Over the last 18 months, there has been a dramatic shift in the buying habits of American consumers. Retail stores are witnessing declining seafood sales in all 50 states. The bulk of Alaskan wild salmon is sold through retailers nationwide. As the wild salmon season heats up in June, there is only lackluster demand for wild salmon from the retail sector. Many retailers are still trying to work off their inventory from last winter. This means that the food service industry will see cheaper wild salmon prices that have not been seen in many years.
The value will be in wild Sockeye salmon. Wild King salmon populations are in very poor shape across most of Alaska and Canada, such that the harvest numbers are relatively small. However, we would not be surprised to see wild sockeye salmon fillets under $10/lb for a significant portion of the summer. Cohos will start running in July and Arctic Keta in August. All these wild salmon have great stories along with an outstanding taste which will help promote the fish.
Prices are subject to change
6/5/23
