Trout producing countries

This emblematic fish of fresh and crystal clear waters that is trout is at the heart of a booming global industry. Trout production is mainly dominated by a handful of countries with exceptional natural conditions throughout the world.

Global trout production

This freshwater fish with delicate flesh has occupied a place of choice in global aquaculture for ages. It was first prized in the rivers and lakes of Europe and North America before being promoted on a global scale. Appreciated for its fine flavor and nutritional intake, trout has ended up quickly establishing itself as an essential species in fish farming.
Among the different species of fish, trout, particularly rainbow trout, stands out for its ability to adapt to various environments as well as its potential for rapid growth in aquaculture. Thanks to this, trout is one of the most popular fish for farming.

The main trout producing countries worldwide

In large-scale production, we mainly find Chile, Norway, the United States and France. But in addition to these, we also count China, Turkey, Iran and Italy among the trout producers.
In Chile, the annual production amounts to approximately 150,000 to 170,000 tons of trout. Chile is the second largest trout producer in the world after China, which has a relatively large production around Asia, around 200,000 tons per year.
Norway ranks among the main European producers with an annual production of approximately 50,000 tons, part of which is dedicated to export.
The annual production of the United States amounts to more than 20,000 tons of trout and attracts the interest of the North American market with production centers mainly in Idaho and Montana.
France also produces significant quantities of trout around 150,000 tons each year.
All these producing countries are contributors to the international supply of trout.

The importance of global trout production

The production of trout by different countries plays a crucial role in several economic, environmental and food aspects.
Trout is one of the most important sources of animal protein, and its production effectively supports the growing demand for fish. In some countries, trout aquaculture represents a key industry, the case of Chile, Norway and Turkey, which generates many local jobs, supports rural economies and contributes to national exports.
Rainbow trout is particularly rich in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, and thus contributes to national food security.
Furthermore, trout farming offers a sustainable alternative to wild fishing, reducing pressure on marine ecosystems and wild fish populations and providing foreign markets with high-quality fish.

The growth of the trout industry across various countries is closely linked to the diversity of trout production methods, the many innovations in aquaculture and digital farming management systems, and quality and sustainability standards in the face of growing environmental concerns. However, how can the trout production industry remain competitive in the face of competition from other fish and fluctuations in the international market, while maintaining its profitability ?