Feeling the pinch as crab sales fall by third

Published on Monday 27 July 2009 22:03

CRAB sales have fallen by a third in the UK over the past year, figures seen by The Scotsman reveal.

Industry leaders say the reason for the drop is a perception that crab is expensive at a time when many consumers are opting for cheaper produce.

At a time of recession, they say retailers are removing crab from the shelves.

New figures show that crab meat, which is often used in salads or pasta dishes, as a starter, or in fishcakes, has dropped in popularity.

This year, 504 tonnes have been sold in the UK, compared with 739 tonnes last year – a drop of 32 per cent.

Sales of crab sticks have also fallen, by 14 per cent.

James Wood, head of communications for the fishing industry body Seafish, said: "There is a perception that crab is an expensive product, and this is leading some retailers to de-list some of their crab products.

"Price is a major driver at the moment. One of the challenges we have got is communicating that, gram for gram, seafood is one of the best sources of protein that there is.

"It has more omega-3, vitamins and minerals than anything else. It's not the cheapest, but we think in terms of value for money it's one of the best."

He added that indigenous crab landed in the UK was down by as much as 40 per cent, as a result of cheaper foreign imports.

"At the same time, exports of crab from the UK are also down as key export markets, such as Spain and France, experience economic difficulties," he added.

Price of crab fluctuates due to its seasonality, but, according to Seafish, has risen by only about 4 per cent in the past three years.

Mr Wood believes crab sticks could simply be dropping in popularity.

"Crab sticks are typically consumed as a snack, so we suspect that any decrease in sales volume in this product is down to consumers choosing alternative snacks," he said.

Mr Wood said there would be an impact on the Scottish fishing industry, which catches crab, during the autumn.

Other seafoods that have seen sales fall include cod by 20 per cent, mackerel by 8 per cent, plaice by 13 per cent, coley by 12 per cent and herring by 19 per cent.

In contrast, pollack – seen as a cheaper option – has rocketed by 162 per cent. Trout sales have increased by 23 per cent, sole by 6 per cent, mussels by 11 per cent and scallops by 20 per cent.

A spokesman for the Scottish Retail Consortium said retailers stocked what customers wanted to buy.

"It's too simplistic to say just because things are more expensive consumers are cutting down on them.

"If people believe there is proven value and quality they will pay extra for them," he said. "It all depends on consumers' tastes. Retailers will only offer products that customers want to buy. They live and die by what customers what."

He added that retailers had been responding to a new trend for people to eat luxury meals at home, rather than eating out.

He said dining-style ready-made food was being offered by many shops.