We are starting to see a better size profile now that the new generation has had a chance to grow. This means that in the spot market the smaller fish are starting to achieve better prices and are coming into line with the other sizes.
There was downward pressure on traded fish prices during June. This was caused by increased volume on the traded fish market due to a stark rise in short-term harvesting from competing production areas. This pressure on traded fish is forecast to continue through the first half of Q3. Pressure also continued on feed and fish meal prices with a resultant detrimental effect on overall cost.
There are also questions/rumours about Chilean production and whether there will be issues with production there in the coming months which could have a dramatic effect on prices entering 2013, if the USA start buying from Scotland and Norway.
We expect to see more fish on the markets in September due to the new quota season starting in Iceland on 1st September. Although the Haddock quota has reduced it may well stir the market for a few months. Norwegian white fish is in good supply still and there is also a good supply available from Russia.
After a long-term decline in wild harvests, there have been some recent improvements and, in the short term, total groundfish supplies are expected to increase slightly in 2012. Cod prices are expected to climb some what, while Alaska Pollock prices are expected to decline.
We have a great source of stunning Mackerel from Chesil Beach in Dorset. Landings are very weather dependant as the whole process of catching is done by hand by two men in a small rowing boat.
Mackerel supplies from elsewhere are expected to be good throughout September. We will be looking to Scotland and Spain in the coming months which offer excellent quality and good availability.
The Sea Bass sitution is still proving challenging. Prices are not expected to ease within the next month and although traditionally prices will start to fall in September/October, the fact that stocks are very low after the summer season and the lack of supply may not see significant prices fall in the near future.
Increased focus is being placed on Bream. Due to the financial issues in Greece it seems as though a decision was taken to put more Bream in the water than Bass. This is a more popular species in mainland Europe and they grow at twice the rate of Sea Bass. The farmers need to turn
the fish into money and are threfore harvesting as many Bream as they can. We therefore expect to see good availability of Bream in the coming months but from December onwards, the market should tighten as a result of strong demand and diminishing supplies.
We have great availability and prices on Tilapia this month. The fish are 100% UK produced and are not hormone treated. This quality reared stock is fully traceable, GM free as well as a great sustainable option.
Already extremely popular in America and Asia, Tilapia is a delicious firm-fleshed white fish, with a mild taste that can carry flavours from around the world, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean. It is easy to cook, providing a tasty alternative to Sea Bass and can be grilled, barbecued, fried or baked. Fresh Tilapia is low in fat and high in protein and contains a range of nutrients including phosphorous, selenium and vitamin B12; it is also a source of omega 3 fatty acids.
We have a great availability and quality on UK Plaice fillets this month. They are still in Season and are being supplied from a fantastic source, from UK skippers.
Plaice is available throughout the year although the quality varies. From summer through to mid-winter (outside the spawning season) it is generally fleshier and tastier. They are still in abundance during September and prices should stay fairly stable for the month. Judged on its own merits, plaice is a superb fish possessing a fine, moist texture and subtle but distinctive flavour. Given the right treatment it makes a simple, healthy, inexpensive and absolutely delicious dish.
COLEY (SAITHE)
We have great availability on Coley this month, which offers fantastic value. Even a few years ago Coley had a bit of an image problem, sometimes branded as the poor man’s Cod. Today, with the likes of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Tom Aikens championing this sustainable member of the Cod family, it’s rising through the ranks of
restaurant menus and now often rivals its more over-fished cousin.
For more information contact your local M&J Seafood branch.Find your local branch HERE!
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