There are around 34 companies in the processing and marketing sector with an estimated gross turnover of £75 million. 50% of the Northern Ireland catch is sold in Great Britain, 20% is sold in the home market with the remainder going to other EU countries and further afield.

Frozen scampi producers selling to the retail and catering sectors largely account for exports to GB. The German market is the main market for processors of pelagic fish like herring and mackerel, sold mainly frozen in whole form or primary processed. This market is also used as a stepping stone to Eastern Europe. Exports to France and Spain are primarily prime white fish, shellfish and nephrops.
While other European countries do not record significant export levels they are important to the seafood sector in Northern Ireland and particularly, for niche products such as smoked salmon.

Northern Ireland Seafood are aware of the emerging markets of Eastern Europe and South East Asia and closely follow any developments and trends in exports from the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.