By Atuna
The last issue of Infofish Trade News reported lower sashimi consumption by the Japanese during the last holiday’s festivities.
According to the issue, the sashimi tuna market was disappointingly less vibrant during the year-end celebration in the country compared to the previous year.
The annual bonus received by many Japanese did not encourage consumer spending on sashimi tuna - the species falls under the high end product group. Reportedly, media news and serious debates on television over the economic downturn is causing tightening of belts thus cutting down consumer expenditures throughout
Subsequently, the auction quantity at the Tsukiji market was significantly low during the Bonenkai holiday season. During this period supermarkets also shifted to cheaper products such as purse-seine caught yellowfin, accommodating consumer choice.
Frozen tuna sashimi also showed to be less popular this year. On the opening day at the Tsukiji market in 2009, the auction volume was nearly 20% lower than the same day last year. Despite a slow demand, prices are stable as supplies continue to be adjusted through global conservation efforts including reduced fishing.