Supermarkets cut crab prices as warmer waters raise catch numbers

Fishermen sort crabs ahead of the auction at the Incheon Suhyup Fish Market in Jung-gu, Incheon, on the morning of September 2nd, marking the start of the peak autumn crab season.

With autumn being the prime season for blue crabs, major supermarkets in South Korea are engaging in fierce price competition to attract consumers. Blue crabs, a warm-water species, grow larger and are more flavorful as water temperatures rise.

Noryangjin Fish Market reported on Monday, that live male blue crabs from Taean, Chungnam Province, were auctioned at 9,000 won ($6.71) per kilogram for medium-sized crabs. Large crabs fetched 10,500 won per kilogram, with stable prices due to consistent increases in catch volume helping keep seafood costs manageable for consumers over the past five to six years.

Supermarkets are capitalizing on the blue crab season with a series of aggressive discount events. For example, Emart is offering live male blue crabs at just 792 won per 100 grams, undercutting the auction prices at Noryangjin Fish Market.

Meanwhile, Korean croaker prices are also stabilizing. As demand for this popular health food peaks in mid-August, prices typically decline later in the season and croakers become an affordable choice for budget-conscious consumers by late August and early September. Live croaker from Mokpo, Jeonnam Province, was auctioned at 22,000 won per kilogram for medium-sized fish on August 31st, 2024, a 10 to 20 percent decrease compared to the previous year.