Most Portuguese consumers are willing to pay more for fish enriched with omega-3. This is one of the main conclusions of the study conducted by B2E – Collaborative Laboratory for the Blue Bioeconomy (B2E CoLAB), as part of the OmegaPeixe project. According to the survey, 69.3% of people admitted they were willing to pay more for fish enriched with this nutrient. “There is, in fact, greater consumer awareness of the relationship between nutrition and health, and this study we conducted proves it,” says Maria Coelho, executive coordinator of B2E CoLAB.

In an online survey, the results revealed significant interest in purchasing fish enriched with omega-3. Of the 817 people surveyed residing in Portugal, only 30.7% were not willing to pay above the normal price. Of the 69.3% who expressed willingness to pay more for fish enriched with this nutrient, the majority (37.6%) are willing to pay an extra euro and 35.1% an extra 50 cents. Meanwhile, 15.4% admit to paying an extra €1.50 and 12% two or more euros.

“The positive perception shown by respondents highlights the project’s potential to meet consumer needs and promote healthier and more sustainable eating habits,” says Maria Coelho, recalling the ultimate goal of the OmegaPeixe project to produce distinctive turbot and sea bass with high nutritional value, particularly with a high omega-3 content.

On the other hand, the executive coordinator of B2E CoLAB adds, “the acceptance of functional foods, such as fish enriched with omega-3, emphasizes the importance of robust scientific studies that support consumer confidence in the health benefits of these products.”

The Portuguese reality is in line with the values recorded among respondents from other countries, particularly in Europe. In a total of 1,314 surveys (including Portugal), 71.3% said they were willing to pay more for omega-3-enriched fish. Only 28.7% of respondents were resistant to price changes.

PROJECT

The OmegaPeixe project was developed with the aim of producing turbot and sea bass with omega-3 levels recommended by the World Health Organization. To this end, in collaboration with ICBAS/CIIMAR and companies specializing in aquaculture research and development, Sparos and Riasearch, different feeding strategies were tested and improvements were made to the finishing diets, which were put into practice by Flatlantic, a turbot producer, and AlgaPlus, an organic sea bass producer. For the first time, Portugal began producing omega-3-enriched fish this year.

The study conducted and prepared by B2E CoLAB will be presented on September 21 at Aquaculture Europe, the largest scientific and technical event in the field of aquaculture in Europe.