Seafood demand surges DAVID KILLICKMay 25, 2010 08:46amTHE...

Seafood demand surges DAVID KILLICK

May 25, 2010 08:46am

THE popularity of television cooking shows has led to a surge in demand for Tasmania's high-end seafood products.

Though buffeted by currency fluctuations and a warm summer, demand for local aquaculture produce was strong and growing, said delegates to Australasian Aquaculture 2010 in Hobart.

Around 800 people from 40 countries are in Hobart this week for a three-day conference on the future of aquaculture.

Tassal chief executive Mark Ryan said sales were booming at the upper end of the market.

"We had a really strong sales period heading into Easter -- in fact Easter was bigger than Christmas sales, which is the first time that has ever happened," Mr Ryan said.

"The domestic market is fantastic. It's been growing at 10 to 12 per cent in the last three years.

"In the 'entertainment' section of the supermarkets, the hot- and cold-smoked salmon have been really strong sellers for us this year.

"All the celebrity chefs who are getting on television and promoting their wares in terms of their cooking, people are really taking that home.

"Whereas people were eating out in restaurants more often maybe two years ago, we're seeing people much more eat at home now and that's allowing us to get our product out there in a much more user-friendly form."

He said the warm summer had slightly slowed production but had not affected the company's bottom line.

"We've had a warm summer but that's enabled us to use the supply and demand curve to increase pricing," Mr Ryan said. "We believe now we're probably getting a price that's more reflective of the premium nature of our product, anyway."