Einzelhandel: Sardinen in Lebensmittelgeschäften teilweise knapp

Shelves in supermarkets are running low on sardines, with availability limited in many stores according to a survey by Deutsche Presse-Agentur. Aldi Nord reported that the availability of sardines is currently restricted due to challenging conditions in fishing. Rewe mentioned a "European-wide strained raw material situation" affecting branded and generic products.

Lidl noted that "increasing demand for sardines can temporarily limit availability." The supermarket chain Kaufland also acknowledged isolated shortages. Picnic, a food delivery service, indicated it was also affected. The reason for the shortage lies in declining catches in Moroccan and Western Saharan waters, where the main European sardine fishery is located.

Since 2022, catches have dropped from 965,000 to just 525,000 tonnes. This decline is attributed to the effects of climate change, changing sea conditions, and high fishing pressure. The Moroccan government has responded with stricter fishing regulations and has imposed severe restrictions on frozen sardine exports since February 2026 to ensure domestic supply.

European processors are particularly affected, as Morocco has been the largest supplier. A rapid recovery of sardine stocks in Northwest Africa is not expected. Sardines are also found in the Northeast Atlantic, around Spain and Portugal, but the "real sardine" (Sardina pilchardus) there has also faced declining stocks in recent years.

While catches have improved slightly in the Atlantic, they are not enough to bridge the gap in raw material supply. Experts predict prices may rise as manufacturers increasingly turn to sardine-like species like sardines, primarily found in the Indian Ocean, the western Pacific, and tropical Atlantic waters.