Value of the output of the processing sector

The overall value of the output of the processing industry amounts to around EUR 23 billion, or three times the turnover of the catch sector. Spain, Italy, France and the United Kingdom are the leading countries in terms of production. This sector consists of nearly 4 000 companies, the majority of which with 20 employees at most, for total employment of around 126 000 persons. The mainstay of European production is conserves and preparations of fish, crustaceans and molluscs.