Determinants of Fish and Fishery Product Consumption�

Mihály, SOÓS Ph.D.

associate professor

University of Debrecen

Faculty of Economics and Business

2024

"Creativity - Theory and Practice (2024)"

International Interdisciplinary E-Conference

Tamás, MIHÁLY

PhD student

Laura, MIHÁLY-KARNAI Ph.D.

assistant professor

Introduction

• Fish and fishery products are among the most sought-after food ingredients in the world.
• There are significant differences in how these products are used, processed, and consumed across continents, countries, and even regions within a single country.
• The reasons for these variations may include accessibility, price, available income, and social and cultural factors such as culinary traditions, eating habits, flavors, as well as differences in marketing communication practices.

Global Consumption Trends

• Fish consumption has risen from an average of 9.9 kg per capita in the 1960s to 20.96 kg in 2022 globally.
• Developing regions, especially in Asia, exhibit rapid increases in fish consumption.
• Predicted growth to 21.2 kg per capita by 2030 despite challenges.
• In Hungary, fish consumption is seasonal, peaking during Christmas and Easter.
• Cultural traditions influence preferences, e.g., preference for carp during holidays.
• Awareness of health benefits is gradually increasing.

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Objective

Material and method

• The study synthesized relevant international and domestic literature and research findings on the topic.
• To ensure the collection of up-to-date and relevant sources, three scientific databases

- Web of Science,

- Scopus,

- Google Scholar

• were used to search for articles published between January 1, 2000, and March 20, 2024.
• Comprehensive search criteria were collaboratively established to gather relevant literature on aquaculture. Duplicate entries were removed after organizing the results.
• No specific SLR software or reference management tools were used for the analysis.

Material and method

1. Initial Search and Filtering:
1. The initial search across Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar returned 41,600 records.
2. Refinement to nutrition and fisheries topics narrowed the results to 9,877.
3. After screening titles and abstracts, 112 full-text articles were reviewed, and 91 were included in the study.

2. Challenges in Understanding Consumer Preferences:

• Consumer preferences are complex and not well-documented due to limited marketing communication resources.
• Insights into consumer motivations and behavior are essential for addressing market demands effectively.

3. Value of Research on Consumer Behavior:

• Studying preferences aids in meeting consumer expectations and improving market success.
• Research highlights the need for targeted strategies to enhance the appeal and accessibility of fishery products.

Factors determining fish consumption

1. Health Considerations: Awareness of the health benefits associated with fish consumption has influenced consumer behavior, leading to increased demand for fish and fish products. Consumers often rely on the positive effects of fish on healthy diets, as fish and fish products are rich sources of high-quality proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients.

2. Changing Tastes and Preferences: A noticeable trend among consumers is the shift toward value-added fish products and convenient, ready-to-eat seafood, particularly in urban areas and among younger demographic groups. This change drives innovation in both product offerings and packaging. Fish and fishery products come in a variety of flavors and textures, making taste and preparation methods influential in consumer preferences.

3. Environmental Protection and Sustainability: Consumers are increasingly concerned about the production and sustainability of fish and fishery products. Many are now aware of the environmental impacts of the fishing industry and prefer sustainably sourced fish. The producer, processor, trader, and final consumer all perceive meat quality from different perspectives

Factors determining fish consumption

4. Price and Availability: Price and availability can be significant factors in consumer decisions, especially during economically challenging times.

5. Cultural and Social Customs: The consumption of fishery products is often closely tied to the traditions and customs of different cultures and societies.

6. Access to Information: Information available through labeling, certifications, and digital platforms has enabled consumers to make informed decisions about the fish products they purchase. This includes traceability, which covers information on sustainability, origin, and whether the fish is wild-caught or farmed. In today's market, health protection, healthy food, organic ingredients, functional foods, and packaging are increasingly important considerations.

Recommendations

• Launch educational campaigns to promote the benefits of fish consumption.
• Support innovations in sustainable fish production technologies.
• Enhance marketing strategies to highlight quality and traceability.

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The outlined recommendations and policy suggestions aim to promote the sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors while addressing changing consumer habits, environmental challenges, and food security and nutritional needs.

Conclusion

Thank you �for your attention!

mihaly.tamas@econ.unideb.hu

soos.mihaly@econ.unideb.hu

karnai.laura@econ.unideb.hu