Overview of Moscow's freshfrozen fish market as per third week of August 2009

As per the third week of August 2009 trade in freshfrozen seafood in Moscow has shown mixed price trends, analysts of www.fishnet-russia.com (www.fishnet.ru) concluded after analyzing the current situation on the market.

As per 18 August 2008 Russia's total harvest of finfish and other aquatic species amounted to 2.186 million tonnes, 210,000 tonnes up on the corresponding result of 2008.

The harvest in the Russian Far East Basin amounted to 1.411 million tonnes, 135,000 tonnes up on last year. In the North Fisheries Basin the total harvest amounted to ca.312,000 tonnes, 93,000 tonnes up on last year. In the Azov-Black Sea Basin the catches amounted to 23,900 tonnes. The total harvest in the Caspian Basin amounted to 24,200 tonnes. The TACs were covered at 36.8%, 8000 tonnes up on last year.

Take-up of capture quotas in the foreign EEZs amounted to 255,000 tonnes, 12,400 tonnes up on last year. In the convention areas and in the international waters of the World Ocean the Russian harvest amounted to 130,000 tonnes, 46,000 tonnes down on last year. The main reason behind the catch decrease was attributed to the lack of the fishing efforts on the blue whiting grounds in the NEAFC waters.

From the Russian Far East the reports came about the start of the saury fishery in the waters of the Small Kurile Ridge. ZAO Rybokombinat Ostrovnoy (closed jsc), a fish combine based in the village of Malokurilskoye in the Shikotan Island) began processing saury simultaneously with salmon.

In the third week of August 2009 representatives from General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of People's Republic of China finished checks of Russian fish processing plants and fishing vessels. More specifically, the Chinese specialists checked operations of Kamchatka and Sakhalin interregional veterinary laboratories, Khabarovsk advisor centre and Central guidance veterinary laboratory, as well as veterinary labs located in Russia's regions such as Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Murmansk and Sakhalin.

In the same week the results of the seafood quality checks in the retail outlets of Moscow were made public, the checks conducted by the initiative group of the Russian pollock producers. The results were distressing and very unpleasant for a number of fish suppliers to retail chains as the product range of the largest processors and distributors appeared to contain fakes. In particular, instead of haddock, cod, hake, ocean perch and other fish fillets the product packs contained double frozen Chinese pollock fillets, suspected experts of OAO Giprorybflot (plc).

According to sources in the industry, there was a lack of coldstore capacities in the fishery basins. More specifically, in Murmansk coldstores were filled with capelin, bottomfish species, blue whiting and herring. In the Russian Far East, as the salmon was increasing, storage of the landed harvest also grew into a problem, especially in view of expected large landings of new catches. There were also reports about a lack of railway reefer sections for seafood transportation to the European Russia.

In general, the third week of August 2009 showed strengthening prices for pollock against decreasing prices for salmon roe, pink salmon, Norwegian salmon, small sizes of herring, mackerel, HGT hake and tilapia.

Pink salmon and chum salmon

According to the market participants, as per 13 August 2009 the total commercial harvest of Pacific salmons in Kamchatka amounted to 174,982.484 tonnes out of the quota of 205,476.549 tonnes (take up of 85.2%). The dominating species was pink salmon with the harvest of 138,991.031 tonnes (quota of 150,609.279 tonnes, take-up of 92.3%). The second place was taken by sockeye with the result of 22,983.779 tonnes (quota of 31,772.080 tonnes, take-up of 72.3%). As per 17 August 2009 in all the areas of Sakhalin the fishermen harvested 151,548 tonnes of pink salmon and 3700 tonnes of chum salmon, which accounted for 69.5% of earlier issued quotas. About 90% of that volume was harvested in the East-Sakhalin subarea. Leading harvesters were Dolinsk, Korsakov and Makarov municipal districts, said press-service of Sakhalin administration.

In Moscow pink salmon head-on gutted in transit to the city depreciated to ca.RUR54.00 per kilo.

