STUDIES AND REVIEWS

No. 89

GENERAL FISHERIES COMMISSION FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN

PRESENT MARKET SITUATION AND PROSPECTS OF
MEAGRE (ARGYROSOMUS REGIUS), AS AN EMERGING
SPECIES IN MEDITERRANEAN AQUACULTURE

by

Marie Christine Monfort

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Rome, 2010

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.

The views expressed in this information product are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of FAO.

Monfort, M.C.
Present market situation and prospects of meagre (Argyrosomus regius), as an emerging species in Mediterranean aquaculture.
Studies and Reviews. General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean. No. 89. Rome, FAO. 2010. 28p.

ABSTRACT

The present document review the aquaculture activities and the market situation and prospect of the meagre (Argyrosomus regius) in the Mediterranean countries. Meagre culture started in France and in Italy in the late ‘90s and is developing in the Mediterranean Region, jumping from a few tonnes in 2 000 to over 10 000 tonnes expected in 2010, highlighting the appearance of a new aquaculture species on the market. Meagre is currently sold by a limited number of players on niche segments (small volumes at relatively high prices to selected market segments). From a market viewpoint, meagre is endowed with intrinsic values such as attractive fish shape, good processing yield, good nutritional values, low fat content, excellent taste, firm texture suitable for a large variety of recipes. Yet it is very little known to end consumers. Meagre production is expected to grow fast in the medium term and ex-farm prices will probably drop under the pressure of increasing supply. This is what will most likely happen if the coming increased production converges towards favourable markets like Spain, Italy and Portugal. This report draws the picture of the existing market of meagre and describes the possible routes for development. Indeed, based on its aquaculture characteristics, meagre has the potential to become a mass market species, moving from the present position of a niche species with a limited production directed to selected market segments. The paper recommends some actions to be undertaken to consolidate good conditions for future growth and to reduce commercial risks. Most of the information used originates from national data and from the author’s personal estimates.