New Survey Finds Uptick in Fish Consumption in U.S., U.K.

A new survey by Cargill found that 44% of consumers in the U.S. and U.K. have increased their consumption of fish within the last five years, the American food company announced Monday. About three quarters of the respondents said they have been eating more of the aquatic animal protein because of health concerns.

“More and more people are choosing fish as a source of protein because of its big impact on health and relatively small impact on our plant,” Dan Burke, group director for Cargill’s aqua nutrition unit in the U.S. and U.K., said in a company press release.

41% of respondents said they have increased consumption of poultry over the last half-decade, and 32% said they have eaten more beef during the same period. 

The food company’s survey also revealed that 59% consumers in the U.S. and U.K. consider keeping fish healthy to be the foremost concern of “a company committed to responsibly raising seafood.” 16% of respondents said “minimizing environmental impact” was the top job for responsible producers.

“We’re also seeing growing interest in wholesome food production,” said Brian Knudson, strategic marketing and technology director for Cargill’s aqua business, in a statement. “That’s why Cargill is expanding its micro nutrition business – focused on products that work with an animal’s natural biology to improve their overall health and wellbeing, and reduce the need for antibiotics in aquaculture.”

Within the last two years, Cargill has opened a manufacturing plant for fish feed in India, a research lab for fish nutrition in Norway, and a new aquaculture feed line in Vietnam. The company also recently acquired animal health firm Diamond V and formed a strategic partnership with Delacon, a manufacturer of plant-based phytogenics.

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