Stone crab prices are higher than in 2009, as demand for the Florida delicacy remains strong.
Prices for medium claws are up 23 percent on average, compared to last season’s closing price. Medium stone crab claws are selling for USD 8 to USD 8.50 per pound wholesale, large claws (3 to 5 count) are running from USD 13.50 to USD 14 a pound, while jumbos are selling for USD 17 to USD 19 a pound.
“The season started about 50 cents a pound higher this year than in the past, and the price continues to stay high,” said one wholesaler. The season runs from 15 October through 15 May. Industry sources attribute the price hike to continued high demand.
“The demand for stone crab has been growing every year. It is Florida’s best item,” said another wholesaler.
Suppliers expect stone crab prices to remain strong through the holiday season. “The week of Christmas to New Year’s Day, there are never enough crabs, then the price settles down in January,” said a wholesaler.
However, if Florida continues to get blasted with the cold fronts the state experienced in December, stone crab landings and price could be impacted.
As of early December, stone crab landings are expected to be higher than 2009. “Stone crab fishermen across the state are reporting an above-average year in key indices: abundance, size, price, demand and overall outlook for the season,” said Martin May, a spokesman for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
One wholesaler says production is on par so far with last season’s yield, which was 2.65 million pounds. In 2008, landings were at around 3.07 million pounds, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Landings have been higher in South Florida, while production in the northern Gulf is not coming on as strong.
“A main reason the catch hasn’t been as high, as reported by fishermen, is the water has been too clear and crabs are avoiding predators,” said May.
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