Preliminary figures point to increased volumes in the French, Spanish and Italian markets compared to 2006. The currency effect contributed to a shift from chilled imports, which are dominated by European suppliers, to frozen imports, which are increasingly supplied by non European producers.
Demand for spiny lobster after the Moon festival (mid August) strengthened partly due to the limited traditional supply channels and generally lower arrival condition of this year’s Mexican production.
The sashimi market in Japan remained dull in general during January-March this year due to the persistent cold weather snow fall and ice rain. Instead of going out or eating raw cold tuna, consumer preference was more for home cooked warm food like Nabe (pot boiled dishes).
