August 4, 2009

UK seafood buyers are boosting sales of frozen whiting as a cheaper alternative to fresh fish, according to a leading seafood authority.

During the past year more than 60 tonnes of frozen whiting, a less fashionable member of the cod family, has been sold in shops across the UK, marking a 54-percent increase in sales.

Seafish, the organisation backed by the four UK government fisheries departments to promote good quality, sustainable seafood, said cost-conscious Brits are turning to cod's lesser-known cousin as a direct result of the credit crunch.

Seafish market insight manager Karen Galloway said these figures are consistent with consumer behaviour as they swap from fresh fish to frozen in order to gain maximum value from their purchase.

Nearly GBP2.5 million has been spent on whiting in Britain in the past 12 months. However, sales of scallops have also soared over the past year despite their reputation as a gourmet item.

More than GBP10 million was spent on 425 tonnes of fresh scallops increasing their sales by 16 percent during the last 12 months.

Seafish claimed the increase is due to the fact scallops may now also be bought fresh or frozen, meaning they can be stored for longer and are less likely to go to waste.