Market overview:

Economic and Operational Pressures: volatile foreign exchange rates continue to put pressure on frozen fish and seafood, in particular cod, haddock, tuna, and prawns.

2025 quotas for cod in the Barents sea have been agreed at a 20% reduction further increasing pressures in the whitefish market.

Market Movers:

FARMED FISH

Sea Bass & Gilthead Bream: Prices have been rising due to supply constraints, but we anticipate some improvement in availability from late May onward.

Salmon: pricing increased at the start of 2025 however, unnaturally for this time of year, we have seen a reduction in price however this is predicted to rebound April with further easing seen later in the year.

Trout: The availability of small rainbow trout is decreasing following the closure of key production sites. However, sea-reared trout remains a viable and cost-effective alternative.

Halibut: Farmed halibut stocks remain steady, while wild caught halibut remains in short supply and at higher price points.

WILD FISH

Flatfish: Price fluctuations are expected, with quality improving later in the season. Witch sole and megrim sole offer more cost-effective alternatives to traditional options.

White Fish: Cod and haddock prices are on an upward trend due to seasonal demand and spawning cycles. Coley and Alaskan pollock provides a more stable and budget-friendly alternative with great sustainability.

Round Fish: Monkfish pricing is stabilising, while mackerel, sardines, and herrings will become more readily available as we move into late spring when they come to feed – these are not in season currently and availability is scarce.

Wild seabass has a commercial fishing ban during February and March to aid sustainable fishing practices. This is one to avoid during these months.

SHELLFISH & EXOTICS

Tuna & Swordfish: Supplies are currently limited due to Ramadan demand; availability should improve by May.

Lobsters: Prices remain elevated until the Canadian fishing season kicks off between April and June, at which point we anticipate greater supply and price stabilisation.

Scallops & Oysters: U.S. scallop landings have been lower than expected, putting upward pressure on pricing. Additionally, UK native oysters will be out of season from May onward.

Mussels & Crab: The quality of mussels starts to decline post-May as they enter their spawning phase. Crab is still MCS 4-rated however with many FIPs (Fishery improvement Plans) happening we hope this will begin to rebuild stocks.

SMOKED, DELI & FROZEN

Smoked Fish: Rising costs in production, particularly due to labour and inflation, are impacting smoked fish pricing. Smoked haddock remains one of the most cost-effective options.

Deli Items: Prices remain relatively stable, though there is increasing demand for nutrient-rich options such as seaweed products.

Frozen Seafood: Currency fluctuations and global market conditions are influencing key frozen seafood categories, including cod, haddock, prawns, and squid.

Our Top Tips:

• ChalkStream® Trout, is one that we continue to champion as a fantastic option outside of salmon for price stability, low food miles, and British alternative!
• Coley and Alaskan pollock should definitely be looked at as an alternative to the volatile whitefish on menus in the coming months.
• Native shellfish including scallops, mussels, and oysters which are all in peak season for February, March, and early April; make sure to get these whilst you can!
• Skrei Cod is a fantastic product that is available from January to late March – a product that should feature on menus where able!