Danish fishmeal raw material value rose 20% in 2025 as prices increased despite stable landings, putting pressure on processors and competitiveness
Steady Denmark’s fishmeal and fish oil industry saw the value of landings rise sharply in 2025, despite catches remaining almost unchanged.
New figures show landing values reached DKK 1.46 billion (approx. €195.6m / £167.9m), up 20% on the previous year, driven almost entirely by higher raw material prices rather than increased quantities.
Prices Rise as Volumes Hold Steady
Total landings increased by just 1.9%, rising from 483,089 tonnes in 2024 to 492,299 tonnes in 2025.
However, the average settlement price climbed from DKK 2.53 per kg (approx. €0.34 / £0.29) in 2024 to DKK 2.97 per kg (approx. €0.40 / £0.34) in 2025 — an increase of DKK 0.45 per kg, or 17.8%.
Industry leaders say the sharp rise in prices without a corresponding increase in supply has created a challenging environment for processors.
Processors Warn of Growing Pressure
Higher raw material prices are putting significant pressure on the fishmeal processing sector, which operates in a global market where Danish producers compete with countries facing very different cost levels.
The industry remains a major customer of Danish landings, accounting for almost DKK 1 billion (approx. €134m / £115m) in raw material purchased from vessels. This material is processed into marine ingredients used in aquaculture feed and food production around the world.
Sprat and Sandeel Lead Value Gains
Two species dominated the rise in value during 2025.
Sprat saw increases in both value (+31.7%) and quantity (+22.5%).
Sandeel recorded a 29.6% rise in value, despite landing volumes falling by 5.8%.
These shifts contributed significantly to the overall increase in landing value across the sector.
A Growing Price–Volume Paradox
The 2025 results highlight what industry representatives describe as a “paradox”: Danish fisheries continue to deliver stable quantities year on year, yet processors are paying substantially more for the same volume of raw material.
Sector organisations say this reinforces the need for stable and competitive framework conditions, particularly for companies producing marine ingredients that play a key role in global food systems.
Outlook for 2026
The industry says it will monitor developments closely throughout 2026 and continue working to secure conditions that support the competitiveness of Danish fishmeal and fish oil producers.
