Photo: MSC/FIS

Sustainable Tide in Spain: MSC Cod Leads the Wave of Responsible Consumption

SPAIN
Friday, April 11, 2025, 01:00 (GMT + 9)

Brands and consumers bet on the Blue Label, driving growth in certified white fish.

MSC-certified consumption soars in Spain, consolidating its leadership in an increasingly conscious market.

Madrid – Cod, a jewel among white fish, stands as the undisputed leader in the consumption of sustainable seafood products in Spain. Its growing presence in the market, endorsed by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, reflects a dual commitment: that of the fishing sector and distributors to ocean preservation, and that of consumers, eager for sustainable and environmentally friendly proteins.

During Lent and Holy Week, cod takes on even greater prominence in Spanish gastronomy. This period of deep-rooted tradition and thoughtful consumption significantly boosts its sales, with estimates suggesting that up to 20% of the annual volume is sold in the weeks leading up to Holy Week, generating a market value exceeding 40 million euros in the retail channel. Cod certified with the prestigious MSC Blue Label presents itself as the perfect alternative for those who wish to honor culinary customs without renouncing crucial marine sustainability.

The Growing Tide of White Fish with the MSC Blue Label in Spain

White fish continues to be the star category within the market for sustainable seafood products certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Globally, nearly 75% of white fish catches are linked to MSC's rigorous sustainable fishing program. In Spain, this trend is strengthening with an ever-increasing demand for Blue Label white fish, demonstrating the firm commitment of consumers and distributors to protecting the health of the oceans.

According to the revealing "MSC Sustainable White Fish Annual Report 2024," over 550,000 tonnes of MSC-labeled white fish products were sold worldwide between 2023 and 2024. These robust figures reinforce the leadership of iconic species such as cod, haddock, hake, and whiting in the realm of fisheries sustainability. Within the MSC program, white fish accounts for 40% of the total certified catches, thanks to the commitment and continuous improvement of fisheries with decades of history.

In the specific case of Spain, market analysis between April 2023 and March 2024 reveals a notable increase in the consumption and commercialization of MSC-certified white fish. More than 16,000 tonnes were sold in our country under the umbrella of 66 brands, highlighting emblematic species such as Atlantic cod, Cape hake, European hake, Pacific cod, and southern hake, which together represent 74% of the MSC-certified fish consumed in Spain.

The frozen format leads the Spanish market, capturing 54% of the total volume, followed by versatile surimi (34.5%), convenient chilled products (8.6%), and traditional fresh fish (2.1%), where cod stands out as the most representative species.

Cod with the MSC Blue Label embodies a conscious choice during these significant dates. During Lent and Holy Week, when fish consumption experiences a notable increase, it becomes fundamental to prioritize options that ensure the future of our valuable oceans. The palpable commitment of fishermen, distributors, and consumers to sustainability is reflected in the prominent presence of certified cod in the Spanish market. "Consuming cod with the MSC Blue Label during this period not only keeps our cherished traditions alive, but also actively contributes to Oceans Forever," emphasizes Isadora Moniz, MSC's Atlantic fisheries manager.

"Barents Sea cod, an emblematic species in the Spanish market, faces considerable challenges due to its seasonality. Our cod fishery, which encompasses the AGARBA association (National Association of Owners of Cod Fishing Vessels) and companies such as Pesquera Ancora and Velaspex, has been certified under the Marine Stewardship Council's fisheries standard since 2013. In 2024, we achieved recertification for an additional five-year period. We are the longest-standing certification in Spain and Portugal, being the first Spanish fishery to achieve recertification for the second time, as an integral part of our firm commitment to sustainability. We work side-by-side with MSC, with our certified fleet, to continue preserving the sustainability of this fishing ground so crucial for our consumption," adds Ignacio Urcola, managing director of Velaspex.

The Growing Commitment of Distribution and Retailers to the MSC Blue Label

LIDL is at the forefront of the distribution of Blue Label white fish in Spain, both in total volume and in the number of available references, followed closely by Grupo Dia, ALDI, Eroski, and La Sirena. Other important chains such as El Corte Inglés, Carrefour, and Consum, as well as renowned restaurant platforms like McDonald’s, IKEA, and Makro, have also significantly expanded their offerings with MSC-certified products, increasingly bringing sustainable consumption closer to the general public.

Regarding manufacturers, Findus leads the sales of certified white fish, integrating the Blue Label throughout its wide range of products. Prominent brands such as Arte Morhua (specializing in cod) and Nós of the Iberconsa Group (focused on hake) equally stand out for their firm commitment to sustainability. In the fishing sector, Spain continues to play a key role. AGARBA, the National Association of Owners of Cod Fishing Vessels, actively participates in certified cod fisheries in the Barents Sea since 2013, and in Cape hake fishing grounds in South Africa and Namibia.

V edition of "Oceans Forever Week"

MSC has once again launched the V edition of its prominent annual initiative "Oceans Forever Week." During this week, which took place from March 31st to April 6th, various consumer-focused activities were carried out, based on the launch of its new campaign, with the aim of convincingly showing how sustainable fishing successfully contributes to the protection of our valuable oceans and, therefore, to the health of our planet and our own. Through actions like this, the organization seeks to actively involve consumers and foster greater sustainable awareness. This V Oceans Forever Week saw the active participation of more than 100 relevant entities from the scientific, educational, institutional, commercial, communication, and sustainability fields.

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