"We estimate that the consumption of cod during the Christmas season, in terms of volume, will not change compared to previous years. If the Portuguese have to sacrifice any of the delicacies they usually have on the Christmas table, cod will be the last to be sacrificed", said the director for Portugal at the NSC, Trond Rismo, in response to Lusa.

Thus, four to five tonnes of cod will continue to be consumed on Christmas Eve, with around 70% coming from Norway.

Cod consumption in December represents about 25% of the total.

"Despite the difficult times, the Portuguese do not give up their faithful friend at Christmas. After some conversations with shopkeepers, the comments are quite positive in relation to the volume of cod sold since the beginning of December in Portuguese supermarkets", noted Trond Rismo .

According to the NSC, Portugal is the fifth largest export market for Norwegian seafood and, despite rising prices, consumers will continue to buy this fish next year, but may opt for a smaller size.