--- --- This is Robert Reierson and here is the seafood news for Monday November 2nd, 2015. --- The Hokkaido Fall Chum fishery is nearing it's end, with the final catch expected to be 110,000 metric tons. After a typhoon hit Eastern Hokkaido in Early September, some fishermen's set-net gear was damaged and the fishery halted. By missing the peak season in Early October, the catch is expected to be on par with last year, but could have been as high as 120,000 metric tons. --- Chum Roe is a popular item in Hokkaido and northern Japan - used to make soy-sauced Ikura. Male fish prices are nearly HALF of grade B female fish. which has risen 10-20 percent this year. Chum Roe prices are directly correlated to the price of female fish, so it's no surprise that this season's prices are up too. --- The Female Chums go to Chinese Plants for custom packing for Japanese customers. Salmon eggs are very expensive going back to Japan, because of the specific ways the Japanese prefer processing and packing of the eggs. Many Chinese suppliers dealing primarily with the US Market will NOT pay twice as much for female fish, because they just can't sell the eggs. --- Both Alaskan Pink salmon and Russian Chum salmon can be competitors for Hokkaido Chum salmon. Alaska Pink Salmon Roe is moderately priced, and can be up to 30 percent cheaper than Hokkaido chum roe. Salmon processors in China prefer Alaskan Fish, regardless of the price, because North American customers do not accept Japanese fish products. European customers do not buy Japanese fish either, because European Authorities required IUU standards to be kept - something that Japanese boats cannot guarantee. --- Overall, with a moderate catch this year and with the reputation of Japanese fish, the North American market is unlikely to be effected by Hokkaido chum salmon pricing this year. --- Our TradexLIVE offer of the week is for 4-6lb H&G Chum Salmon - IQF, MSC, Semi Brite or better, and wild caught. There's 50,000 lbs available in Vancouver for $1.50 / LB USD. Click or tap the icon above to view this offer. ----Thank you for joining me for the Tradex Foods "3-Minute Market Insight" This is Robert Reierson - “BUY SMART” and “EAT MORE SEAFOOD

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