According to purchasing company Beacon and supplier M&J Seafood, traditional Christmas varieties such as fresh and smoked salmon, scallops, lemon sole and mackerel are all expected to increase in coming months. This is due to ‘lower landings caused by poor weather.’
Wild turbot, gurnard, pollack, whiting, red mullet and monkfish are also said to be hit.
Outlets are therefore being encouraged to look at alternatives like fresh tuna, with prices expected “to remain stable in the run up to Christmas.”
Other options include Dover sole, lobster, flounder, grey mullet, megrim and sprats who are all approaching the end of season, but Beacon advises “making the most of pricing now as many will continue to rise in the lead up to Christmas.”
Purchasing manager Alice Bexon added: “In order to satisfy consumer cravings but also generate profits this festive season, when fish is a popular choice, operators should take advantage of trends and demands, as well keeping an eye on price changes, and be adaptable where they can.”