Major New Brunswick Lobster Processors Warn of Possible Shortage of Tails this Winter
SEAFOODNEWS.COM by John Sackton November 10, 2016
The major lobster processors in New Brunswick are concerned about a disconnect between what they see happening in the market this winter and the expectations of their major customers.
Although the lobster meat market has been near record highs, lobster tails have traded normally and have been priced around $15 per lb. for a 4 oz tail since July. Packers say this is a good price point for retailers, but they feel it may not last, despite the fact there is still some lobster tail inventory available.
Most buyers at this point are waiting for the Southwest Nova Scotia season to open, and expect that this may put some downward pressure on lobster tail pricing. Last year this is exactly what happened. But it may not happen again this year.
The packers see it quite differently. In some phone discussions around the province, several packers made the following points:
First, last years season was the first time in about 15 years that fishing was not disrupted by December storms.
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