W/r pink salmon was offered at RUR52.00 per kilo.

Chum salmon headed gutted in transit to coldstore was priced at ca.RUR88.00 per kilo, while head-on gutted chum was traded at ca.RUR80.00 per kilo.

Salmon roe

In the third week of August 2009 the market was showing rising supply and range of salmon roe. More specifically, there were offers of sockeye, Chinook, chum, pink and trout roe on the market.

The offer prices for salmon roe (sockeye and pink salmon) in Moscow decreased to RUR900.00 per kilo for purchases from 300 kilos to 1 tonnes. Prices for small wholesale lots amounted to ca.RUR1000-1100 per kilo.

Atlantic salmon and trout

As confirmation of recent reports from the foreign sources on decreasing prices for Norwegian salmon, prices for chilled products on Moscow's market also began decreasing. Prices for frozen salmon remained comparably stable. According to some processors working with chilled Norwegian raw fish, it was really a challenge to buy large-sized salmon 6-7 and 7-8 with salmon 4-5 and smaller available on the market.

As per the third week of August 2009, Norwegian salmon SUPERIOR has been offered in Moscow from RUR290.00 per kilo of the size 4-5, from RUR300.00 per kilo of the size 5-6, from RUR305.00 per kilo of the size 6-7, from RUR306.00 per kilo of the size 7-8 and from RUR310.00 per kilo of the size 8-9.

Chilean salmon PREMIUM has been marketed from RUR270.00 per kilo of the size 4-5, from RUR280.00 per kilo of the size 5-6, from RUR290.00 per kilo of the size 6-7 and from RUR310.00 per kilo of the size 7-8.

Chilean salmon INDUSTRIAL has been traded from RUR240.00 per kilo of the size 4-5, from RUR250.00 per kilo of the size 5-6, from RUR260.00 per kilo of the size 6-7 and from RUR280.00 per kilo of the size 7-8.

As per the third week of July 2009, Norwegian trout SUPERIOR has been offered in Moscow at following prices: from RUB260.00 per kilo of the size 0.9-1.8, from RUB260.00 per kilo of the size 1.8-2.7, from RUB275.00 per kilo of the size 2.7-3.6, from RUB285.00 per kilo of the size 3.6-4.5, and from RUB310.00 per kilo of the sizes 4.5+.

Chilean trout PREMIUM has been available in Moscow from RUB250.00 per kilo of the size 0.9-1.8, from RUR250.00 per kilo of the size 1.8-2.7, from RUR260.00 per kilo of the size 2.7-3.6, from RUR280.00 per kilo of the size 3.6-4.5 and from RUR290.00 per kilo of the size 4.5+.

Rainbow trout of various sizes from Spain has been sold in Moscow from RUR220.00 per kilo.

Herring

The Russian fishery of Atlanto-Scandian herring has been gathering momentum. In the course of the week from 11 to 18 August 2009 the harvest slightly decreased to 5628 tonnes. The bulk of fish products coming in the Russian North Fisheries Basin was contributed by w/r herring 300+, followed by w/r herring 200-300. In the West Fisheries Basin the dominating product was poorly graded herring classified as large and fat, followed by w/r herring 300+. According to a spokesman from Murmansk company, as per 15 August 2009 the remainder of the Russian herring quota amounted to ca.170,000 tonnes. The fishery in August 2009 was progressing weakly thus making the demand on the Russian market strong.

The offer prices in Murmansk amounted to ca.RUR22.00-23.00 per kilo of the size 200-300 and ca.RUR28.00-29.00 per kilo of the size 300+. According to the experts, in autumn 2009 the herring prices are expected to decrease as the market supply rises. The expected price for the size 200-300 amounts to ca.RUR18.00 per kilo in Murmansk.

As per the third week of August 2009 the offer prices for the Russian herring in Saint Petersburg amounted to RUR24.00 per kilo of the size 200-400 and from RUR29.00-31.00 per kilo of the size 300+.

