COVID-19 impacts on farmed species: focus on turbot and caviar

ABSTRACT

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the seafood supply chain were assessed, focusing in particular on the farmed turbot supply chain and the sturgeon caviar market in the EU. Overall, 2020 saw consistent export volumes of turbot in the EU. The sharp decline in trade at the initial impact of the pandemic, during March and April of 2020, has been offset by the peak export seasons of summer and Christmas. In Spain, turbot used to be sold to the HoReCa segment and other "premium" markets at international level (USA, Asia). As these traditional segments were closed during lockdown periods or experienced logistic problems, main Spanish producers almost completely shifted to the retail market in a few months. So far in 2021, an operator reports that a significant part of turbot production is still sold through retail despite lower sale prices, since the HoReCa sector is still impacted by the low level of tourism activities. This appears consistent with the growth of at-home consumption volumes in Spain in 2020 (+55% compared to 2019). However, this shift caused a slight drop of the average price. Overall, 2020 saw lower exports and imports of caviar. The sharpest decline in trade was seen during the initial impact of the pandemic, in March and April 2020. Logistical problems, as well as a decline in demand are the explanatory factors. As the year progressed and the peak season of Christmas drew closer, volumes increased to approach pre-pandemic levels. During the first half of 2021 the trade of caviar seemed to be higher than ever before. As there is no production data available it is unsure how production was affected, but several stakeholders report postponing their spring harvest.