As a part of the European research programme SEAFOODplus, Fiskeriforskning is underway with a study about young people's taste, attitudes, interest for and consumption of fish and fish products. The study will also discover whether other preferences exist in countries as different as Norway and Spain.
Fast food
The demand for "fast food" is steadily increasing in Western countries. The seafood industry is not equally active in this development as many other food manufacturers, and this can lead to loss of market shares.
This special study is using a product that is well-known amongst youth - burgers. However, the meat has been replaced by fish. The fish burger has been produced locally, by Tromsdalen fish.
-We do not yet know what the outcome will be. First, the data must be registered and analysed, says Scientist Kjell Toften.
Obliging students
The scientists were greeted warmly, and the students' enthusiasm did not lessen when they discovered they could win prizes. Twelve gift certificates would be drawn from amongst the students who participated.
-Some students actually asked for second helpings, and some were shocked that not only did they get free food, but a chance to win a prize, says Toften with a smile.
The cafeteria personnel at all the schools were also very positive about using fish burgers.
The study is being done amongst students in three upper secondary schools in Troms County - two in Tromsø and one in Nordkjosbotn. Approximately 400 students and parents participated. The test was carried out in part at the schools and in part in the homes.
-A central part of the test is to see to what extent the answers differ from students who are participating in the cafeteria test and those who are testing at home. The students have been randomly grouped in the two groups, and we can therefore test whether "the setting" determines the youths' preferences and affects attitudes, etc. It will also be possible to check differences between youths' and parents' preferences, says Toften who, together with colleague Scientist Morten Heide, is responsible for conducting the tests. Project Manager is Professor Svein Ottar Olsen at Norwegian College of Fishery Science (NCFS).
The results from the Norwegian study are expected completed in May/June. During the spring of 2006, the scientists will aim to carry out a corresponding test in Spain.
Contact persons: Scientist Kjell Toften and Professor Svein Ottar Olsen (NCFS).
