This is what the Christmas fishing season will be like

Hungarian households traditionally consume the most fish during the Christmas period, when fish farmers’ total annual sales account for 35-40 percent of annual fish consumption. This ratio can reach up to 60-70 percent for some large fish farmers or for retail units in the “big rush” before Christmas.

This is when pond farms time their large-scale fishing, and although the drought this year had a significant economic impact on fish farmers – many were unable to fill their fish ponds to operating levels -, according to MA-HAL, consumers have an abundant and high-quality domestic fish supply available, from which consumers can buy throughout the year, regardless of the holiday, to add variety to their everyday dinner table with fish dishes.

What to expect in stores?

The organization informed that domestic consumers can expect last year’s price level. This is despite the fact that the maintenance costs of producers and stores have increased significantly. According to the interprofessional organization, the goal is for consumers to access high-quality Hungarian fish products at prices similar to last year.

MA-HAL also published guide prices, emphasizing that these are informative, typical retail priceswhich may differ by store and region: 

• Live carp: 2000 – 2500 HUF/kg 
• Carp slices: 3500 – 4500 HUF/kg 
• African catfish fillet (skinless): 4500 – 5500 HUF/kg 
• Grey herring fillet: 7000 – 9000 forints/kg 
• Busaszelet: 1500 – 2000 forints/kg 

Fish is more than food 

MA-HAL drew attention to the national economic and environmental benefits of consuming domestic fish, and highlighted that the products of Hungarian aquaculture are all high quality. Furthermore, it cannot be said enough that consuming fish is of paramount importance in a healthy diet.

They emphasized that Hungarian fish products are highly valued not only in terms of quality, but also in terms of the ecological aspects of their production.The organization stated: “Anyone who chooses such a product for their Christmas table is not only protecting their own health, but also the environment.” This also refers to the fact that the ecological footprint of transporting domestic fish is significantly lower than in the case of imported products. The interprofessional organization also drew attention to the fact that by purchasing Hungarian fish, consumers directly support domestic fish producers and jobs.

Hungarian fish farmers thus ensure that the necessary goods for the Christmas table are abundantly available and that consumers have access to high-quality Hungarian fish products.