May 15, 2006

Japan's consumers see seafood as much more pricier than meat
 

While Japanese consumers feel that prices of seafood are much steeper than meat, fishermen are saying fish prices are relatively low when hikes in energy costs are factored in, according to a report by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

However, in a country where seafood has traditionally been a common item on the dinner table, steep prices are not stopping consumers from purchasing the item.

In Japan, seafood consumption far exceeds that of meat.

Japan's seafood consumption per capita in 2004 was 34.5kg, compared with 27.8 kg for meat.

According to the report, freshness is of utmost importance to the Japanese where seafood is concerned whereas brand and origin carries more weight where meat is concerned.