Supplies extremely low due to harsh winter in Norway and diseases in Chile
The market for farmed Atlantic salmon is becoming extremely tight with prices reaching record levels in all markets. Supply from Chile is at an historic low whereas Norway’s 2010 production is negatively impacted by a harsh winter and slow growth. The high prices are creating problems for processors in particular but retailers are also looking for alternatives, including Coho salmon and trout. The situation is expected to remain tight at least until the new Norwegian production comes to market during the summer months, but for any significant increase in supply, buyers will have to wait until Chile has overcome its production problems, which is unlikely to be before 2011 or 2012.
