King fish, also known as neymeen, cherished by Malayalis, will soon grace seafood lovers’ plates all the way from Southeast Asia. The scarcity of king fish has driven its price to around Rs 1,500 per kilo, prompting discussions among leading fish exporters and importers in Kerala to explore imports.
Malayalis recognize king fish by various names like surmai, seer fish, and aiykoora. Its escalating price has made it unaffordable for many families. Mathew Joseph, behind India’s first digital fresh fish and meat store, Fresh to Home, revealed talks to import king fish due to its declining availability in local markets
The demand for king fish among the upper middle class remains high, indicating that imported king fish prices may not immediately decrease. The king fish season typically starts after June, with catch primarily from coastal areas of Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam.
The current rise in fish prices extends beyond king fish, affecting all varieties. Trawling bans in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have led traders from those states to flock to Kerala for fish purchases. Priya Dinesh, a resident, noted a significant price hike in fish, making alternatives like chicken or beef seem more viable.
The affordability of imported king fish will be gauged once the first consignment reaches Kochi harbour next month. As Malayalis eagerly await the return of king fish to their platters, the challenge of rising fish prices persists, urging exploration of new sourcing avenues to meet consumer demand.
