STAG News Bites
The latest seafood news from China and other key global markets for Australian Exporters.
August 11, 2022
STAG News Bites: 💹 China trade and consumers, 🍽 Singapore and USA seafood trends
Some of these articles are in foreign languages and can be automatically translated on Google Chrome.
Note: These articles are a round-up of news media in key seafood markets. The information is provided as part of our market intelligence service to Australian seafood exporters. The views expressed in the media articles are not those of the STAG and are in no way endorsed by us.
Image: Microsoft Start
💹 China: Views on bilateral trade and Australia’s seafood sector
China’s Ambassador to Australia, HE Xiao Qian, delivered an address to the National Press Club this week. Writing this article about the speech, Crikey.com states ‘China has signalled a possible reset of the investment and trade relationship with Australia.’ Read more here.
The Global Times has also published a feature article examining the outlook for Australia-China trade. Read the full piece here (Chinese).
Separately, here is an interesting Chinese opinion/blog piece from Sohu.com on the dynamics of Australia’s seafood production sector, looking at consumption patterns, exports and imports, the role of aquaculture and government policy. Offers an outsiders view of our industry, with some provocative conclusions.
According to the author, ‘the only certainty is that most Australians can’t afford the aquatic products produced in Australia today,’ and ‘because Australia's high-end seafood market is too dependent on the Asian market, especially the Chinese market, it is almost deformed.’
The author also states ‘the high-end aquaculture industry will be one of the most profitable sectors in the agricultural sector in the next few years, even decades.’ However, due to high capital costs and complex technical requirements, he concludes ‘It is destined that only a few players with resources and strength can participate.’
📊 China: Consumer Corner
China’s Ministry of Commerce is optimistic about consumption trends heading into the second half of 2022. While consumption was stagnant in the first half of the year, according to a Ministry spokesman, ‘with the gradual control of the epidemic and the effective implementation of various consumption promotion policies, consumption is expected to continue to recover and show a good development trend in the second half of the year.’ Read more here (Chinese).
At the same time, ‘the Chinese seafood market is booming’, according to this short piece: ‘With the increase of high-end seafood imported into China, more and more high-end seafood is on the table. Luxury seafood favoured by Chinese consumers includes lobster, crab, salmon, oyster, sea cucumber and many others.’ Read more here (Chinese).
This article from China Consumer
News exposes retailers’ use of cleverly-placed lighting to enhance the appearance of fresh food products: ‘In the fruit and pastry area, the lighted area is warm yellow, in the raw meat and meat products area, it is bright red, and in the aquatic product area, the light is obviously cooler and bluer.’ The message to consumers is clear: Don't be misled by "fresh lights" when buying vegetables, meat, and seafood. Read more here (Chinese).
Image: Lifestyle Asia
🦀 Singapore: ‘An indulgent feast of lobsters and crabs’
With Singapore steadily opening up and tourist numbers rising, the local dining scene is also stepping up to introduce new experiences. Read more on lifestyleasia.com here.
Check out this review of the Singapore seafood venue, Orchid Live. ‘Our serving of
lobster porridge was made with Southern Australian Lobster, which, as you can see in the picture above, was a massive, meaty crustacean’
Image: San Francisco Chronicle
🍣 USA: San Francisco’s hottest sushi restaurants
Warning: there are a lot. Read this definitive guide on the San Francisco Chronicle website here.
If you would like your sushi without natural, fresh seafood, you might try this option.
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