THIS year’s soaring price of crayfish has not stopped Swan Hill locals laying the delicacy on their Christmas tables.
Prices per kilo have gone up this year to $104, $50 more than last year.
With the Australian dollar being low, Steve’s Fish and Fillet owner Steve Frazzica said a high percentage of crayfish was being exported live overseas, putting pressure on local markets.
“There is not enough, so the prices go up,” he said
“But everyone still wants it on their Christmas table.”
Crayfish had proven popular despite the sky-rocketing price, with Mr Frazzica saying the demand was still much higher than the supply.
“All pre-sales have sold out here,” he said.
He added that with the current climate, cold Christmas meals were the way to go.
“Seafood has become more and more popular,” he said.
“People don’t want to slave over a hot stove.”
In the Christmas week alone, he has sold more than 400 kilos of prawns.
He said this was the most popular item so far.
Prawns and crayfish, salmon and king crabs were also up high on people’s shopping lists.
For more on this story, pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (December 24).