Norwegian herring has been offered in Saint Petersburg at the following prices: RUR27.50 per kilo of the size 200-, from RUR28.50 per kilo of the size 200-300, at RUR27.50-28.50 per kilo of the size 250+. From RUR37.50-39.00 per kilo of the size 300+, at RUR54.00 per kilo of the size 350+ and at RUR55.00-56.50 per kilo of the size 400+.

In Moscow Norwegian herring has been available at RUR30.00 per kilo of the size 200-300, at RUR38.00-44.00 per kilo of the size 300+ and at RUR55.00-58.00 per kilo of the size 350+.

Norwegian butterfly herring fillets 4-8 have been traded in Moscow from RUR62.00 per kilo, and the count 6-10 has been offered correspondingly at RUR40.00-44.00 and RUR53.00-58.00 per kilo.

Icelandic herring 350+ in large blocks (up to 500 kilos each) has been offered at RUR45.00 per kilo in Saint Petersburg and at RUR46.50 per kilo in Moscow.

Norwegian butterfly herring flaps 4-7, 4-8 have been marketed ex-coldstore in Moscow from RUR57.00, while the count 6-10 has been sold at RUR57.50 per kilo.

Icelandic herring fillets 6-10 have been offered ex-coldstore in Moscow at RUR51.00 per kilo.

Pacific herring has been marketed ex-coldstore in Moscow at RUR27.00-28.00 per kilo of the size 270+.

Mackerel

As per the third week of August 2009, the Russian mackerel fishery has continued. For the week from 11 to 18 August 2009 the fishermen reported decreased catches as compared to the previous week, namely they harvested 3994 tonnes of mackerel. According to the sources in the North Fisheries Basin, thanks to increased Russian mackerel quota from 29,000 tonnes to 42,500 tonnes this year, the market supply is expected to be fairly good. The market has seen active offers of Icelandiс producers, a large supply is also observed from the Norwegian side. The Russian fleets produce mostly headed mackerel 200-400 and 300 and w/r products. The sales have been sluggish with the products purchased to form coldstore inventories and prices for small mackerel have been falling. There has been a lack of large mackerel, prices for which have remained comparably stable.

Prices for Norwegian mackerel from large importer in Saint Petersburg amount to RUR98.00 per kilo of the size 400-600 and from RUR121.00 per kilo of the size 600+. In Moscow the sizes 400-600 and 600+ have been offered correspondingly at RUR95.00 per kilo and RUR130.00-140.00 per kilo.

Irish mackerel has been traded at RUR97.00 per kilo of the size 400-600 in Saint Petersburg. In Moscow prices amount to ca.RUR98.50 per kilo of the size 400-600.

Scottish mackerel has been marketed in Saint Petersburg at the following prices: from RUR89.00 to RUR90.00 per kilo of the size 300-500, at RUR99.00-100.00 per kilo of the size 400-600 and at RUR117.00 per kilo of the size 600+. In Moscow the size 400-600 has been offered at RUR100.00-102.00 per kilo.

Icelandic mackerel headed has been traded from RUR60.00 to RUR66.00 per kilo of the size 200-400 and at RUR90.00-93.00 per kilo of the size 300+.

Japanese mackerel 400-600 has been offered ex-coldstore in Moscow at RUR111.00 per kilo.

Russian mackerel has been offered ex-coldstore in Saint Petersburg from RUR59.00 to RUR65.00 per kilo of the size 200-400 depending on the producer. Mackerel 300-600 w/r has been offered at RUR50.00-53.00 per kilo. There are plenty of offers on the market.

In Moscow mackerel made by Murmansk Trawl Fleet has been traded at RUR65.00 per kilo and at RUR95.00 per kilo of the size 300+ for sales from 20 tonnes.

Baltic herring, Baltic sprat

As per the third week of August 2009 the situation on the Baltic sprat market has been stable. The offer prices of Caspian sprat have decreased.

