Carp processing and market analysis: a case study in France

As with many other food products, the way carp is presented to consumers has changed considerably. Processing carp can open up new markets, attracting new categories of consumers such as those looking for convenience foods and those who dislike fresh fish. It also enables new approaches to mass markets outside traditional fishmongers. Every country treats carp differently, using different processes, to reflect consumer eating habits. Difficulties encountered in marketing include factors as diverse as: (1) competition from fresh sea fish, due to improved transport; (2) the "shying away" of consumers after World War II (the carp was too closely associated with memories of hard times); (3) shops abandoned slab sales of live fish (due to equipment requirements-aquaria and oxygenators); (4) the lack of internal market organization; (5) the negative image of the carp which overshadowed its use as a food product; (6) difficulties of exporting to Germany and under-price-cutting; (7) changes in living habits and consumption over recent years. Today, nearly 100 tons of carp fillets are marketed, a large part of which is exported to Germany. Other filleting plants have sprung up and related activities have developed: smoking, new preparations (convenience meals). Processing has dissipated a certain number of objections; presentation in fillet form counters the argument of size, and partially that of difficult culinary preparation. The problem of bones is dealt with using a special machine which makes them undetectable in the mouth. It has also given confidence to the producers. Today, there are numerous reasons for being optimistic about the future of the carp. Controlled production and good knowledge of the tools involved in rational intensification enable the setting of realistic targets and a considerable increase in the tonnage distributed on the market. The current trend in foodstuffs is favourable: fish consumption is increasing and aquaculture products have a place in this context. The development support infrastructures available can provide technical and financial assistance. Rebuilding the domestic carp market presupposes a strong professional commitment by all involved in the "Carp Industry".