The State of São Paulo accounts for 30% of the economy (R$3.5 trillion) and 22% of the Brazilian population (46 million people). However, according to the IBGE Household Budget Survey, it ranks only 18th in the Brazilian ranking for household fish acquisition and consumption, with 1.45 kg per capita per year. This figure represents 52% of the national figure in the same survey. It is also estimated that 60% of retail fish sales are made in supermarkets, hypermarkets, and volume-focused establishments.
Therefore, this study aims to describe the main characteristics of fish meat sold at retail outlets in the State of São Paulo, with an emphasis on market analysis of the participation of fish species/types; product type (fresh, frozen/chilled, breaded, salted, or processed); and fish origin (imported, industrial fishing, or aquaculture). The research is descriptive in nature with a quantitative approach.
Data collection was conducted between January and May 2025 at 139 points of sale in 22 cities across 10 mesoregions. The points of sale were intentionally selected, and the products were cataloged based on convenience sampling, that is, availability for sale. A form was developed containing a broad set of variables that also included: shelf type; brand; cut type; name of meatpacking plant; city of origin; type of health inspection; selling price; presence/absence of ice in the package; and nominal package weight. This form was used as the basis for database programming using the Mobi DB Database version 12.0.1.0 application, enabling data collection via portable devices. The data was stored online in the APTA Regional cloud computing system. At the end of the survey, the data were consolidated into a single database and exported to a spreadsheet.
Were cataloged 5,228 fish products sold in 22 cities across 10 mesoregions of the State of São Paulo. Approximately 19% of the points of sale (POS) visited were volume-focused establishments; 19% were hypermarkets, and 62% were supermarkets of varying sizes. The average was 38 products per POS.
National aquaculture accounted for 25% of the products; 24% came from industrial fishing, and 46.5% were imported. Another significant finding was that 62% of the available products were frozen and 17% were chilled (refrigerator or ice). Sixty-seven different species or types of fish were also sold, with a predominance of tilapia (20% of total products); various types of cod (17%); salmon (13%); hake (6%); sardines (5%); hake (4%); dogfish (4%); Alaska pollock (4%), and panga (3%).
The results demonstrate the variability in the supply of fish species/types. the relative importance of Aquaculture in this market dominated by the significant participation of imported products; and the small relative participation of chilled products in this retail segment.