Like 2006, this year promises to be a difficult one for raw material sourcing, Commercial Director Remy Duhem told IntraFish.

Reduced Atlantic Ocean catches and greater pressure on those from the Indian Ocean have left tuna buyers biting their nails.

“When do we do manage to get hold of it, it’s at an extremely high price,” he said.

Duhem said he is seeing per-ton prices of €1,600 ($2,097) for albacore, with skipjack going for €900 ($1,180).

The ability of processors to pass on these cost increases is limited by consumer sensitivity to price rises and their tendency to switch to entry-price brands, Duhem said.

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