"The declines, during the year, were around 20% in dry salted cod, in large distribution. We hope, however, that at the end of the year, this decline will be attenuated. However, we believe in annual sales declines in Portugal above 10%", said the Cod Industry Association (AIB), in response to Lusa.

Sales at Christmas time will not deviate from this trend, and are therefore expected to be lower than those seen in the previous year, given the increase in price and the decrease in purchasing power.

However, the Portuguese will not give up their "faithful friend" at the Christmas dinner table, "even if in smaller quantities".

According to AIB data, of the approximately 55,000 tons of cod consumed in Portugal during the year, half is concentrated in the last four months.

In 2024, the price of cod is not expected to fall due to the smaller quantity available and production costs, which will be probably higher than those seen in 2023.