The decrease in catch due to cuts implemented by the EU and the significant increase in demand as a result of the revival in tourism have caused fish prices to be higher than before this summer. Depending on the species, The average increase is around 30%, with products such as red shrimp reaching prices very similar to Christmas dates.over 100 Euros per kilo in the case of medium samples.
Juan Mulet, secretary of the Provincial Fishermen’s Federation of the State of Alicante, effectively explained the rise in prices, the biggest demand, especially from the hotel industrya, but also to the awareness of consumers, who, in his words, “learn to distinguish what a good freshly caught fish is from those from other latitudes or farms.” And it also highlights fraternities try to eliminate middlemen and goods arrive directly in stores or to restaurants to lower prices.
Adolfo López, who runs a fish stall in Alicante Central Market, attributes the rise in prices to the fraternities’ lower activities. “He states that in July there were days that were closed in Vila Joiosa or Santa Pola due to the fleet not leaving, and that had an effect. Sometimes I had to go to Cullera because there was no product here”.
Regarding the price that different types reach, it is noticeable that it fluctuates a lot. Thus, while it stands out white shrimp at 24 euros per kilo; whiting at 10.8; anchovies, 8 euros; or sardines, at 4.8, they maintain more or less normal prices, there are other fish, those who go to the furnace or boiler, have gone through the roof. this situation chicken with a weight of 35 euros; dentex at the same price; or San Pedro rooster, 40 years old. Something similar happens with sea bream or wild sea bass, very rare and much more valuable than their farm sisters, which are now 35 euros a kilo. But, as always, the red shrimp remains the all-around queen.