Polish sprat processors are drawing landings away from Denmark as demand for consumption increases prices over fishmeal production
Consumption Versus Commodity
The price gap reflects a fundamental difference in how sprat is treated. In Poland, sprat is widely consumed as a food fish, competing directly with other edible species. In Denmark, it remains largely relegated to feed markets and still carries a reputation problem.
“In Denmark, we don’t have a tradition of eating sprat, even though it tastes quite excellent,” Andersen said. “In the old days, they called it a dirty fish, but it’s not.”
He was blunt about the challenge of changing consumption habits, adding that uptake is unlikely to be rapid. “If you ask in Nexø or other places how many have tasted a sprat, it’s not a lifestyle that comes in a month or two. It’s perhaps a question of generations.”
Port Revenues Fall Sharply
Nexø Port levies a three percent fee on all fishing landings, and the disappearance of Polish vessels has cut that income significantly. The port now expects fishing-related revenue of between 500,000 and 600,000 kroner in 2026, equivalent to roughly €67,000–€81,000 or £58,000–£70,000, compared with more than one million kroner, about €134,000 or £116,000, just three years ago.
While the shortfall does not threaten port operations, it does reduce flexibility.
“We are not dependent on that income to make a profit,” Andersen said. “We can operate the port with the rental income we have, but of course it is the money that we can do something extra with.”
