes whole product and claws, volume imports are up 10% for the first eight months of this year, thanks to strong sales increases from both Ireland and the UK. The value of imports, at €8.2 million, is up 13% compared to January – August 2004.

Decline in Spanish frozen crab imports

Spain imported 14 000 tonnes (€48 million) of live, chilled and frozen crab last year with the live/chilled category accounting for over 60%. In contrast to France, Spanish imports are more balanced in terms of species with brown crab accounting for less than 40% of total volumes (compared to over 80% for France). Trade statistics aggregate other species which include both swimming and spider crab supplied by northern European and French exporters. Spain also differs from France in having a higher share of imports in frozen form (39% versus 25%).

Total Spanish live, chilled and frozen crab imports this year (8 months) are down 4% although values are marginally up on the same period last year. The drop in volumes is due to lower frozen imports, down 8% on 2004. Declines from the UK, Portugal and Senegal more than balance a sharp increase from Canada. In the live/chilled segment, on the other hand, volumes are largely unchanged on last year although they are up 4% in value terms. UK exporters continue to dominate this latter segment, accounting for almost three quarters of the category.

Italian frozen crab imports boosted by sales from India

During 2004, Italy imported just over 2 000 tonnes of live, chilled and frozen crab. Of this, the live/chilled category accounted for around two thirds. The import trend this year is positive with total volumes up 25% for the first eight months compared to January – August last year. With imports of live/chilled stable at around 900 tonnes, this year’s increase is due to a jump in frozen imports which are up 80% to 800 tonnes compared with the same period in 2004. Total imports are also up significantly in value terms, + 17% to almost €6 million.

The increase in frozen imports is due largely to an increase in Asian supplies, particularly from India and China. India, with an import share of almost 30%, has become the leading supplier of frozen crab to Italy this year following a more than doubling of volumes.

Higher prices for end of year sales of live crab ?

With volumes of live/chilled crab from key supplying countries such as the UK and Ireland apparently down this year, the outlook for the final quarter of 2005 points to price levels somewhat above those for 2004 in both the Spanish and French markets.

Gerry O’Sullivan
© 2005 FAO