The restructuring of the Spanish salted fish market

This article discusses how cultural, technological and
social factors contribute to the restructuring of the
Spanish salted fish market and production systems.
The analytical principles used are institutional,
evolutionary socio-economic theories on spatial,
technological and social change. A major focus of the
analysis is the use of production chain theory to
analyze the Spanish salted fish market. The main
issue is whether Spain, as a traditional salted fish
consumer market, is more influenced by technology
and supplier strategies than by cultural aspects and
consumer traditions. The strategies of Icelandic
salted fish suppliers, better preservation systems and
new salting methods seem to have influenced the
restructuring of the Spanish salted fish market more
than cultural factors. Nevertheless, without the
Spanish tradition of salted fish, the new light salted
fillets and desalted products most likely would not
have been accepted by consumers. In addition, the
Icelandic influence proves the strength of national
Icelandic production systems.