The seasonal problem of langoustine being in poor condition in the spawning season, with green sac and soft shells, means more tails are being landed, which is hitting the tail market.
The recession is causing problems in the export markets for whole langoustine, particularly in Spain.
Prices at the beginning of this week were down to around £2.60/£2.70 (€3.03/$4.26) per kilo for langoustine of 80-100-count size, £3.10 (€3.61/$5.07) per kilo for the 60-70-count typically landed in northeast Scotland, and £3.60 (€4.19/$5.89) for 50-60 langoustine.
Richard