More specifically, Estonian sprat 10-12 cm has been sold at RUB24.00-25.00 per kilo ex-coldstore in Moscow.

Swedish sprat 10-12 cm has been available from RUB28.00 per kilo.

Latvian sprat 10-12 has been sold at RUR24.50 per kilo.

Caspian sprat 10-12 has been offered at RUR35.00 per kilo.

As per the third week of August 2009, prices for Baltic herring have remained comparably stable.

Swedish herring has been offered ex-coldstore in Moscow from RUR30.00 per kilo of the size 14-18.

Estonian herring has been marketed ex-coldstore in Moscow at RUR26.00 per kilo of the size 12-16.

Finnish herring has been traded at RUR25.00-26.00 per kilo of the size 12-15 cm.

Capelin

As per the third week of August 2009, the situation on the capelin market has grown slightly up.

More specifically, in Saint Petersburg Norwegian capelin has been available at following prices: RUR32.00-35.00 per kilo of the count 25-35, RUR28.00 per kilo of the count 30-40, RUR26.00-27.00 per kilo of the count 40-50 and RUR20.00 per kilo of the count 55-60.

In Moscow prices for the Norwegian capelin have been as follows: RUR33.00-35.00 per kilo of the count 30-40, RUR33.00 per kilo of the count 35-45 and RUR29.00-32.00 per kilo of the count 40-50.

Icelandic capelin 30-40 has been offered at RUR33.00 per kilo in Saint Petersburg and at RUR34.00 per kilo in Moscow.

There have also been offers of Canadian capelin at RUR38.00 per kilo of the size 30-40 and RUR39.00 per kilo of the count 25-35 in Saint Petersburg subject to prepayment.

The Russian capelin made by ATF has been traded at RUR26.00-27.00 per kilo of the count 30-40 ex-coldstore in Moscow region subject to prepayment. Ex-coldstore in Moscow city the Russian capelin has been offered at RUR20.00-21.00 per kilo of the count 50-60, at RUR25.00-26.00 per kilo of the count 40-50 and at RUR26.00-32.00 per kilo of the count 30-40.

Blue whiting

Catches of the Russian fleets on the blue whiting grounds have continued decreasing. In the course of the third week of August 2009 the Russian fishermen harvested only 281 tonnes and the fishery was finished in general. According to the sources in Murmansk, the prices for blue whiting have began rising. In connection with the rise of blue whiting prices the sales of capelin have grown slightly brisker. For September 2009 the prices are forecasted at ca.RUR30.00 per kilo.

In Murmansk the offer prices for blue whiting have grown to RUR27.00 per kilo.

In Saint Petersburg blue whiting has been traded at ca.RUR27.00-27.50 per kilo.

In Moscow the fish has been sold at RUR27.50-30.00 per kilo.

There are also offered of blue whiting backs made by Murmansk Trawl Fleet at RUR49.00 per kilo, while blue whiting fillets have been marketed at RUR51.00 per kilo for the lots from 20 tonnes.

Alaska pollock

As per the third week of August 2009 the pollock fishery in the Russian Far East has continued progressing. During the week from 11 to 18 August 2009 the Russian vessels harvested 15,125 tonnes of pollock. In general since the beginning of the year 2009 the Russian fleets harvested nearly 903,000 tonnes of pollock.

As per the third week of August 2009, no rise of pollock prices has been observed on the market. As compared to the second week of August 2009 the prices have remained unchanged. The prices for the Chinese pollock fillets have not changed either.

In Moscow headed pollock 25+ has been sold from RUR58.00 per kilo, while the sizes 30+ and 35+ have been marketed from RUR58.50-59.00 per kilo and from RUR59.50-60.00 per kilo.

Skinned Chinese pollock fillets IQF have been sold ex-coldstore in Moscow from RUR71.00-73.00 per kilo of the count 6-8 and at RUR72.00-75.00 per kilo of the count 8+.

