By way of background Austria is the 12th richest country in the world in terms of GDP per capita, with a population of 8.3 million people.
Since Austria has become a member of the European Union, it has gained closer ties to the other European Union economies, thus reducing its economic dependence on Germany.
Looking more specifically at the seafood sector, seafood imports have increased by 75 per cent in the last 10 years. Because of Austrias lack of sea fishery, Austria has to import about 95 per cent of its seafood demand.
The total volume of imports showed a strong increase from 1995-2005. The last number of years has showed some decline in imports, possibly caused by the current economic environment, resulting in less tourists and less restaurant visits.
Austrian seafood consumption has increased from 1995-2005, and since then has remained relatively stable.
Compared to other European countries, per capita consumption is still regarded as quite low. Austrias seafood imports are mostly prepared or convenience products-like fish fillets. Whole fish represents less than 20 per cent of imports.
Austria from a seafood perspective can be regarded as an emerging nation, with a greater affinity to fish than shellfish-thus perhaps offering market potential to Irish producers.
