Export of dried cod is an ongoing battle of wits between Norway and Italy. On the Norwegian side there are 30 or so producers and exporters. On the Italian side there is a corresponding number in the buyer brigade. At stake are dried goods from Lofoten that are worth NOK 400-500 million. The traditional trade isn’t just the most important cultural segment in Norwegian fisheries but also the stalwart for the region of Lofoten with its 15,000-20,000 inhabitants. For the islands of Værøy and Røst furthest west, stockfish is alpha and omega.

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