The’Italian aquaculture It remains a key player in food choices, especially during the holidays. Especially in cases like farmed squid, farmed eel e trout remain among the most requested, while the Italian Caviar It consolidates its role as an outstanding institution recognized also at the international level.
According to Api – the Italian Piscicultural Association, there is growing awareness among consumers about a sector that invests in Environmental sustainability, Product quality e Traceability of the supply chain, while at the same time valuing local productions and territorial identity.
The strategic role of aquaculture in the agri-food chain
Aquaculture today represents a fundamental component of Italian agri-food chain, From both an economic and a food safety perspective. As highlighted by Api President Matteo Leonardi, the investigation “Attitude towards fish consumption” shows how the aquaculture fish product is perceived as sustainable, controlled and transparent.
Among the factors that guide consumer choices stand out in particular:
- the Origin of the fish,
- the breeding method,
- the water quality.
Elements that strengthen confidence in the Italian product and the work carried out by the Italian companies. Producer Organizations, As, OP del Pesce, In the enhancement of the supply chain.
Transparency and traceability also in consumption outside the home
A central theme for the fishing industry is that of Transparency in the Ho.Re.Ca. channel.. Api e Ama – Associazione Mediterranea Acquacoltori have asked the Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, to extend the obligation to indicate the origin of the fish to restaurants as well.’origin of the fish served.
Considering that more than 50% of fish consumption takes place outside the home, ensuring the same information available in the retail outlet would mean:
- protecting the consumer,
- Valuing the Italian aquaculture fish,
strengthening confidence in the supply chain.
Mariculture: a strategic challenge for the future of Italian fish
In 2025, the topic of energy efficiency will become central again. Italian mariculture, a sector with vast development potential. Claudio Pedroni, President of OP del Pesce and executive vice president of Api for Mariculture, highlighted the growing gap between a demand for fish increasing and a domestic production that struggles to meet it.
Italy is among the European countries with the highest per capita fish consumption, About, approximately 31 kg per year, But it can currently count on only 19 operational maritime concessions, Despite the fact that more than 8,000 kilometers of coastline.
“We have a production capacity that is still far from the country’s real potential and the evolution of the market,” emphasized Pedroni.
OP del Pesce: enhancing the value of Italian fish products
In this context, OP del Pesce It plays a key role in promoting the sustainable development of aquaculture and mariculture, protecting producers and ensuring consumer safety. Italian quality fish, Safe and traceable.
Investing in growth policies, innovation and regulatory simplification is today essential to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and reduce dependence on imports, fully harnessing the potential of Italian aquaculture.