As I do each month, I like to give you a little insight to the Fresh Fish market for the forth coming month, so here is the inside gosip for October 2012;
SALMON
Salmon suppliers are concerned about the availability of Salmon coming into the time of year when demand is at its highest. This is expected to push Salmon prices up to the unprecedented levels we saw last year.
NORWEGIAN SALMON; The relatively low price level over the last 12 months has contributed to a very strong development in demand for Salmon, especially from France and Russia. The value of Norwegian Salmon exports in August increased by 24% compared to August last year. Much of these fish were originally destined for a November/December harvest however, were harvested early during the summer to supply this demand. Consequently at the time, the market was flooded with smaller sizes which reduced prices during the summer and these stocks are now not available. This will therefore lead to significant stock issues during November and December (when demand is at its highest), without sufficient stock to meet this demand. This supply shortage has in turn driven prices up.
SCOTTISH SALMON; Trading was influenced by further 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 forecasted to continue through Q3 and Q4. Pressure also continued on feed and fish meal prices with a resultant detrimental effect on overall cost. The whole of the Scottish industry has been affected however, different companies to differing levels depending on the ages of their fish in the water. One key supplier confirmed that they accelerated their harvest during July and August. Fishing larger fish 2-3 months earlier than planned reduced harvest volumes for quarter 4.
We should see good availability of Cod and Haddock during October as Iceland and Norway are fully into their season. Prices should stay stable throughout October before starting to rise towards Christmas as it is seasonally expected due to reduced landings at this time of year.
Alaskan Pollock prices may start to rise due to availability issues. Hake availability and pricing is expected to remain stable for the foreseeable future.
MACKEREL
M&J Seafood have a fantastic source of local Mackerel available from Chesil Beach on the South Coast, however landings are very weather dependant. To supplement our Chesil Beach supply, we also have quality sources of Mackerel from Scotland and Spain to guarantee supply and competitive prices.
SEA BASS & BREAM
Availability of Bass and Bream is increasing as more fish are starting to come onto the market. This is expected to keep pricing stable and comeptitive during October and coming into the Christmas menu season.
UK TILAPIA
Our main supply of Tilapia are 100% UK produced. This quality reared stock is fully traceable and sustainable. Availability is very strong and prices are expected to be comepetitive over the next couple of months as some farms try to sell off some of their stocks before Christmas. We have Orange and Black UK Tilapia available.
FLATFISH
Availability of South Coast flatfish is starting to reduce due to the weather. We are at the back end of the season now for Plaice and Lemon Sole and will soon start to switch much of our supply to the North Sea where availability and landings are more prevelent.
EXOTICS
The Tuna outlook remains uncertain due to recent high prices and a reduction in demand that has resulted in some processors switching to supplying other species.There are no expected availability issues on any other exotic species.
For more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch!
All the best, Simon
Saul on Day Boat 'Proper Job'
