Norwegian salmon prices hit all-time record

According to the monitoring organisation Statistics Norway, they shot up to just over NOK 125 a kilo (£8.92).

The last time they came close to that figure was in April last year when they briefly touched NOK 123.28 per kilo (£8.79).

The figures from Statistics Norway are generally averages so more will probably have been paid for larger salmon.

The surge started during the final (Christmas) week of the 2024 and has continued into the New Year.

They rose by NOK 13.54 to NOK 125.36 per kilo (£8.94), corresponding to an increase of 12.1%.

Fresh volumes were well down compared to a normal trading week although some 2,000 tonnes plus higher than during Christmas week.

They totalled 11,364 tonnes, which was less than half what is usually shipped out.

While the week one figure is probably an aberration due to the complications thrown up by the weather and the festive break, there seems little doubt that the price trend is up.

There has been considerable disruption in Norway during the past fortnight due to snow and winter storms. Temperatures have plunged to minus 32°C.

Salmon carrying trains and road trucks were stopped last weekend because of the blizzards. Driving conditions are reported to be still difficult around several fish farms, which could mean prices staying very high for longer.

Frozen salmon prices were well down at NOK 84.19 (£6) per kilo and shipments remain low.

Statistics Norway say the prices quoted are for fish with and without heads and include all weight classes.