In 2024, Norwegian seafood imports to Vietnam hit a record of over 70,000 tons, with salmon accounting for more than 30%.
At the Food & Hospitality Expo in Hanoi, the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), an agency under Norway’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries, announced that Norwegian seafood imports to Vietnam had reached an all-time high in 2024.
From March 18 to 20, NSC participated in the expo at the I.C.E Hanoi International Exhibition Center, connecting Norwegian seafood exporters such as Salmar, Coast Seafood AS, Hofseth AS, and Seaborn with Vietnamese businesses in the hospitality and food service sectors. The event showcased Norwegian seafood products, including salmon, mackerel, halibut, brown crab, and king crab, attracting thousands of visitors.
Beyond promoting Norwegian seafood to Vietnamese consumers, the event facilitated business connections between the two nations. Geoffrey Nguyễn, CEO of Viet Orient Hospitality (VOH), a consultancy specializing in managing a series of 4- and 5-star hotels in Vietnam, highlighted the growing demand for shellfish, particularly Norwegian king crab, snow crab, brown crab, scallops, and lobster. While these premium products remain costly, their popularity continues to rise.
Vietnam’s per capita seafood consumption is significantly higher than in many other countries, particularly for wild-caught shellfish from Norway. We see great potential in these products and aim to introduce them into the hospitality sector to meet the needs of high-end customers,” said Geoffrey Nguyễn.
In addition to product promotion, the expo emphasized Norway’s commitment to sustainable seafood production. Åshild Nakken, NSC’s Regional Director for Southeast Asia, stated that NSC’s key message is responsible development-—ensuring the highest seafood quality while protecting marine ecosystems.
In 2024, Norway exported 2.8 million tons of seafood worldwide, valued at $16.5 billion. Of this, Vietnam imported over 72,000 tons, worth $252 million-a 16% increase in volume and a 20% rise in value compared to the previous year.
Salmon remained the leading product, with over 24,000 tons imported into Vietnam, making it the largest consumer of Norwegian salmon in Southeast Asia. Notably, 97% of imported Norwegian mackerel is processed in Vietnam and re-exported to global markets, strengthening Vietnam’s role in the international seafood trade.
“Vietnam is a high-potential market that we will continue to focus on. Norwegian seafood imports into Vietnam have grown significantly, and we aim to expand our market share for salmon and shellfish products,” said Åshild Nakken.
To support this expansion, NSC will launch the Norwegian Salmon Academy training programs in Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi. These initiatives will help chefs and industry professionals refine their seafood preparation skills. Additionally, NSC is strengthening partnerships with supermarket chains and restaurants such as WinMart, GoFood, Fuji Mart, and Sushi Hokkaido Sachi, as well as e-commerce platforms, to enhance consumer access to
Norwegian seafood.
Ambassador Solbakken acknowledged Vietnam’s growing significance in the global seafood supply chain and emphasized the increasing demand for Norwegian salmon in the Vietnamese market.
Vietnam is expanding its marine and ocean aquaculture, while Norway has extensive expertise in this field. We are actively engaging with Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to share knowledge and support the sustainable development of Vietnam’s seafood industry,” said Ambassador Solbakken.
Additionally, Norwegian companies are investing in Vietnam in areas such as aquaculture technology, equipment supply, and fish vaccine production, paving the way for long-term cooperation in the seafood sector.
The surge in Norwegian seafood exports to Vietnam reflects not only the growth of the local food industry but also a rising preference for high-quality seafood. With 82.2% of Vietnamese consumers prioritizing sustainably sourced seafood, the Seafood from Norway brand continues to gain credibility and recognition.
Norwegian seafood is renowned for its superior quality, rich nutritional content, and high Omega-3 levels-meeting the needs of health-conscious consumers. Harvested from Norway’s cold, pristine waters, these seafood products boast firm texture and rich flavors, enhancing traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Beyond quality, NSC has intensified its marketing efforts through a partnership with global football star Erling Haaland, who serves as an ambassador for Norwegian seafood. Haaland’s influence and commitment to a healthy lifestyle help amplify the appeal of Norwegian seafood to a broader audience, including Vietnamese consumers.
As consumer demand grows and with strong support from NSC and industry stakeholders, Norwegian seafood is poised for further expansion in Vietnam. NSC remains committed to delivering premium seafood products from Norway’s waters while fostering trade cooperation between the two nations.
