Danish food exports sets new record in 2024, with fishmeal and fish oil driving marine ingredient trade globally. Photo: DFPO
Danish Food Exports Hit Record High in 2024 as Fish Remains a Key Contributor
Denmark’s agri-food sector reached a historic milestone in 2024, recording a total export value of DKK 203.2 billion (€27.2bn), according to new figures released by Landbrug & Fødevarer (Danish Agriculture & Food Council). This marks a DKK 3.4 billion increase on 2023 and sets a new all-time record for the sector.
Fish and seafood retained their position as one of Denmark’s top export categories, generating DKK 29.3 billion (€3.9bn) in revenue, second only to pork. However, despite the overall growth in exports, the value of fish and seafood exports saw a slight decline of DKK 0.3 billion compared to the previous year.
High-value marine products such as fishmeal and fish oil continue to play a significant role in Denmark’s seafood export portfolio. In 2024, Denmark exported a combined DKK 6 billion worth of fishmeal and fish oil. Fishmeal exports to 46 countries totalled DKK 2.61 billion, while fish oil reached 36 markets and brought in DKK 3.67 billion.
Denmark ranks as the world’s sixth-largest exporter of fishmeal and the fourth-largest exporter of fish oil. Together, these products accounted for over 20% of the total export value of Danish seafood.
The strong international demand for Danish fishmeal and oil is attributed to their traceability, sustainability, and low environmental impact. Rich in protein, essential amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids, these marine ingredients are vital for aquaculture feed and play a crucial role in the blue value chain—where pelagic species and trimmings from processing are used efficiently to produce high-nutrition food products.
The Danish fisheries and processing sector involves a wide range of stakeholders, underscoring the need for a comprehensive, integrated approach to both fishing and seafood production. Strengthening these sectors not only boosts exports but also contributes to more climate-friendly food systems.
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