Rejection of cheap Asian prawns under tough new disease testing will force up the price of Australian and overseas prawns, importers warn. Imported supplies of the nation’s favourite shellfish are already dwindling and prices have risen. Australian quarantine tests for disease have resulted in more than 300 tonnes, or 22 containers, of raw prawns being refused entry since October. Only seven containers had been allowed in up to December. Since October, one South Australian seafood distributor has raised wholesale prices for imported medium prawns by 30-40 per cent, from $18.90/kg to $25.90/kg, reporting that some restaurants had begun buying smaller shrimp sizes. The tough new border controls have angered the hospitality industry, seafood importers and distributors, who fear the financial cost in the next year will top more than $500m. Hotels and clubs, budget bistros and popular Asian restaurants will bear the brunt of the shortages. Australian Seafood Importers Association chairman Harry Peters said budget and middle-level dining soon wouldn’t be able to source their usual produce and would have to charge more for seafood dishes. Sunday Times (Perth), January 13.
Jan 13
