The aim of this study, Understanding the Global Caviar Market, was to obtain a better understanding of global caviar markets, specifically:
- To look for any evidence of illegal trade in caviar and to identify type of illegality, e.g. noncompliance with labelling, laundering/mis-labelling, modus operandi;
- To identify geographical hotspots for trade in caviar;
- To obtain an initial understanding of consumer attitudes towards consumption of caviar to explore what factors are driving demand;
The study was conducted in two phases:
- Phase I – Available trade data, literature and anecdotal information based on interviews with select stakeholders and experts was used to identify key caviar producing, transit and consumer countries in legal and illegal trade.
- Phase II – Based on the findings of phases one, rapid assessments of the caviar market in six key global locations were conducted to look for evidence of illegal trade in caviar (e.g. noncompliance with labelling, laundering, mis-labelling) and to get an initial understanding of consumer attitudes towards consumption of caviar.
This study was intended to be a quick first look at the situation and therefore it was only possible to conduct research within the limits of the study. This report summarises the findings of the study and provides recommendations for policy makers and future research. Further in-depth research is needed to understand the situation fully.