Haddock and Cod

The white fish market is currently in a very difficult state.

The widely publicised reduction in cod quota has already taken effect and we are seeing the result of this in both fresh and frozen prices and availability. This was something we have been aware of and communicating to customers since the quota reduction was confirmed last year. However, what was not expected is the current significant shortage in supplies of haddock.

Historically large quantities of prime quality Headed and Gutted haddock stock is bought in and between the months of October to February each year in order to supply the market. At the end of this season, the catch has just not materialised in any way shape or form. The normal areas that the H&G haddock is traditionally caught in is within mainly 2 sectors. The main F areas Norwegian catch, with a small amount from the Faroese sector. One of the F areas for catching the haddock was closed under instruction from the Norwegian authorities. The consequence is that the catch rate has been minimal. The knock-on effect is that the price has doubled from last year due to the lack of volume in this season’s catch. The majority of haddock that is being caught is being kept by Norway for the domestic market. This leaves us with Icelandic and Scottish stock. The Scottish stock is prohibitively expensive. The Icelandic stock was affected by adverse weather earlier this year – reducing fishing effort. Iceland now has very little quota left until new quota starts on the 1st of September. There simply is not enough fish to supply the market.

Sanctions imposed

Further to the above, the European Union has now imposed sanctions on two Russian fishing companies, including one of Russia’s leading fish producers and processors. This is due to their alleged unusual trawler movement, considered abnormal for fishing activities. These sanctions will further reduce available supply in the white fish sector.

Speak to your account manager

We strongly encourage that you talk to your account manager about alternatives – be that different species altogether, utilisation of different sizes, or alternative frozen options. Please remember that fish is the world’s last great wild hunted resource. Whilst we understand the frustration that these issues cause during these economically challenging times, and take absolutely no pleasure in communicating supply disruption, we are always at the behest of weather, quota, migratory and spawning patterns, and global politics.

For pricing and orders, speak to your account manager or contact us directly.

Download our Responsible Sourcing Guide or scan the QR code on the leaflet to learn more about our sourcing standards.