Adequate supplies of 213g but prices will be higher than expected No more Canada reds as Fraser run total failure' Reports from Seattle suggest negotiations have commenced between the UK salmon importers and packers now that it seems unlikely that there will be any further production in Canada of reds. "A total failure" was how one Canadian producer described the once famous Fraser River run, which was expected to produce some fish for the southern based factories in Vancouver. But lack of fish meant that the Department of Fisheries banned any commercial fishing. Even sport fishing was restricted, causing concern in the tourist trade. But the authorities remained resolute in their determination to ensure enough fish returned to the spawning grounds for future stocks. Buyers returning from Seattle say that although there will be adequate supplies of 213g, prices will be higher than expected due to the failure of the Canadian pack in the south. Red talls may be more difficult to secure, but most of the promotional activity over the coming months will be on 213g. In favour of the UK trade will be a weakening of the US dollar but even that will not give the hoped for 99p price ticket. No-one is prepared to speculate on Christmas prices. But £1.29 for the brands is probably near the mark. Confirmation from the US quality inspectors in Seattle that this year's Bristol Bay fish is some of the best for years has been welcomed by importers who experienced some problems last year when small fish resulted in an increase in customer complaints. {{M/E CANNED GOODS }}

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