Russia to Increase Norwegian Salmon Suppliers to 16

MOSCOW. Feb 1 (Interfax) – The number of Norwegian organizations certified to supply salmon to Russia will soon increase to 16.

Food safety watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor recently notified Norway that another three firms would be allowed to deliver salmon to Russia following an audit of their facilities. The decision will enter into force as soon as the enterprises notify Russia that they are ready to begin deliveries to Russia and have the appropriate contracts, Rosselkhoznadzor told Interfax.

Currently 13 companies in Norway deliver salmon to Russia.

Russia banned the importation of Norwegian salmon in late 2005 when it discovered violations of quality requirements. It then began a check of Norwegian supplier, after which the decision was made to resume deliveries.

Norwegian salmon has a nearly 95% share of the Russian market, said Julia Seljeseth, marketing adviser for the Norwegian Seafood Export Council. Prior to the ban, 56 Norwegian organizations supplied salmon to Russia, she said. Exports reached record levels in 2005. In 2007, despite the restrictions, the Russian market dominated among markets in Eastern Europe, Seljeseth added.

Russian demand for Norwegian salmon has grown in recent years thanks to rising incomes. Market research indicates that 70% of Russian purchase salmon at least one or two times a year, and 59% of Muscovites buy salmon once a month or more.

The Norwegian Seafood Export Council is trying to promote salmon as a hot dish, so that it is seen as a main course and not just a cold appetizer, she said. For now 70% of Russians use it in cold sandwiches, she said.

Salmon exports amounted to 706,000 tonnes in 2007, 129,000 tonnes more than in 2006. In value terms exports increased by 403 million kroner to 17.5 billion kroner (5.4 kroner/$1). A total of 397 companies in Norway are engaged in the salmon export business.

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