Switzerland: Frozen Whole Fish Market 2025

Frozen Whole Fish Market Size in Switzerland

In 2021, the Swiss frozen whole fish market decreased by -11.8% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Over the period under review, consumption recorded a drastic downturn. Frozen whole fish consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Frozen Whole Fish Production in Switzerland

In value terms, frozen whole fish production declined markedly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production recorded a abrupt shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when the production volume increased by 177% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Frozen Whole Fish Exports

Exports from Switzerland

Frozen whole fish exports from Switzerland skyrocketed to X tons in 2021, jumping by 449% compared with the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, exports showed a prominent expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when exports increased by 1,413% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, frozen whole fish exports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, saw a pronounced decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 732%. The exports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons) was the main destination for frozen whole fish exports from Switzerland, with a 76% share of total exports. Moreover, frozen whole fish exports to the Netherlands exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Germany (X tons), sixfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the Netherlands stood at +70.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Germany (+21.5% per year) and Portugal (-13.2% per year).

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for frozen whole fish exports from Switzerland, comprising 66% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Germany ($X), with a 22% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the Netherlands stood at +43.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Germany (+12.4% per year) and Portugal (-12.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average frozen whole fish export price amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -41.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the average export price increased by 150% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Portugal ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the United States (+1.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Frozen Whole Fish Imports

Imports into Switzerland

In 2021, overseas purchases of frozen whole fish increased by 3.1% to X tons, rising for the fourth year in a row after two years of decline. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 13% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, frozen whole fish imports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, total imports indicated prominent growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.4% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +65.3% against 2017 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 41% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

Portugal (X tons), the United States (X tons) and the Netherlands (X tons) were the main suppliers of frozen whole fish imports to Switzerland, with a combined 56% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Ireland, Norway, Vietnam, Spain, China, Turkey, France, South Africa, Indonesia and Italy, which together accounted for a further 38%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by South Africa (with a CAGR of +99.2%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest frozen whole fish suppliers to Switzerland were the United States ($X), Portugal ($X) and Ireland ($X), with a combined 68% share of total imports. The Netherlands, Norway, Vietnam, France, Turkey, Spain, Italy, China, South Africa and Indonesia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 27%.

In terms of the main suppliers, South Africa, with a CAGR of +92.3%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average frozen whole fish import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 14% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.6%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 an increase of 24% against the previous year. The import price peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Ireland ($X per ton), while the price for China ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+4.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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