Portugal has one of the highest fish consumption rates in Europe and a coastline lined with fishing ports. For a buyer, being present at the auction is the most reliable way to secure fresh fish of the right quality at the right time.
How Portuguese fish auctions work
Most fish landed in Portugal is sold at first sale through auctions run at the ports. Buyers must be present, or represented, to inspect the fish and bid. Prices change daily with landings, weather and demand, which is why seafood suppliers quote per order rather than publish fixed price lists.
Gialmar's branch network
Gialmar has branches at the main ports and markets on the Portuguese coast:
- Matosinhos: the main fishing port of northern Portugal, strong in sardine and horse mackerel.
- Aveiro (Gafanha da Nazaré): a major port for both coastal and deep-sea fleets.
- Figueira da Foz: a central-coast port with a strong pelagic fishery.
- Peniche: one of the country's most important ports for whitefish and pelagic species.
- Sesimbra: renowned for black scabbardfish caught by longline.
- MARL: the Lisbon regional wholesale market, serving the capital's buyers.
Why proximity matters
Every hour between landing and chilling affects shelf life. Buying at the port means fish can be selected, iced and loaded onto refrigerated trucks quickly, then graded at our Tondela unit or frozen at Lajedo. The result is longer shelf life for the customer and less waste.
From the port to your business
Whether you need daily fresh deliveries in Portugal or frozen stock for export, the branch network gives Gialmar access to the full range of species landed on the Portuguese coast.
Frequently asked questions
Which species are bought fresh at the ports?
Mainly local species such as sardine, horse mackerel, mackerel, bogue, conger, silver and black scabbardfish, skate and seabream.
Can I buy directly from your branches?
All orders are handled centrally. Write to geral@gialmar.com and we will coordinate supply from the right branch.
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