Recent Trends and Economic Aspects in the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Sector

In recent decades, the global aquaculture sector has become more complex and dynamic due to several factors, such as strong demand at the retail level, diversification of farmed species, outsourcing of product processing, and synergies among producers, processors, and retailers. Globally, the fish food sector has become very important to meet the growing human demand for food. In 2020, 89% of fish production was used for direct human consumption (17% of the total protein consumed). Global fish consumption has increased (excluding algae) at an annual rate of 3% since 1960. In 2030, the total fish production is expected to reach 202 million tons (MT) and the aquaculture production 106 MT. The United Nations has estimated that, between now and 2030, the global demand for fish products will increase by at least 40 MT each year. This need cannot be satisfied by fishing alone, given that fishing practices have reached an intensity that is unsustainable, and that climate change and pollution are worsening the problems of marine ecosystems. European and Italian aquaculture is characterised by a diversification scenario in terms of production systems, technologies adopted, and species bred. According to an EU report, Italian aquaculture production has grown by 4% in the last five years (fourth place in Europe). In Italy, rainbow trout is the most widely farmed species. The production of rainbow trout contributes approximately 25.5% of the total value and 69.9% of the volume of farmed fish. Over the past ten years, trout production has increased by 8.5% overall with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the economic situation of the rainbow trout production and consumption sectors in Italy using a supply chain approach. In particular, in this brief excursus, the main production trends and the economic and organisational relationships between the various companies and associations in the aquaculture sector are analysed.