Tides and Currents - 9-12-11
Monday, September 12, 2011 at 2:33PM Good afternoon chefs and buyers. The frenetic pace of Monday's in the fish business makes it difficult to carve out time to make an entry to Tides, but I have some information that I thought would be interesting...
TUNA: The Tuna market continues to be a real challenge - moreso than i've seen in recent years. I just got off the phone with one of our major suppliers and I'm told that the weak dollar combined with below average production means that #1 fish is scarce and prices are shaping up to be high for the fall season. Evidently, much of the fish that typically makes landfall here in the U.S. is being bought by Europeans and Japanese whose Euro's and Yen are going further than the greenback. In addition, i'm hearing that large shipments that come from Panama and Southeast asia are about half their usual size in quantity. All this adds up to difficulty sourcing premium product at good prices...I will keep you posted.
BRONZINI/DORADE: There is some good news regarding these staple menu items - prices fell slightly on 400-600g Bronzini for delivery today and we don't project so much difficulty sourcing the product for the rest of the week. If you weren't aware, Greece is the largest producer of Bronzini and Dorade (it's one of their largest cash "crops") and the majoriy of the product we sell comes from there. I've been hearing that last week's supply shortage is related to the economic and labor crisis that country is facing. Granted I haven't been able to speak directly to producers (we buy from importers) but this "fish rumor" seems logical enough.
WILD STRIPED BASS: This treasure of the East Coast returned to the market this week with New York State (Long Island) re-opening the species to commerical landings. Prices are high (but falling) and these local fish are looking great!
SOUTHERN FISH: Expect some shortage of Grouper and TRUE American Red Snappers in this early part of the week. Our major producer of Gulf of Mexico Seafood didn't unload many boats over the past few days so we're seeing a temporary squeeze on some of the Gulf favorites.
WILD SALMON: The season's coming to a close but we've got a "line" on some beautiful Wild King and Coho Salmon from Washington and British Columbia...get it while you can....and remember - if it's november and you think you're buying wild salmon....think again.