Hake

As per the third week of August, the hake market has been showing mixed price trends. More specifically, prices (prepayment basis) for HGT hake from the USA and Canada in Saint Petersburg have decreased. Besides, slight price decreases have been observed for HGT hake from Argentina and hake fillets from China.

Canadian HGT hake IQF interleaved has been offered ex-coldstore in Saint Petersburg at RUR79.00-82.50 per kilo of the size 300-500.

Prices for American HGT hake in Moscow amount to RUR83.00-87.00 per kilo of block-frozen products and at RUR92.00-97.00 per kilo of IQF products.

Ecuadorian HGT hake 100-200 has been sold at RUR82.00 per kilo.

Ecuadorian hake meat in cubes and discs has been offered at RUR72.00-77.00 per kilo.

Argentinean HGT hake has been marketed in Saint Petersburg at RUR99.00 per kilo of the size 500-800, while hake fillets 320+ have been available at RUR147.00 per kilo.

Chinese hake fillets skin-on have been sold ex-coldstore in Moscow at RUR80.00-88.00 per kilo of the count 6-8 and from RUR81.00-91.00 per kilo of the count 8+.

Squid

During the week from 11 to 18 July 2009 the total Russian harvest of B.magister squid rose to 2806 tonnes. Since the beginning of the season through to 18 August 2009 the vessels owned by BAMR-Roliz harvested ca.17,995 tonnes of squid in the Northwest Pacific waters.

As per the third week of August 2009, the market prices for magister squid have remained comparably stable.

Squid harvested by NBAMR has been available ex-coldstore in Moscow at RUR72.00-74.00 per kilo. Squid made by Okeanrybflot and NBAMR has been available at RUR70.00 per kilo. Double-frozen skinned squid fillets made by Okeanrybflot have been sold at RUR100.00 per kilo, while interleaved fillets have been sold at RUR115.00 per kilo.

Fillets of giant squid from Peru have been offered in Moscow at RUR38.00-45.00 per kilo.

Fillets of giant squid from Chile have been sold ex-coldstore in Saint Petersburg at RUR38.00-39.00 per kilo.

Cleaned squid tubes U10 of the Chinese origin have been traded at RUR83.00-92.00 per kilo.

Pangasius

As per the third week of August 2009 the situation on the pangasius market has stabilized.

Large importers have been offering pangasius at stable price of RUR84.00 per kilo.

In Moscow most traders have been asking ca.RUR90.00-93.00 per kilo of pangasius fillets 220+.

Large importers have been offering pangasius to be delivered from Saint Petersburg from RUR84.00 per kilo.

Tilapia

As per the third week of August 2009 Moscow's tilapia market has continued displaying stable/negative price trends. There are offers of some importers of tilapia fillets at prices below RUR99.00 per kilo. HGT tilapia of all the sizes has depreciated.

More specifically, Chinese fillets of tilapia have been offered ex-coldstore both in Moscow and in Saint Petersburg from RUR99.00 per kilo of the count 3-5 subject to prepayment. The count 5-7 has been sold at RUR104.00 per kilo. Cash on delivery prices amount to ca. RUR101.00 per kilo of the count 3-5 and RUR105.00 per kilo of the count 5-7.

HGT tilapia has been offered at RUR96.00 per kilo of the size 500-800 and at RUR100.00 per kilo of the size 800+.

Shrimp

As per the third week of August 2009 the shrimp market has been showing stable/negative price trends. While prices for warmwater shrimp have remained stable, those for northern shrimps have somewhat decreased.

Frozen northern shrimp from Denmark has been sold at RUR110.00-140.00 per kilo of the count 50/70, at RUR95.00-125.00 per kilo of the count 70/90 and at RUR105.00-115.00 per kilo of the count 90/120.

Head-on white shimp Vannamei from Thailand has been marketed at RUR200.00 per kilo of the count 51-60, at RUR210.00 per kilo of the count 41-50 and at RUR220.00 per kilo of the count 31-40.