It is likely that the scallop is the most acceptable bivalve in great demand in the world. At least, that is what statistics show.
The United States must be ahead in terms of sale volumes. In the first five months of 2011, the country imported about 15,800 tonnes of fresh, frozen, preserved scallops (Pecten, Chlamys and Placopecten) for roughly USD 150 million. And it exported 5,000 tonnes for about USD 73.0 million.
The import business grew 15 per cent compared to the same period in 2010 and exports grew by 40 per cent (due to the re-export of imported scallops besides the export of some of the country’s own production).
From ASEAN group Thailand, a small producer exporting 600 tonnes in the first half of 2011 and importing 500 tonnes, has stood out from the rest. It is striking to notice there is little difference between import and export volumes. This is because producing countries only capture and/or farm some of the many scallop species that exist, but also consume others, so they must import them. This also occurs due to the specimen sizes.
Read the complete story from FIS World News.